Maurice Lacroix has unleashed a vibrant quartet of watches onto the scene, the AIKON Master Grand Date Technicolour collection. These aren't your grandfather's dress watches; they're bold statements, drawing inspiration from the lively spirit of the 90s Calypso while firmly planting themselves in modern urban aesthetics. Forget subtle, these watches shout with color and a confident design language that refuses to be ignored. The company itself, Maurice Lacroix, is no newcomer. They've built a reputation for blending Swiss craftsmanship with a creative, contemporary edge, always striving to give customers a lot of bang for their buck. These new AIKONs are a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
Each watch in the Technicolour collection shares the same muscular foundation: a 45mm Black DLC-plated stainless steel case. This isn't a watch for the faint of wrist, its substantial presence commands attention. The brushed finish on the DLC coating gives it a stealthy, tool-watch vibe, avoiding any unnecessary bling. This is contrasted by the trademark AIKON bezel, featuring six prominent "claws" that add both a visual and tactile element. It’s got heft, it’s got angles, and it screams modern. The sapphire crystal protecting the dial boasts a double anti-reflective coating, ensuring clarity even when the sun is doing its best to create glare. Even the case back is open, with sapphire glass, letting you peek at the intricate mechanics within. The crown is screwed down, contributing to an impressive water resistance of 10 ATM.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The heart of these watches is the Manufacture automatic ML331 caliber, a movement built in-house by Maurice Lacroix. This isn't some off-the-shelf engine; it's a testament to the brand's commitment to genuine watchmaking. It boasts a solid 50-hour power reserve, meaning you can take it off for a weekend and it'll still be ticking come Monday morning. It operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and features 43 jewels, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The functions are straightforward but thoughtfully laid out: hours and minutes are centrally located, a small seconds subdial sits at 4 o'clock, and the "Grand Date" complication dominates at 10 o'clock. This is a watch designed around its core aesthetic; the movement is not an after thought.
Now, let's dive into what really sets these watches apart: the color. Each of the four models comes with its own distinct personality, defined by a vivid, sun-brushed dial. There's a scorching orange, a deep, verdant green, a cool, aquatic blue, and a searing yellow. The dials themselves are intricate, it looks like they glow. These aren't flat, painted surfaces; they have a dynamic quality that plays with the light. Black printing is used for the markings, providing a sharp contrast against the vibrant backgrounds. The hour markers are black-plated indexes, filled with white Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility. The main hour and minute hands share the same black-plated finish and luminous treatment.
The attention to detail extends to the small seconds hand, each uniquely colored to match its respective dial. The orange and blue models feature hands plated in their corresponding colors, while the green and yellow versions add a pop of contrast with red-painted tips. It's a small touch, but it demonstrates the care and thought that went into the overall design, it shows these watches are thought out to the maximum.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
Each Technicolour watch comes with two strap options: one in a vibrant rubber that matches the dial color, and another in a more subdued black rubber. Both feature the 'Maurice Lacroix' name and a pin buckle made from the same black DLC-plated stainless steel as the case. Crucially, these straps are equipped with an "easy change" system, allowing you to switch between them without tools. This is a huge plus for anyone who likes to change up their look without a trip to the watchmaker. It’s all about versatility. These are the types of watches that fit an active lifestyle.
Let's talk specifics for each model. The orange version, reference AI6118-DLB0J-530-J, is a fiery statement piece. The sun-brushed orange dial practically radiates heat, set against the stark black of the case and hands. It's a watch that demands attention, perfect for someone who isn't afraid to stand out. Its design language is bold, but not obnoxious.
The green model, AI6118-DLB0J-630-I, offers a slightly more subdued, yet still striking, option. The green dial evokes a sense of nature and adventure, while the red-tipped seconds hand adds a touch of sportiness. It's a versatile color that can transition from casual to slightly more formal settings.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The blue version, AI6118-DLB0J-430-H, is perhaps the most classic of the bunch. The cool blue dial is reminiscent of the ocean, a fitting nod to the AIKON's water resistance. It's a color that pairs well with a wide range of styles, making it a solid everyday choice. Its color allows it to blend in if needed, but also has the ability to stand out.
Finally, the yellow model, AI6118-DLB0J-730-I, is the boldest of the four. The bright yellow dial is impossible to miss, a burst of sunshine on the wrist. The red-tipped seconds hand complements the yellow perfectly. This is a watch for someone who embraces individuality and isn't afraid to make a statement.
The way the colors contrast is very interesting. The black DLC stainless steel is very sharp looking with all of the colors. The matte finish, especially, accents well with the different watch faces. The open case back has a clean look as well, it's a good thing the company decided to go that route. The watch has a strong futuristic vibe going for it, but doesn't rely on being futuristic to be a good looking watch.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The case size is large, but not too big. It's something that would catch a lot of people's eyes without being gaudy. The 10 ATM water resistance shows that it's not just for show. The watch is designed to be worn, not just looked at. The attention to detail, even down to the name on the strap, just adds to the overall quality of the piece.
The crown, sleek and simple, doesn't distract from the watch as a whole. The Super-LumiNova is a nice touch, something that is often overlooked. The small second hand is a nice touch, well placed and colored to compliment the rest of the piece. The “claws” add a sense of industrial detail.
The large date window is perfectly positioned and makes for a very functional watch. It’s an essential feature that helps give the watch that distinctive look. The shape of the watch itself is interesting; it's not just a circle but a very well-thought-out design. The craftsmanship is very apparent just from observing the details.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The way the light plays off of the hands is very appealing. It's an easy watch to read, and the luminescent factor is a very nice touch. The 50 hour power reserve is perfect for someone that has an active lifestyle, or someone who takes a break from wearing their watch frequently. The ML331 is a fantastic movement that’s made with care and skill.
The
Maurice Lacroix AIKON Master Grand Date Technicolour watches are available now, with a price tag of $9,650.00 USD. This places them firmly in the luxury watch segment, but considering the in-house movement, the bold design, and the overall quality, it's a price point that reflects the value offered. These aren't mass-produced pieces; they're carefully crafted instruments for those who appreciate both style and substance.
Case: 45mm Diameter. Black DLC-plated stainless steel. Brushed Finish. 15mm Height. Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating. Open case back with sapphire glass and anti-reflective coating. Bezel with six "claws" design. Screwed crown. 10 ATM water resistance.
Movement: Manufacture automatic ML331. 50-hour power reserve. 18,000 vph frequency. 43 Jewels. Functions include: Hours, Minutes, Small seconds at 4 o'clock, Big Date at 10 o'clock.
Dial: Available in Orange, Green, Blue, or Yellow. Sun-brushed finish, black printings. Black-plated indexes with white Super-LumiNova. Black-plated hands with white Super-LumiNova. Special hands: Orange-plated (Orange dial), Green-plated with red painted tip (Green dial), Blue-plated (Blue dial), Yellow-plated with red painted tip (Yellow dial) second hand.
Strap: Two strap options included. One color-matched rubber strap (Orange, Green, Blue, or Yellow) featuring 'Maurice Lacroix' name. One black rubber strap featuring 'Maurice Lacroix' name. 25mm width. Black DLC-plated stainless steel pin buckle. Easy change system.
Price: 9,650.00 USD
Reference Number:Orange: AI6118-DLB0J-530-J
Green: AI6118-DLB0J-630-I
Blue: AI6118-DLB0J-430-H
Yellow: AI6118-DLB0J-730-I
Notes: Inspired by the 90s Calypso. Bold, urban-styling. Unites Swiss craftsmanship and high perceived value.