SpotlightBlack Or White: Maurice Lacroix Release The New Aikon Automatic Timepieces In ‘Technical Ceramic’

Taking inspiration from the Calypso—the brand’s best-selling watch of the 1990s—Maurice Lacroix launched the first Aikon watch, with a quartz movement in 2016. But, it was Aikon’s mechanical versions that put the collection’s name on the map. Since its introduction in 2018, the Aikon has been presented in varied materials ranging from stainless steel and bronze to titanium and recycled ocean-bound plastic—showcasing versatility, without skipping on robustness. And now, the Swiss brand have released the new Aikon Automatic Ceramic timepieces, however, these are crafted from what the brand refers to as ‘technical ceramic’—a first for them. Presented in two versions—39mm and 42mm in white and black, respectively—the new models are scratch- and corrosion-resistant, with a minimalist design code, perfect for the urban populace of today.

Making A Strong Case: The Aikon Automatic Ceramic 39mm And 42mm

Both versions of the Aikon Automatic Ceramic are crafted in ‘technical ceramic’—a material that betters the performance of regular ceramic by doping zirconium oxide with hafnium oxide, yttrium oxide, and aluminium oxide—as claimed by the brand. This makes these timepieces not only durable and hypoallergenic but also thermostable, with overall increased strength.

According to Maurice Lacroix, the making of the new timepieces took three years of intense research and development, while simultaneously presenting several challenges. For instance, providing a contrast finish to the six ‘claws’ of the fixed bezel was a difficult task to achieve. Also, paying close attention to each surface and facet of the tonneau-shaped case for an even appearance was challenging. Nevertheless, the time-consuming efforts of the brand’s R&D team resulted in the introduction of the new Aikon Automatic Ceramic 39mm and 42mm, with an impressive water resistance of 200m.

Minimal Yet Enthralling: The Dial

The dials of both timepieces are decorated with the Clous de Paris pattern, with a date aperture at three o’clock. The sandblasted black ceramic model with a matt finish features a matching date window with contrasting white numerals and double indices. On the other hand, the polished and glossier 39mm version, with a white lacquered dial, showcases a white date aperture with black numbers, sans indices at three o’clock. Additionally, both feature elongated indices (rhodium-plated in the 39mm version and black-plated in the 42mm model) and hands on their dials, filled with white Super-LumiNova for visibility in low-light conditions.

The dials of both timepieces are decorated with the Clous de Paris pattern, with a date aperture at three o’clock

Both feature elongated indices and hands on their dials, filled with white Super-LumiNova for visibility in low-light conditions

A Quick Glance At The Movement

Powering these timepieces is the automatic calibre ML115 (based on the Sellita SW200 movement), which can be viewed through the stainless-steel caseback, with a sapphire crystal window. Beating at 28,800vph, it provides a decent energy reserve of 38 hours.

Each watch is presented on a five-link integrated bracelet, with an interchangeable system on the caseback: the 39mm watch comes with a glossy white ceramic bracelet, while the 42mm model is equipped with a matt black sandblasted bracelet.

Each watch is presented on a five-link integrated bracelet, with an interchangeable system on the caseback: the 39mm watch comes with a glossy white ceramic bracelet, while the 42mm model is equipped with a matt black sandblasted bracelet

The Aikon Automatic Ceramic 39mm And 42mm In A Nutshell

• Case: Technical ceramic, 39mm or 42mm, with a fixed bezel; water-resistant to 200m
• Dial: White or black, Clous de Paris pattern
• Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Movement: Automatic calibre ML115 (based on the Sellita SW200 movement); 38-hour power reserve
• Bracelet: Five-link integrated, glossy white ceramic or matt black sandblasted