Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Automatic “Chase Your Watch” Limited Edition
Sporty elegance and more aggressive dynamics for the Aikon.
Introduced in 2016, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon is inspired by the Calypso, a model created back in the 1990s. With mechanical versions of the model presented in early 2018, Maurice Lacroix enters the integrated bracelet luxury sports segment. Or to be more precise, the “accessible luxury” segment as it is available from CHF 1,590, which represents great value for money – read our introductory article here. A new chronograph version, a bold and dark limited edition, now enriches the collection.
Among the different launch activities to promote the collection, “Chase your Watch” consisted in a treasure hunt organised in different cities around the world to win a trip to Baselworld and ultimately a watch. It was the opportunity to release a sportier and more aggressive version of the Aikon Automatic Chronograph. As the watch is now available for sale, here is our hands-on review.
Bold, casual, sporty, yet elegant… With the “Chase your Watch” limited edition, Maurice Lacroix takes the AIkon into new territory with an overall impression of sporty elegance and more aggressive dynamics. The case is fashioned out of black and anthracite PVD steel. With its 6-claw bezel and angular design, it has a great presence on the wrist. It wears comfortably, despite the 44mm diameter. To make the watch even more practical, a quick release “Easy Change” system allows you to change the strap in a jiffy. The sporty character of the chronograph is completed by the yellow start-stop pusher (PVD coating). The watch is fitted with sapphire crystals (front and back) and it is rated water-resistant to 200 meters.
The dial is presented in anthracite grey with yellow accents. It is patterned with a sun-brushed square chequerboard background. Each of the black sub-dials is textured with snailing. The layout incorporates a date window, a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder. The chronograph indications are distinguished in striking yellow making for easy readability. The indices and the frame of the date window further enhance the three-dimensional feel.
Beyond the bolder design, another specificity of this limited edition is its movement. Visible via the exhibition caseback, the calibre ML157 is based on the tried-and-tested Valjoux 7750, like the calibre ML153 of the other Aikon chronograph. However, it does not feature the day of the week indication and the traditional 6-9-12 Valjoux 7750 dial layout is replaced by a regular 3-6-9 configuration (Valjoux 7753), which brings a pleasing balance. It is decorated with perlage and Geneva stripes. The rotor is emblazoned with the brand logo. Otherwise, it presents the traditional features of the 7750/53, including a cam-and-lever architecture, automatic winding, 48 hours of power reserve and a 4Hz frequency.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph “Chase your Watch” is worn on a fabric strap with the brand’s trademark M logo and yellow stitching. It is fitted with a black PVD folding clasp and features the practical Easy Change strap system. Retail price is set at CHF 3,490. For more information, please visit www.mauricelacroix.com.