Maurice Lacroix also didn’t simply leave it as an un-decorated movement. Visible through the sapphire caseback, is some Geneva striping covering the entire length of the rotor, as well as some perlage behind it. Additionally, even with the sapphire caseback, the watch carries a water resistance of 200m – which, not only is pretty good for a chronograph, but gives its wearer some ease of mind taking it for a swim (assuming it doesn’t act as an anchor). The movement beats at 4Hz and features a 48-hour power reserve.
Bracelet
And now on to my favorite part of the watch, the bracelet. Maurice Lacroix, and especially in the Aikon Collection, has historically made some of the most comfortable bracelets I’ve ever worn in the price range they are competing in (and to be completely honest, the leather options are superbly comfortable as well) and the Aikon Chronograph Automatic isn’t an exception. In fact, I would argue that the new bracelet has a leg up on its predecessor.
The bracelet features a quick-release system that was so easy, I could pop the bracelet off with my fingernails and swap it with another strap in 30 seconds. A little looseness at the base is often the case with quick-release mechanisms, and this watch had none. It made a solid fit with no pull or wiggle once snapped into place. That being said, because of the two-prong lug design, wearers will need to have a custom strap made, or purchase one of the three strap options from the brand itself – which I can imagine will be irritating for strap junkies who would love to swap the bracelet out for something a little funkier. Personally, I was so happy with the bracelet, I couldn’t imagine changing it.
Where the bracelet meets the case is an almost perfect gap tying the rest of the 5-link design and the ever-so-slight taper down the side of the wrist together while not appearing rigged or rehearsed. I understand “rehearsed” may seem like a weird word to describe a design aesthetic, but that is to say the bracelet isn’t overstated or over engineered and feels effortlessly attached to the watch with no distinguishing gaps or present shortcuts to the design – fluid. Every single link seems to fit perfectly, and even the gaps between them are evenly spaced, from the clasp on up to where it meets the case – something increasingly rare in watches at this price-point. Too often the spacing between the links is tighter than the spacing to the case and it looks inconsistent and spotty.
The brushed bracelet features some polished edges to provide some great contrast and rather than the drastically raised center links of previous versions, Maurice Lacroix opted for a bit more of a reserved, almost flush design. The bracelet is thinner in nature, adding a less dramatic touch to a relatively large watch – providing some subtlety without compromising comfort or wearability. Don’t read that as flimsy, because the watch is as solid as any chronograph I’ve worn. The perlage-decorated butterfly clasp isn’t irritating, and fits well against the inside of the bracelet, which, in turn, makes the belly feel consistent, with no noticeable locations of discomfort. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable and attractive bracelet offerings I’ve found in any price point.
Conclusion
Over the course of my time reviewing this watch, I found very little to complain about. Just about every aspect of the watch felt well-engineered and meticulously designed, right on down to the weight, which added another layer of perceived luxury. From press images, I was afraid it was going to be a little bland, but the nuance and design once on the wrist… Well, let’s just say, it surpassed my expectations, and a high bar was already in place from my positive experience over the many years with my previous Maurice Lacroix.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Automatic fits snugly into a market where a buyer is looking for a solid, high-quality steel sports watch, but can’t or won’t front $20,000 for an Audemars Piguet or one of its many luxury competitors. I think the Aikon Collection gets a lot of undeserved flack for mimicking or in some cases being a “straight up knockoff” of the Royal Oak, but I don’t think it’s a fair comparison. Yes, it takes some design queues and some aesthetic references, but definitely has its own flavor and as much personality as an all-steel chronograph can. The Aikon Chronograph Automatic does a fine job of reinforcing that enthusiasts can have a certain look, without joining the 5-figure club, and I don’t feel that “if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t have ANY options available for the style” – which is where I found myself 3 years ago when I purchased my original Aikon Gents and is still the sentiment I feel on the newest renditions of the collection.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Automatic fills an often crowded, and often expensive segment of steel chronograph watches with a simple design and a ubiquitous appeal. Generic? Perhaps for many, but also universally wearable with a charm and quality that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Price for the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Automatic is $2,950. mauricelacroix.us
Necessary Data
>Brand: Maurice Lacroix
>Model: Aikon Chronograph Automatic
>Price: $2,950
>Size: 44mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Absolutely.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Anyone in the market for a steel chronograph that looks and feels more expensive than it is.
>Best characteristic of watch: The bracelet. Hands down.
>Worst characteristic of watch: The weight. You’ll need to pay attention to light poles.
