ReviewEmbracing Colours: Presenting The Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla Timepiece

We are all heart for brands that champion sustainability and encourage local art and artisans; more so if it is an eye-catching timepiece such as the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla. No matter one’s age or the occasion, a funky, pop artsy timepiece in bright orange and blue is sure to make heads turn. Swiss watchmaker Maurice Lacroix gives a colourful twist to the Aikon #tide Benzilla timepiece by uniting the world of street art and watchmaking. The timepiece is created in conjunction with Thai artist and ML Crew member, Benzilla, whose art is inspired by pop culture, street culture, music and fashion. Benzilla graduated from Bangkok University after studying fine and applied art and is now best known for his colourful street art, despite being colour blind. Painting the world with vibrant colours, he uses numerous hues in his compositions, which is reflected in this timepiece that is bound to be a proud addition to your watch wardrobe.

Thumbs up to Aikon #tide series

A proud addition to Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon #tide series of watches, what makes the Aikon #tide Benzilla timepiece a true collectible is that it is made from recycled plastic reclaimed from the world’s oceans. Walking the talk like many other watchmakers who place an emphasis on sustainability, this unique creation represents a new, responsible approach to luxury watchmaking. The maison from the Swiss Jura have made it their mission to save 10 million plastic bottles from polluted oceans. This involves providing significant financial support, and in a groundbreaking feat, the brand will sponsor plastic collection activities, pay for longtail boats and warehouses, fund educational programmes and finance various types of equipment.

Maurice Lacroix gives a colourful twist to the Aikon #tide Benzilla timepiece by uniting the world of street art and watchmaking

₹76,000

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The Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla watch is created in conjunction with Thai artist Benzilla, who is inspired by pop culture, street culture, music and fashion

₹76,000

Check Our Selling Price

Crafted from upcycled plastic from the oceans, the Aikon #tide watch represents a commitment to sustainability, with each timepiece utilising the equivalent of 17 recycled bottles. The user-friendly packaging further reinforces this eco-conscious approach, translating to that many fewer bottles polluting the oceans. Conceived in 2016, the Aikon #tide series was created for millennials who value sustainability, affordability and, of course, notable style. Modern and daring, the contours of the Aikon watch embody the Maurice Lacroix ethos—a brand that is inspired by city life and captures its energy #BeYourAIKON.

Painting the world with vibrant colours, Thai artist Benzilla uses numerous hues in his compositions, and this is reflected in the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla watch

₹76,000

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Adding the right contrast to the colourful timepiece, a vibrant light blue rubber strap completes this artistic ensemble that is water resistant to 100 meters

₹76,000

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The colour-blind artist Benzilla often juxtaposes swathes of concrete with his distinctive, playful use of colour resulting in this funky graphic painting on the dial

₹76,000

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The Benzilla effect

Continuing the existing Aikon #tide design philosophy, the new Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla watch maintains a 40mm case with an 11mm thickness, adhering to the collection’s distinctive “claw bezel” integrated bracelet design. The bezel and crown are dressed in black, while the case body is executed in a vibrant shade of orange. The case continues to utilise a proprietary composite material developed by Tide Ocean, a Switzerland-based company, which incorporates plastics sourced from the ocean and fiberglass. This material is known for being twice as hard and five times more scratch-resistant than initial-use PET plastic, all while contributing to a substantially-reduced environmental impact. The timepiece is water resistant to 100 meters.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla watch represents a commitment to sustainability, with each timepiece utilising the equivalent of 17 recycled bottles

Thai artist Benzilla's colourful sketch of the three-eyed character, ‘LOOOK’, an alien who came from nowhere to live among us, evokes one's childhood

Powered by a quartz movement, the watch is brought to life with a plethora of eye-popping shades. What meets the eye through a flat sapphire crystal is the Thai artist’s creative genius—a three-eyed character named ‘LOOOK’, an alien who came from nowhere to live among us, and evokes one’s childhood. A simple yet effective timekeeper, the Benzilla graphic dial offers a date window at 3 o’clock. Readability in darkness and low light conditions is then made possible by the Super-LumiNova located on the hands and main indexes. Adding the right contrast to the colourful timepiece, a vibrant light blue rubber strap completes this artistic ensemble.

The new Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide Benzilla watch features a 40mm case that measures 11mm-thick and houses a quartz movement

The brand offers another thoughtful feature of sustainable watchmaking with their Easy Strap Exchange system, with the flexibility to modify its appearance effortlessly by swapping the strap for an alternative, all without the need for additional tools. This feature enhances the versatility of the timepiece, allowing for personalisation and adaptation to different styles and occasions. A colourful accessory for those who like to invest in affordable—and sustainable—luxury.