You may have seen these around the web and in magazines but like most aren’t able to view these models in person which is a huge shame. It’s part of the new Maurice Lacroix release where they have released an exclusive collection of four watches from their Aikon collection that are only available on their e-commerce website and with e-commerce retailers like ourselves. There are three new chronograph models and a new Aikon bronze model which is a quartz movement men’s timepiece which has a stunning bronze case and has been limited to only 500 pieces worldwide.
All of the new four additions are only available online however if you are dying to view these watches in person then you can do so from our store on the Kenilworth high street any day (Monday – Saturday 9AM- 5PM). We are also happy to take photos or videos of the watches to send to you if you wish.
In the world of watches and watchmaking today you rarely see a watch that is regarded as an icon, by definition this would be a watch that is recognisable from first glance purely by its unique design. In the 1990’s Maurice Lacroix created just this, an icon. It was called the Calypso and was one of the most iconic quartz timepieces of its time, the watch proved extremely popular with style conscious wearers so much so that Maurice Lacroix reinvented this timepiece many years on to bring the success of the Calypso into the future.
They renamed it the Aikon and gave it a new contemporary design which honed to modern tastes. This is where the Aikon was born.
The first online exclusive model is the Aikon Chronograph AI1018-PVB01-333-1 this model is the full black version with the rubber strap. It’s the perfect watch for true lovers of understated timepieces and dark style. This watch is so black in design that only the hour and minute hands glow in the dark. The watch is powered by a quartz movement which features a chronograph complication all set within a 44mm case. The watches second hand is set on a sub dial just above the six o’clock position and also has a date display set within it too. The very minimalist design works really well with the all black colour choice as it keeps the dial readable rather than making the wear squint as this would detract from the watches purpose.
The black dial of the watch has a slight gradient to it referred to as a sun-ray dial however this is much more obvious on the blue models, at 44mm in width it offers a fantastic wrist presence to its wearer as well as exhibiting a confident, strong persona similar to other Aikon watches in the collection. The rubber strap makes this was very comfortable to wear whether its for everyday use, a dress watch for special occasions or even to be worn when exercising this watch is a timepiece you are able to rely on.
With a chronograph (stopwatch) function built in to the movement it makes it perfect for timing your work break, timing your exercise routine, timing a race car lap and many more applications to the modern world. The watch is Swiss made so is of the highest quality ensuring professionally manufactured and assembled parts which delivers exceptional timekeeping. The watch is water resistant to 100 metres so can be worn when swimming, kayaking, diving etc and the glass is a sapphire crystal to ensure premium scratch resistance.
The second model that has been added to the Aikon collection is the Aikon Chronograph – AI1018-PVD01-334-1 this model is similar to the first one we looked at however this has a few small design and colour changes which really make this watch unique and very impressive if I’m honest. The watch at first glance looks fantastic I really like the orange stitching on the crocodile pattern leather strap and the orange sub dial hands and chronograph second hand. They stand out so perfectly against the black and grey shades around the rest of the watch, they aren’t the usual blue which we see from Maurice Lacroix a lot which makes a nice change and shows that the brand isn’t afraid of pushing the boundaries of their brand now and again into new colour combinations.
The AI1018-PVD01-334-1 is aimed at men as are all of the watches but as the width is only 44mm it is still possible for a woman to wear this without it looking too oversized on their wrist. The watch itself is powered by a quartz battery movement with a chronograph and date display complications within it. The date display sits at the six o’clock position which allows for there to be enough room for the full Maurice Lacoix logo and classic “M” emblem which we can also see on the strap.
The bezel of the watch also has grey embossed double stainless steel pieces set at the twelve, two, four, six, eight and ten position which I love. They add a bit more depth to the watch which really draws your eye line into the watches dial and frames the dial so well. The genuine leather strap which has been dyed black and stamped with a crocodile effect pattern on is so well made and exceptionally finished with a black “M” emblem on the bottom half. The strap fastens to the case of the watch with their own Aikon design consisting of two IP plated stainless steel bars which a spring pin fits through.
The watch is 100 metres water resistant however i would recommend the AI1018-PVD01-334-1 if you wanted to wear the watch in water as this one has a rubber strap which will not get damaged wheres the leather strap on this model would eventually wear a bit more due to water being absorbed by the strap. I don’t know about everyone else but I wouldn’t want to ruin the strap on this watch as I think it really completes the look of the timepiece as a whole, plus if you did want a silicone or rubber strap we can certainly help you obtain one.
The third and final chronograph in the new additions is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon – AI1018-SS001-431-1 and it comes in a pretty unique style for Maurice Lacroix. The denim strap is probably the first thing you notice I mean its pretty hard not too! It’ denim! In a bold move the Swiss watch brand have decided to opt for a denim finish to the top of their strap and leather on the bottom, the two have been stitched together to give you this outer denim look with the inner leather for comfort and sustainability against wear over time.
The watch case is made from 316L stainless steel with both polished and brush matte finished sections giving the watch a really nice gradient when worn outdoors. The dial is a deep blue with a sun ray effect which further emphasises the beautiful reflections of the watch. Despite my first thoughts about this watch when we first heard about it, now I’ve seen it in person I think its been really well assembled, the material choice works really well and the combination of stainless steel and blue denim really fits together.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement with date display and chronograph complications which is the same as the other two models this one has different coloured sub dials, hands and dial to give it that individual feel. This is something Maurice Lacroix are really good at, they can produce a single timepiece and bring it out in a range of different colours and material variations yet they don’t feel like the same watch. Each one feels like its own timepiece personally made for this specific watch and its something that really draws me to this brand.
The clasp is a jewellers stainless steel buckle and the watches water resistance rating is 100 metres. It comes with sapphire scratch resistant glass and is a watch I would highly recommend.
This is best piece of the article, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Limited Edition Bronze – AI1028-BRZ01-420-1 is a stunning timepiece that any serious Maurice Lacroix collector simply must have in their collection. The watch looks incredible and the dial is mesmerising, its a deep blue in colour and has horizontal lines embossed into it giving it a gradient pinstripe design which I just cant stop looking at.
The crown and case are made from bronze and as such will patina over time to give the wearer a truly unique timepiece which no one else in the world owns. Maurice Lacroix have pulled out all the stops to make this Aikon extra special, its one of only 500 ever manufactured and we’ve actually only managed to get hold of one so far for retail so if you are thinking about buying it I would be quick as once its gone its most probably not going to be available to order another.
Like the other additions this watch has a Quartz battery movement however this one features the date display complication at the three o’clock position and there is no chronograph. The removal of the chronograph allows the brand to put their logo back to the twelve o’clock position giving it maximum emphasis whilst also keeping the dial free of clutter so you can take in more of that stunning dial. The bronze case houses the movement protecting it from the outside elements as well as daily knocks or water that it might come into contact with. The water resistance is 100 metres and the bracelet is made from genuine leather which has been dyed blue to match the dial.
