AIKON Automatic 39mm SKELETON
Maurice Lacroix unveils its latest timepiece, the AIKON Skeleton, a model inspired by urban architecture.
The Swiss firm has worked closely with movement specialist, Sellita, creating a brand new movement. While skeleton watches have long been linked with Haute Horlogerie, the Swiss brand has democratised the horological genre, once again reaffirming its reputation for delivering high perceived value. The world’s greatest cities are populated by some incredible examples of urban architecture. Whether comprised of glass, steel or stone, the finest buildings are both functional and attractive. The new Maurice Lacroix AIKON Skeleton was inspired by urban architecture. Presented in a 39mm stainless steel case, the modest diameter of this watch promises widespread appeal. Moreover, it complements the brand’s existing portfolio of skeleton models housed in 43mm, 44mm and 45mm cases. Maurice Lacroix has a long history of making skeleton watches and over the years it has amassed much know-how. Once the preserve of Haute Horlogerie, Maurice Lacroix has democratised the skeleton watch, upholding the firm’s reputation for always delivering a high quality-price ratio. In this instance, the company wanted to apply its expertise to the creation of a new, contemporary model with smaller case dimensions. Part of the charm of the AIKON Skeleton is that it reveals many parts usually hidden from view. Indeed, the wearer is indulged with views of various components in motion such as the balance wheel oscillating backwards and forwards.
The company has worked closely with movement specialist, Sellita to conceive the exclusive Automatic ML115 (base SW200) featured in this latest model. Similar to some of the most interesting buildings, this movement plays with transparency, allowing light to pass through various openings, thereby illuminating a myriad of parts. The oscillating weight is customised and sports sandblasted and sunbrushed decoration. Furthermore, the movement is endowed with circular graining and colimaçon.
The design team at Maurice Lacroix has expended much time and effort, not just on the appearance of the watch, but also on its torsional strength. Numerous calculations using computer simulations establish the loads on certain areas of the movement, identifying any potential for unwanted flex.
Consistent with other members of the AIKON collection, this latest creation shares the same case and bracelet, delivering exalted levels of wearer comfort. Moreover, with its Easy Strap Exchange system, the wearer can swap the bracelet for one of the leather or rubber strap options, quickly and without the need for tools.
Despite its refined design and impressive specification, the AIKON Skeleton remains accessible, upholding the brand’s reputation for delivering high perceived value. Put simply, the new Maurice Lacroix AIKON Skeleton was inspired by urban architecture and born in the Swiss Jura.
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Even an AIKON can be improved
Since it was launched in 2016, the Maurice Lacroix AIKON Quartz has enjoyed much success. Inspired by the brand’s Calypso model of the 90s, the AIKON Quartz gave rise to the AIKON Automatic and, thereafter, a plethora of additional variants encompassing different complications and materials. Returning to where the icon story began, Maurice Lacroix has introduced a series of changes to the AIKON Quartz, delivering improvements to the specification of each reference. Back in 2016, Maurice Lacroix revisited a former design of the 1990s, the Calypso. This latter model proved a fabulous source of inspiration for the brand’s design team, culminating in the release of the AIKON Quartz. The styling of the model encompassed numerous rounded surfaces along with a modern interpretation of the Calypso’s six claws positioned atop the bezel. Since its launch, the AIKON Quartz has proved a resounding success for the Jura-based firm. Encouraged by its favourable reception, just two years later, the Maison launched the AIKON Automatic. Although there was still a family likeness, the self-winding model embraced straight lines, sharper angles and appeared more refined with its Clous de Paris dial. Furthermore, when the AIKON Automatic was unveiled it had a more contemporary feel than the AIKON Quartz. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Maurice Lacroix has revisited the AIKON Quartz. Having amassed much experience since releasing the inaugural AIKON and listening to feedback from clients and retailers alike, the Jura-based brand has reappraised each constituent part of the sporty model. Every curve, facet, line and surface has been refined, culminating in a new, clean-cut appearance. Moreover, the specification of each reference has been upgraded, heightening the overall sense of luxury. The AIKON Quartz is offered in two sizes 35mm or 40mm. All models are housed in a stainless steel case, save for a pair of two-tone models, both of which employ a combination of stainless steel and 4N PVD steel. Potential owners are indulged with a choice of rhodium or diamond-set indexes. The notion of elegance extends to the dial options available. These include elegant sunbrushed opaline dials in various hues or circular engraved mother-of-pearl dials which deliver a sense of pizzazz. Another useful feature found on the latest AIKON Quartz models is the brand’s Easy Strap Exchange system, allowing the wearer to remove the bracelet from their watch without the need for tools and swap it for an alternative in leather, metal or rubber. Quite simply, with the new AIKON Quartz, versatility is assured. Despite the new AIKON Quartz benefiting from a significant uplift in quality, it remains accessible, perpetuating Maurice Lacroix’s reputation for delivering high perceived value.
The AIKON story began in 2016 and the model’s success has become legendary, however, with the advent of this latest model, Maurice Lacroix has shown the rationale for continuous improvement. After all, even an AIKON can be improved.
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