ReviewMaurice Lacroix’s Bestselling Aikon Gets A New Skeleton Version

‘High perceived value’ has been the mantra behind most of Maurice Lacroix’s watches for a while now, as they offer extremely nicely finished watches, which present the quality that is generally associated with much higher-end timepieces. The brand’s efforts to make fine watchmaking more accessible or ‘democratised’ continues now with their all-new Aikon Skeleton watch, featuring the same recognisable structure of their bestselling Aikon watch, but with an open-worked display. Now this may not be the first skeletonised Aikon they’ve ever launched, but it definitely feels like it’s more mainline than their previous open-worked editions—definitely more of a crowd-pleaser. It is more agreeable in terms of design, and it presents a neutral palette, exemplifying a monochromatic look, which is all the rage these days. Most importantly, it’s sized at 39mm, which should have far wider appeal than the previous sizes, which were all upwards of 43mm.

Design Details

All the while, the overall design of the case and bracelet remain abstractly inspired by urban architecture and the general look and feel of the buildings from famous skylines in stone, concrete, steel and glass. It’s a classic lifestyle sport watch—the archetypal structure of a chiselled steel case with an integrated bracelet strap. And, as in other models from the Aikon collection, this one too can be interchanged rather easily with alternative options owing to the brand’s ‘easy strap exchange’ system, which allows you to do this without requiring any tools. While the alternatives available in usually rubber or leather, this default Maurice Lacroix five-link bracelet itself pairs really well with the Aikon’s raised bezel and its ‘claws’.

The myriad decorations on the visible parts of the movement should make this watch look rather brilliant with light falling on it from different angles

Made in partnership with Sellita, the movement-making leader, this calibre is a new self-winding mechanical—the ML115, which uses the Sellita SW200 as a base

The various kinds of finishing on the exposed components include circular graining and subtle spiral patterns

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The New Movement

The bezel frames the dial that showcases sleek hour markers and hands coated with a luminous substance, and appearing to float above the movement components seen below it. Despite the monochromatic look, the hands are easily distinguishable, which will ensure easy reading. The movement showcased in this manner offers you a view of moving parts as well, such as the balance wheel. Made in partnership with Sellita, the movement-making leader, this calibre is a new self-winding mechanical—the ML115, which uses the Sellita SW200 as a base. Through the development process, several calculations and simulations were conducted to help optimise the impact of every part, and reduce excessive concentrated strain on any component. The myriad decorations on the visible parts—also those seen through the exhibition caseback—should make this watch look rather brilliant with light falling on it from different angles. The oscillating weight, for instance, has been customised, with sandblasted and sun-brushed decoration. Other parts feature circular graining and subtle spiral patterns.

This level of decoration is not that common in this segment of watches, so it’s quite a treat for anyone who’d choose this piece, which goes for way less than others offering similar traits. And yet again, Maurice Lacroix have lived up to what they promise—‘high perceived value’.

he overall design of the case and bracelet remain abstractly inspired by urban architecture and the general look and feel of the buildings from famous skylines in stone, concrete, steel and glass

It’s a classic lifestyle sport watch—the archetypal structure of a chiselled steel case with an integrated bracelet strap