• Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Skeleton Openworked and Updated
  • Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Skeleton

    Openworked and Updated

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 14, 2025
  • Maurice Lacroix has carved a niche for itself by consistently demonstrating a keen ear for market trends and customer feedback. This customer-centric philosophy has been the driving force behind many of the brand's most successful endeavors. A prime example of this is the story of the AIKON collection. Its origins trace back to the twenty-tens when feedback highlighted a lingering fondness for the Calypso, a popular model from the 1990s. Inspired by this, the creative minds at Maurice Lacroix set out to reimagine the Calypso for the modern era. The result, unveiled in 2016, was the AIKON, a watch that embodies urban sophistication and quickly ascended to become the brand's best-selling line.

    The AIKON's success is a testament to Maurice Lacroix's ability to blend heritage with contemporary design. The collection, known for its modern, urban aesthetic, has expanded to include a variety of models, differing in materials, sizes, and styles. Throughout this evolution, Maurice Lacroix has remained steadfast in its commitment to listening to both retailers and customers, adapting and innovating based on their insights. This approach has solidified the brand's reputation for responsiveness and has been a cornerstone of its success in a competitive industry.

    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix


    Building on the momentum of the AIKON's popularity, Maurice Lacroix introduced a particularly captivating model in 2022. This timepiece featured an openworked movement, strikingly visible through a clear sapphire dial. The heart of this watch was the exclusive Automatic ML115 calibre, a product of collaboration with the renowned movement specialist Sellita. This model offered an exceptional level of transparency, with the openworked structure allowing light to play across the movement, illuminating components usually hidden from view. Encased in a 39mm stainless steel case with a refined mix of brushed and polished surfaces, this watch quickly garnered significant acclaim.

    Now, in a move that further demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction, Maurice Lacroix has unveiled three new versions of the AIKON Automatic Skeleton. These new models address the desires of a broader audience while retaining the core aesthetic that made the original so popular. One of the key updates is the introduction of a larger 42mm case size, offered alongside the existing 39mm option. This larger size caters to those who appreciate the openworked design but prefer a bolder presence on the wrist. Additionally, Maurice Lacroix has introduced two blue variants, adding a vibrant splash of color to the collection. These blue models feature a translucent blue varnish on the sapphire dial, creating a striking contrast with the grey flange and rhodium indices.

    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix


    The three new watches are designated by the reference numbers AI6007-SS002-031-1 (39mm Blue), AI6008-SS002-030-1 (42mm Grey), and AI6008-SS002-031-1 (42mm Blue). The 39mm blue variant maintains the compact dimensions of the original model, while the 42mm options provide a more substantial feel. Each model boasts a brushed and polished stainless steel case with an open caseback, offering a clear view of the intricate movement within. The sapphire dials, whether in translucent blue or grey, are designed to maximize the visibility of the skeletonized mechanics.

    The visual allure of these new AIKON Automatic Skeleton watches is undeniable. The 39mm blue model offers a more traditional size, appealing to those who prefer a classic fit. Its translucent blue dial adds a vibrant touch, contrasting beautifully with the grey flange and rhodium indices. The 42mm grey model, with its larger dimensions, provides a more imposing presence, while its monochromatic theme maintains a sleek, modern look. The 42mm blue variant combines the best of both worlds, offering the larger case size with the striking blue dial, creating a watch that is both bold and visually captivating. All three models feature rhodium-plated hands and indices, treated with white SLN for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions.

    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix


    From a top-down perspective, the watches exhibit a harmonious blend of form and function. The round cases transition smoothly into the integrated 5-row stainless steel bracelets, a signature design element of the AIKON collection. The bracelets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, thanks to the ML Easy Strap Exchange system. This user-friendly feature allows for quick and tool-free strap changes, providing wearers with the flexibility to customize their watches to suit different occasions or styles. This focus on versatility is a testament to Maurice Lacroix's understanding of modern consumer desires.

