The phrase “icon” is among the most jarring within the trade. It’s ceaselessly bandied round carelessly and met with excessive chagrin. And whereas the spelling of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 35mm watch supplies a momentary visible distraction, its homophonic identify is designed to be sure to get the message. Nevertheless, it’s truthful to say that almost all each model has a specific mannequin that defines its core beliefs extra successfully than every other, and referring to such a group as iconic throughout the context of a single model (and never elevating it by accident to Submariner/Calatrava/Reverso standing and so forth.) is, I believe, a palatable compromise. And the Maurice Lacroix Aikon, which was so closely (and efficiently) reworked just lately, may be very a lot the core and most recognizable piece within the model’s present providing. The Aikon is a well-liked mannequin with dive, chronograph, and high-complication variations already accessible. And it’s about time a model for ladies joined the lineup.
The brand new 35mm case is proportionally similar to the 42mm variant. The downscaling has been nearly as actual because it comes, and that is to the good thing about the brand new mannequin. I’m not often fascinated by Maurice Lacroix’s output as a model, however the brand new Aikon, which has greater than a bit of little bit of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak DNA about it, actually caught my consideration as an extremely inexpensive, and pleasingly well-made homage to that legendary (however mega-expensive) piece. The Aikon has its roots within the 1990s design of the Maurice Lacroix Calypso. The fashionable iteration retains the bezel claws that gave the Calypso its character however is a a lot sharper, extra particular design with alternating floor finishes tying the entire idea collectively.
The brand new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 35mm slots right into a market section that was in dire want of recent blood. In relation to dainty, chrome steel sport watches on a bracelet, the choices are fairly restricted. There are many selections from TAG Heuer, Omega, and Rolex, however not a lot off the crushed monitor. Maurice Lacroix has been clever to retain the automated motion within the 35mm Aikon, as lowering the watch’s horological integrity would have been seen as lazy at finest, or sexist at worst. The show caseback is a very nice contact, too. In consequence, the Aikon 35mm is a genuinely fascinating, engaging, versatile watch for ladies who wish to distinguish themselves from the label-chasers.
The machining high quality of this new mannequin is superb and is similar high quality discovered on Maurice Lacroix’s costlier Masterpiece fashions. For instance, the entire dials function eight square-cut diamond hour markers. There are 4 totally different colorways to select from. Two of the dials are made out of white mom of pearl, with one in a bi-color case and the opposite in plain chrome steel. Blue Clous de Paris or black mom of pearl dials are additionally accessible in chrome steel circumstances. But when the all-steel look is a bit chilly, concern not! If the bracelet isn’t to the wearer’s liking, it may be modified instantly with out the necessity for any instruments. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 35mm vary begins at $1,890 for the blue Clous de Paris model. Each black and white mom of pearl dials retail for $1,990, whereas the bi-color-cased model tops out the vary at $2,190. Study extra at mauricelacroix.com.
