Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze Limited Edition (Live Pics)
Vivid blue dial, no-date display and bronze case for ML's accessible sports watch.
Earlier this year, during Baselworld 2018, Maurice Lacroix introduced its own vision of a “luxury sports watch” – but of course with accessibility in mind. Based on the well-designed Aikon concept, the 2018 editions were equipped with the automatic movements they deserved. Now that the collection is established, it is time for expansion and new models. After the “Chase Your Watch” Limited Edition based on the chronograph, it is time for the 3-hand model to receive a new material. Meet the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze Limited Edition – and bronze isn’t the only novelty here.
Saying that the new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze feels, at first, just about the same as the rest of the non-limited production with a new case material, would be selling it short. This new limited edition is certainly based on the standard Aikon Automatic but has multiple new features to make it quite a special watch.
The first thing to catch our attention is, of course, the case material. Instead of satin-finished and polished steel, the Aikon Automatic Bronze is made of… bronze (it was an easy guess). It means that we have a much warmer, much bolder watch than in steel and a watch that will be lively – as it will acquire a patina over time that is always unique to the wearer, his activities and the way he treats the watch. On the photos that illustrate this article, the watch has already been quite used, hence the already dark colour of the case and the lighter areas (those that are less in contact with humidity or fingerprints).
As for the case itself, it retains its overall design. Measuring 42mm in diameter, it is typically 1970s-inspired, with a cushion-shaped central part, a round bezel and an integrated strap. The six claws that surround the bezel are still present, even though here, they are brushed too (and not polished like on the steel model). The case feels slightly heavier than steel but keeps its rather low profile. Overall, it has many attributes usually associated with the appanage of expensive luxury sports watches. Of course, the caseback is made of steel (bronze shouldn’t be in direct contact with the skin).
A closer look at the dial reveals multiple evolutions. The first is the use of a vivid blue colour, reinforced by the sunray finishing of the dial. The second evolution concerns the pattern engraved here. Usually, the 3-hand model features a Clous de Paris pattern but instead, for this bronze limited edition, the Aikon Automatic receives the style used on the chronograph – meaning a finely engraved square pattern. Changes can be seen on the indices too. Instead of the applied batons and double batons, this Aikon Automatic Bronze features Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Hands and markers are all plated in pink gold.
Finally, some mechanical evolutions have also been applied. While the standard, stainless automatic version is a time-and-date watch, this Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze is a time-only, no-date piece – certainly losing a bit of practicality here, but gaining in coolness with this uncluttered dial. To the exception of this new display, the movement remains the same – an automatic ETA-clone with a 38h power reserve and a 4 Hz frequency.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze will be delivered on a blue calfskin strap with butterfly clasp in bronze (for the buckle only, the rest of the clasp in contact with the skin is steel), which features a clever quick-change device. It will be a limited edition of 500 pieces with a price of CHF 1,950. More details on www.mauricelacroix.com.
