Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint
Since the Maurice Lacroix AIKON was first unveiled in 2016, it has proved a huge commercial success. Angus Davies explains why this collection has proved so incredibly popular. Furthermore, he looks at the recently released AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint in order to demonstrate what makes the brand’s sporty collection a winning performance.
During the 1990s, Maurice Lacroix, the Swiss watch brand based in Saignelégier, enjoyed much success with its ‘Calypso’ model. Unfortunately, with subsequent updates, the allure of the model diminished with ill-advised changes, culminating in its demise.
In 2016, Maurice Lacroix unveiled the AIKON, a sports watch inspired by the early Calypso model. Most notably, like the Calypso, the AIKON’s bezel featured six arms. The early models were equipped with quartz movements, however, two years later (2018), the Jura-based company released additional versions of the AIKON, featuring mechanical movements.
The AIKON has proved a huge commercial success for the brand. And with this success, the firm has clearly been spurred on. Indeed, it has never ceased innovating, releasing new dial animations, case materials, case sizes and complications.
Over the years I have worn several examples of the AIKON, including 3-handers, chronographs and skeletons, as well as the model’s rugged sibling, the über sporty AIKON Venturer. While the range is varied, all versions of the AIKON sport six arms atop their bezels. Most pertinently, each iteration of the AIKON I have worn has conferred sublime wearer comfort and proffered an impressive quality/price ratio.
Recently, Maurice Lacroix unveiled another urban-themed model, the AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint. Beyond its capacity to measure periods of elapsed time, the watch is attired in a dynamic, eye-popping shade of light blue. This latter hue extends to the central chronograph seconds hand, the chronograph registers at 6 and 12 o’clock, the small seconds display and the rubber strap.
The Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint retails for a modest €3,350 (RRP as at 26.10.2021) and yet it is endued with several impressive details, normally the preserve of costlier watches. For example, the case and bezel are dressed in stealthy, matte black DLC. This treatment is considered superior to PVD and proves costlier to employ. The date disc matches the dial colour upholding horological etiquette and surpassing the customary white disc fits all approach. Lastly, the blue strap is made from FKM rubber. This specification of rubber is more flexible than standard rubber, augmenting wearer comfort. Moreover, FKM rubber offers superior wear resistance and will retain its colour better over the long term. Normally, FKM rubber is used on far more expensive watches, hence the specification of the Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint reinforces the Swiss firm’s reputation for delivering impressive value for money.
Based on first impressions, the AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint is destined to be another winner for the brand and is likely to perpetuate the model’s best-seller status.
The brand’s press release
Prior to launching the inaugural AIKON models in 2016, Maurice Lacroix could never have envisaged how successful the model would become. The strong design codes along with the model’s high perceived value have proved a winning formula. Buoyed by the positive reaction of the press and public alike, the Swiss brand has never stopped conceiving fresh ideas and creating new versions of the AIKON. Today’s extensive AIKON collection encompasses different colours, complications and sizes.
The AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint plays with colours and textures, endowing the model with a very different appearance to its siblings. However, die-hard fans of the AIKON can relax, this new model still features the AIKON’s distinctive six arms straddling the bezel, the M-logo on its strap and the model’s urban styling. Put simply, the new model is fresh and sporty but respects the legend.
For the first time, the AIKON is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case dressed in matte black DLC. This coating was selected for its impressive wear characteristics and chemical resistance. In contrast, the six arms spanning the bezel are delivered in a gleaming gunmetal finish. By juxtaposing different colours and textures, the AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint exhibits a sumptuous appearance.
Also presented in gunmetal grey, the surface of the dial is sunray-brushed and embossed with a square pattern. The facetted hour and minute hands are lined with Super-LumiNova, aiding legibility in dim light. They converse with the indexes, once again, presented in gunmetal grey. Black counters are positioned at 6 and 12 o’clock and combine opaline and snailed detail. The dial incorporates a refreshing splash of colour with the small seconds indication at 9 o’clock presented in a light shade of blue. The addition of the snailed detail results in the subdial appearing metallic, readily gleaming with the mere suggestion of light. Lastly, the central chronograph seconds hand is also presented in blue, further enlivening the appearance of the display.
The AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint upholds the AIKON’s reputation for ergonomic design, delivering impressive levels of wearer comfort. The watch is presented on a light blue strap made of FKM rubber, a first for the AIKON. This particular grade of rubber delivers superior flexibility to regular rubber, augmenting wearer comfort. In addition, FKM rubber offers greater wear-resistance and the colour is less susceptible to fading. The strap incorporates the company’s ‘M’ logo and is paired with a sandblasted black DLC pin buckle.
Consistent with traditional Swiss watchmaking, the movement is embellished with circular graining and incorporates vertical Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and rotor.
The AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint can record important events when required, providing Sprint individuals with the means to hone their times and move ever closer to their intended goals. The AIKON Automatic Chronograph Sprint, refreshingly different while reassuringly the same.
Further reading