The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer collection is beach-ready for all wrists
Fergus NashBased on the 1990s Calypso, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon was introduced in 2016 as an affordable entry into the world of integrated-bracelet sports watches. Today, the collection has grown to include all kinds of incredible developments such as engraved cases, recycled ocean plastic cases, asymmetrical dials, all the while remaining attainable and artful. Now, just in time for the Australian summer, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer Edition consists of six thoughtful references to suit all wrists.
The case
Although affordability is a big part of attainability, the other factors include an approachable style and wearable dimensions. Maurice Lacroix have been considerate in the release of the new Aikon Summer Edition, making the watches available across three different sizes. 35mm as the smallest leans into a more feminine figure, with a 39mm lug-to-lug length and a 10mm thickness. The 39mm diameter model is gender-neutral for those who don’t want the diamond accents, with a 45mm lug-to-lug and 11mm thickness to retain the case design proportions. The final reference at 42mm is still wrist-friendly thanks to a 48mm lug-to-lug and an 11mm thickness for a slimming effect. All of these are also dive-ready with a 200-metre water resistance rating and a screw-down crown.
The Calypso inspiration manifests itself in the six twin-arms which feature on the bezel, giving the Aikon an instantly recognisable profile in the watch landscape. It’s a style which lends itself well to streetwear and casual dress, rather than copying established models with hexagons, octagons or dodecagons. In stainless steel, you can see how well the case has been finished. The contrast between the brushed and polished surfaces almost makes them look like different materials, and the consistency is pretty much flawless. My favourite attribute is the polished chamfer which smoothly transitions between the edge of the case and the bracelet links.
The dial
A waffle dial is definitely nothing new for an integrated-bracelet sports watch, but Maurice Lacroix wear their influences on their sleeve without feeling like they’re imitating. The pattern is made up of a hobnail texture, subtly sharpening it’s attitude and giving great depth to the colours. The outer section of the dial has been given concentric guilloché rings for the minute track, while the batons for the hour markers have been applied directly. The exception to this is on the 38mm models, where eight of the indices have been replaced by diamonds.
Embodying a light and airy feel which is most refreshing in hot temperatures, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer Edition has chosen its colour palette well. The pastel pink and blue tones seem like they’ve become an essential for every watch collection, and they’ve not yet outstayed their welcome. Those two are available on the 35mm and 39mm models with silver details on the dial, while the 42mm version introduces a vibrant orange with contrasting black details. It is partly a shame that all three colours aren’t an option in all three sizes, but it’s easy to see what they were going for.
The strap
Although the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer Edition appears to be a true integrated bracelet watch from the front, it’s actually got a well-disguised quick exchange system and comes with two strap options. The first is the stainless steel bracelet, which looks phenomenal thanks to its vertical brushing, thick links, and hard-angled bevels. It suits the industrial nature of the watch’s design well, but could easily be worn with smarter attire too. Alternatively, the watch comes with a colour-matched FKM rubber strap with a steel end-link for integration, and an embedded Maurice Lacroix emblem. The ridges follow on from the lugs and links, ensuring a cohesive appearance with the watch overall.
The movement
Being an affordable Swiss watch, the Maurice Lacroix was almost bound to be powered by the Sellita SW200-1. This ubiquitous movement is finding its way into almost every brand within a certain price range, and for good reason. Its architecture is a clone of the ETA 2824, with a 38-hour power reserve and a smooth 4Hz sweep of the seconds hand. The date complication adds some nice utility, and they’re renowned for their serviceability in the long run. The Aikon has a sapphire display caseback so that you can view the movement, which has been nicely decorated along with the custom Maurice Lacroix winding rotor.
The verdict
As the integrated-bracelet sports watch trend refuses to weaken, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon is steadily cementing itself as one of the best mid-range options. There’s tons of variety, and the Summer Edition is easily one of the most attractive colour schemes. The versatility with the bracelet and rubber strap only increases that appeal, as does the overall quality which matches its price point well.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer Edition pricing and availability
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Summer Edition is now for pre-order from Maurice Lacroix’s website, with estimated delivery around New Year’s Eve 2023. Each reference is limited to 888 pieces. Price: US$2,500 (39mm, 42mm), US$2,550 (35mm)
| Brand | Maurice Lacroix |
| Model | Aikon Automatic Limited Summer Edition |
| Reference | AI6008-SS00F-530-E AI6008-SS00F-431-C AI6007-SS00F-530-E AI6007-SS00F-431-C AI6006-SS00F-550-E AI6006-SS00F-451-C |
| Case Dimensions | 35mm (D) x 10mm (T) x 39mm (LTL) 39mm (D) x 11mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) 42mm (D) x 11mm (T) x 48mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Dial | Pale blue, pale pink, or orange |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet and colour-matched FKM rubber strap |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available for pre-order, each reference limited to 888 pieces |
| Price | US$2,500 (39mm, 42mm), US$2,550 (35mm) |