    The openworked dials of these watches are a true highlight, revealing the intricate workings of the automatic skeleton ML135 movement. This movement, an evolution of the ML115, is a marvel of horological engineering. It features hours, minutes, and seconds functions, and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). With a power reserve of 38 hours and 26 jewels, the ML135 is both reliable and efficient. The movement's perlage and colimaçon decorations add a layer of visual depth and sophistication, while the rhodium-plated rotor, adorned with the M-logo, serves as a subtle yet distinctive brand signature.

    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix


    The craftsmanship of these watches extends beyond their technical specifications. The brushed and polished finishes on the stainless steel cases are executed with precision, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the watches' three-dimensional quality. The sapphire dials, with their translucent varnish, offer a clear view of the movement while also providing a unique aesthetic element. The rhodium-plated hands and indices are not only functional but also add to the overall visual appeal, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look.

    Each of the new AIKON Automatic Skeleton models shares the same fundamental specifications, ensuring consistency in quality and performance across the line. The cases, whether 39mm or 42mm, are 11mm in height and water-resistant to 20 ATM, making them suitable for a variety of activities. The open casebacks provide a clear view of the meticulously decorated movement, inviting wearers to appreciate the artistry within. The 5-row stainless steel bracelets, with their easychange system, offer both comfort and convenience.

    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
    Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix


    The launch of these new models in 2025 is highly anticipated. Priced at $3,950 each, they represent a significant value proposition in the luxury watch market. This pricing strategy reflects Maurice Lacroix's commitment to offering high perceived value, balancing luxurious design, intricate mechanics, and meticulous craftsmanship.

    Reference AI6007-SS002-031-1

    Case: 39mm diameter, 11mm height. Stainless steel, brushed and polished. 20 ATM water resistance. Open caseback.

    Movement: Automatic skeleton ML135. Hours, minutes, seconds. 28,800 vph (4 Hz). 38-hour power reserve. 26 jewels. Perlage and colimaçon decorations. Rhodium-plated rotor with M-logo.

    Dial: Sapphire with translucent blue varnish. Grey flange. Rhodium index with white SLN. Rhodium faceted hour and minute hands with white SLN. Rhodium second hand.

    Strap: 5-row stainless steel bracelet. Easychange system.

    Price: $3,950

    Reference Number: AI6007-SS002-031-1

    Notes: Features a striking blue dial. This model caters to those who appreciate a smaller, more traditional case size with a pop of color.



    Reference AI6008-SS002-030-1

    Case: 42mm diameter, 11mm height. Stainless steel, brushed and polished. 20 ATM water resistance. Open caseback.

    Movement: Automatic skeleton ML135. Hours, minutes, seconds. 28,800 vph (4 Hz). 38-hour power reserve. 26 jewels. Perlage and colimaçon decorations. Rhodium-plated rotor with M-logo.

    Dial: Sapphire with translucent grey varnish. Grey flange. Rhodium index with white SLN. Rhodium faceted hour and minute hands with white SLN. Rhodium second hand.

    Strap: 5-row stainless steel bracelet. Easychange system.

    Price: $3,950

    Reference Number: AI6008-SS002-030-1

    Notes: Larger 42mm case size. Maintains a monochromatic theme. Ideal for those who prefer a bolder presence on the wrist.



    Reference AI6008-SS002-031-1

    Case: 42mm diameter, 11mm height. Stainless steel, brushed and polished. 20 ATM water resistance. Open caseback.

    Movement: Automatic skeleton ML135. Hours, minutes, seconds. 28,800 vph (4 Hz). 38-hour power reserve. 26 jewels. Perlage and colimaçon decorations. Rhodium-plated rotor with M-logo.

    Dial: Sapphire with translucent blue varnish. Grey flange. Rhodium index with white SLN. Rhodium faceted hour and minute hands with white SLN. Rhodium second hand.

    Strap: 5-row stainless steel bracelet. Easychange system.

    Price: $3,950

    Reference Number: AI6008-SS002-031-1

    Notes: 42mm case with a vibrant blue dial. Combines the larger case size with a splash of color. Offers a unique aesthetic within the collection.
Copyright © 2023 hourstriker.com. All Rights Reserved.