Maurice Lacroix, a Swiss watchmaker with a rich heritage dating back to 1975, has carved a distinct niche in the watchmaking industry. The brand is renowned for its innovative spirit and its commitment to creating high-perceived value timepieces. Their Aikon collection, first released in 2016, perfectly embodies this ethos. A bold reinterpretation of their successful Calypso model from the 1990s, the Aikon quickly became a popular choice for watch enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and contemporary wristwatch.
The Aikon Automatic Bronze builds upon this legacy, offering a compelling twist on the Aikon’s established design codes.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The Aikon Automatic Bronze boasts a robust 42mm brushed bronze case. The use of bronze is a particularly interesting detail, harkening back to the dawn of human civilization and imbuing the watch with a unique sense of history. The brushed finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the sandblasted riders on the bezel add depth and character. Despite its bold 42mm diameter, the 11mm case height ensures the watch sits comfortably on the wrist.
A standout feature of the Aikon Automatic Bronze is its open caseback, crafted from stainless steel. This allows the wearer to admire the intricate workings of the automatic ML115 caliber within. This movement, a collaboration between
Maurice Lacroix and Sellita, is based on the well-regarded SW200 caliber and offers reliable timekeeping with a 38-hour power reserve.
The Aikon Automatic Bronze features a smoked chocolate dial with a Clous de Paris pattern. This geometric motif adds a touch of texture and visual intrigue, while the gradient finish creates a sense of depth and dimension.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The watch’s rose gold-plated hour markers and hands provide a striking contrast against the smoky dial, ensuring excellent legibility. For those night owls or early risers, Maurice Lacroix has included white Super-LumiNova inserts on the hands and indexes, guaranteeing readability in low-light conditions.
The Aikon Automatic Bronze comes equipped with a vintage brown leather strap that complements the bronze case beautifully. The strap features the Maurice Lacroix hallmark ‘ML’ emblem in 4N gold, adding a touch of luxury. The light grey stitching adds a subtle yet sophisticated contrast.
Maurice Lacroix’s proprietary EasyStrap system makes changing straps a breeze. This innovative feature allows the wearer to quickly and easily swap straps to suit their style or occasion, transforming the watch from a boardroom essential to a weekend adventurer’s companion.
At the heart of the Aikon Automatic Bronze beats the ML115 caliber. Developed in a close collaboration between Maurice Lacroix and movement specialist Sellita, it's based on the renowned SW200. This automatic movement is known for its reliability and timekeeping accuracy.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The ML115 oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring the smooth, continuous motion of the seconds hand. The ample 38-hour power reserve offers ample energy for daily wear without the need for constant winding. Though you may not always see it, this movement can be admired through the watch's open caseback, adorned with the Maurice Lacroix emblem in a contrasting finish.
One of the most captivating features of the Aikon Automatic Bronze is the use of bronze in its case construction. Unlike stainless steel, which maintains its appearance over time, bronze interacts with its environment and oxidizes. This process creates a unique patina which gives each watch a distinctive, personalized character.
The rate at which this patina develops depends on factors like the wearer's habits, climate, and even exposure to salt air. Over time, the bronze case will evolve from its warm, golden hue to a darker, richer tone with hints of green and brown – a visual testament to the experiences you've shared with your watch.
A closer look at the smoked chocolate dial reveals its exquisite detail. The Clous de Paris pattern lends the dial a sense of texture and dimensionality, subtly shifting its appearance depending on how the light hits it. The rose gold-plated hour markers, hands, and polished 4N gold PVD Maurice Lacroix logo create a visually arresting contrast, echoing the warm tones of the bronze case.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The date window, bordered in rose gold, is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding a touch of practicality without compromising the overall composition of the dial.
The Aikon Automatic Bronze possesses several thoughtful design features that enhance its wearability and practicality. The bezel's six distinctive riders make for an eye-catching visual element and provide added tactility and grip when manipulating the bezel.
The double sapphire crystal ensures superior scratch resistance and clarity, while the anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, guaranteeing the dial remains readable in bright conditions. With a water resistance of 20 ATM (200 meters), this watch is more than capable of handling your daily adventures, whether they involve a quick dip in the pool or exploring rocky coastlines.
Adding to the allure of the Aikon Automatic Bronze is its limited edition status. Maurice Lacroix will produce only 888 pieces of this model, making it an exclusive addition to any watch collection. Owning a limited edition timepiece like this carries a certain prestige and becomes a statement piece, setting it apart from mass-produced watches.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze is a bold and distinctive timepiece that deftly blends contemporary design with traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. Its bronze case, unique smoked chocolate dial, and refined details create a watch that demands attention without appearing ostentatious.
This isn't a watch for everyone. It's designed for the individual who appreciates the evolution of materials and the unique character a bronze watch develops over time. If you're seeking a high-quality watch that tells a story and stands out from the crowd, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze should definitely be on your radar.