ReviewThe Advanced Aikon: Introducing The Bold, New Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer

An Overview

It’s no secret that, when it comes to luxury timepieces, sports watches take a large slice from the horological pie. And today, the demand is at an all-time high. Take, for instance, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, or even a Rolex Submariner—even if you have the dough to purchase one, the real problem is its availability with retailers. But the waiting period or the exorbitant premium in the secondary market shouldn’t sway you from your sports watch fantasies. While there are a number of affordable, readily available alternatives out there from exquisite Swiss watchmakers, Maurice Lacroix has created something rather special, and it’s already our new favourite in the segment. We present: the Aikon Venturer. 

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer features a satin-finished stainless steel case that measures 43mm. It has the signature integrated lugs of the Aikon collection

₹2,42,000

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At first glance, it’s clear that the Venturer is a more robust alternative to the regular Aikon watches. It looks bigger, beefier, and more rugged

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The five-row stainless steel bracelet looks quite impressive and complements the sturdy look of the watch wonderfully

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01

Impressions

At first glance, it’s clear that the Venturer is a more robust alternative to the Aikon. It looks bigger, beefier, and more rugged. The Aikon Venturer’s diving credentials—a water resistance of 300m and a rotating bezel—make it a descendant of the Maurice Lacroix Calypso, which included a diver’s version in its time. This steel watch was one of the brand’s most iconic models in the 1990s and followed the same design codes—the integrated and water resistant case, the clawed bezel surrounding a flat sapphire crystal, and a strap marked with an applied ‘M’ logo—that are featured on the Venturer. True to the idea of the modern sports watch, the Venturer has a solid build, and no matter the occasion, looks absolutely dapper on the wrist. 

The limited edition Aikon Venturer timepiece is based on the blue variant and features bright orange accents, including stitching on the strap

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These two Venturer variants in black and blue are both equally exquisite and brimming with character

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The bezel of the Venturer features six 'claws'—a signature design element of the Swiss watchmaker—used here for the minute markers

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01

A Simple And Effective Design 

The Case

The Venturer utilises a satin-finished stainless steel case that measures 43mm. This makes it slightly bigger than the Aikon. What has also increased from the Aikon is the water resistance—from 100m to a considerable 300m! It has the signature Maurice Lacroix shape that is sleek and slightly rectangular. What’s special about this case shape is how comfortable it feels on the wrist, thanks to its downward curving lug design.

On top of the case sits a stainless steel bezel with a ceramic insert. The claws motif is repeated on the bezel, prominently at 12, two, four, six, eight and 10. Each raised claw is engraved and marked with the minutes they represent. Overall, the case features a splendid level of detail, which is typical in a watch coming out of Switzerland, with a satin-finished case and polished edges. 

Measuring 43mm, the Aikon Venturer is slightly bigger than the Aikon, making it more prominent on the wrist

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The case features a splendid level of detail—such as a satin-finished case and polished edges—which is typical of a watch coming out of Switzerland

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The Dial

There are two variants to choose from in the main Venturer line, both equally exquisite and brimming with character. The non-textured dial is available either in black or blue, featuring a smooth, sunburst finish, on which lie legible hour indexes and hands. A majority of the markers are circular in shape, while the deep rectangular cut-outs complement the sword-shaped hands. Super-LumiNova is amply used throughout the face ensuring visibility even in low light conditions. All these different design elements come together seamlessly, making the Venturer stand out from the crowd. 

The Venturer is made for all occasions, from conquering choppy seas to casual outings, making it an extremely versatile watch

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A majority of the markers are circular in shape, while the deep, rectangular cut-outs complement the sword hands

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There’s also a limited edition, which is based on the blue Venturer. It comes with a dynamic blue sunburst dial paired with orange luminescent hour markers. This variant is limited to 500 pieces, and is delivered with an integrated blue leather strap with orange stitching, as well as a five-row steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.

The Movement 

The watch employs the self-winding ML 115 calibre, based on the Sellita SW200, which vibrates at 28,800vph, giving the watch a power reserve of 38 hours. It is a simple, tried and tested three-hand movement with a date complication.

Only 500 pieces of the limited edition Aikon Venturer will be made, making it rather covetable

The Straps

The watches you see here are shipped with both a supple rubber strap and a five-row stainless bracelet with a folding clasp. The watch also features the ‘EasyChange’ system, a quick system to interchange the bracelet and strap, which requires less than 30 seconds. 

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer features the brand's signature 'EasyChange' system and is presented with a supple rubber strap as well as a five-row stainless bracelet with a folding clasp

A Final Word

The Calypso put Maurice Lacroix in the limelight, and now the Venturer, with its many strengths, plans to keep it there. It proves to be a well-crafted watch with a solid automatic movement that comes with a refreshingly affordable price tag. If you’re on the lookout for a dive watch that’s refined and modern and not exorbitantly priced, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer is the perfect fit for you. 

About Maurice Lacroix Watches

The story of Maurice Lacroix finds its roots in the world of silk trade, with Desco, a trading company which dates back to 1889, purchased a watch assembly workshop in Saignelégier. There, Desco produced private label watches for third parties. In 1975, however, the company started marketing watches under the brand name Maurice Lacroix, named after one of Desco’s board members, Mr Lacroix.

For more than 40 years, Maurice Lacroix watches have been manufactured in the company's own state-of the-art workshops in Saignelégier, with the focus on fine watchmaking

Now, for more than 40 years, Maurice Lacroix watches have been manufactured in the company’s own state-of the-art workshops in Saignelégier. Fine watchmaking continues to be the focus of Maurice Lacroix, as the brand grows on its many strengths. While Maurice Lacroix is relatively new as an individual brand, it carries with it a rich background in watches and the industry. This extensive knowledge helps the brand create exquisite products that appeal to every watch enthusiast out there while maintaining the individuality that we all seek.