The new Maurice Lacroix AIKON Grand Date is emboldened with bright colours
Pietro PillaWith the Northern Hemisphere summer approaching, Maurice Lacroix reinvents their Aikon line with the introduction of four new colourways of the Master Grand Date. The model debuted in 2021 with a blue dial and an Only Watch appearance, before being presented in a stealthier configuration the year after. These new releases take the best aspects of their predecessors, combining the modern, all-black aesthetics with four new playful colours, just in time to embrace the spirit of summer.
The case
Being part of the very successful Aikon collection, the case is heavily inspired by the Calypso, a very distinctive and popular model of the ’90s. Obviously, times have changed and as the years have gone by, so have the dimensions of the timepieces. The case of this new line-up takes a lot from the impressive black version of last year and, while having plenty of presence with a 45mm diameter and a 15mm thickness, the black DLC makes it appear visually smaller.
The alternating finishes, and the presence of side bevels, also contribute to the refinement of such an imposing case, completed by a tone-on-tone crown in stainless steel with the same DLC treatment.
The dial
There is a lot happening on the dial – with multiple levels and contrasting colours, there’s an uncommon amount of depth. Starting with the matte black background that seamlessly blends into the case, our eyes are immediately drawn to the vibrant colours that characterise these new models.
Each of the four models is defined by a different colour that manifests itself in several elements within the dial. At 2 o’clock we find the off-centre subdial brought to life by an intricate Clous de Paris pattern that, depending on the model, could be yellow, orange, green or blue. The same shade is then repeated on the frame of the skeletonised seconds counter and on the text of the big date at 10 o’clock, which has black discs, really making the printing pop.
Finally, at 8 o’clock, our attention is drawn to a circular hole in the sandblasted dial that contains the skeletonised balance wheel that balances out the subdial at 2 o’clock, completing a modern yet fun look for a summer watch.
The straps & the box
Having an integrated strap makes the watch more comfortable on the wrist, but at the same time limits the combination which could change the look of the watch. To help their customers out, Maurice Lacroix supplies two rubber straps – one matches the dial colour while the other is presented in black to complement the case. The watches come in a special presentation box formed of #tide, a composite material made from ocean-bound upcycled plastic, and it matches the chosen dial hue.
The movement
Powering the AIKON Master Grand Date is the in-house calibre ML331. Visible through the sapphire case back, it’s an automatic movement that echoes the colourway of the case with a black DLC treatment.
The muted tones of the skeletonised coated bridges bring out the warmer tones of all the gears, giving a contrast to the overall look, with much of the workings visible through the skeletonised rotor complete with the Maurice Lacroix emblem. Ticking at a frequency of 18,000 vph, thie ML331 has a power reserve of 50 hours, making it completely weekend-proof.
Maurice Lacroix AIKON Master Grand Date Technicolour pricing and availability:
The AIKON Master Grand Date Technicolour can be ordered from the Maurice Lacroix website, with free worldwide shipping. It is a limited edition of 50 pieces in each colourway: yellow, orange, blue, and green. Price: CHF 8,790 / U$9,650
| Brand | Maurice Lacroix |
| Model | AIKON Master Grand Date Techincolour |
| Case Dimensions | 45mm (D) x 15mm (T) |
| Case Material | Black DLC stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Matte clack with coloured subdial |
| Strap(s) | Integrated rubber, one black and one in the same colour as the subdial |
| Movement | Automatic manufacture ML331 |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Availability | Limited (50 pieces each colour) |
| Price | CHF 8,790 / U$9,650 |