A Closer Look at the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Watch
Maurice Lacroix is a luxury watch brand known for its high perceived value. The watchmaker makes every effort to ensure the aesthetics of each model produced exude elements of luxury and the initial impressions one would expect in an expensive wristwatch. It’s a labor of pride in workmanship that is continued through its most recent novel timepiece the Aikon Skeleton. It’s a work of art in a skeletonized form that must be closely examined to appreciate its finer points and merits.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Watch at first glance
My first impression of the Aikon Skeleton was one of wonder. It’s only natural to attempt to make sense of what we see and to understand how it works. A myriad of cogs and gears form the dial of the timepiece. The see-through crystal provides etched hour and minute markers which provide an accounting of the time to the outer rim of the clear dial. It’s arranged to provide a clear view of the time and the movement beneath. It’s the brand’s first skeletonized version in the Aikon collection. A few moments of gazing at the intricacies gives you an idea of how the watch works. It’s easy to get lost in the movements of the mechanical device.
A closer look at the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Watch
Escapement Magazine explores the details of the specifications of the Aikon Skeleton. We continue with a closer look at the fascinating dial. The etched hour and minute markers appear to float on the dial. The hour and minute hands are rendered in baton styling with luminescent treatment to make them glow brightly in low light environments. The indices feature v-shapes to accentuate each hour marker. The impression of depth when gazing into the clear dial is no illusion. Layers of components and mechanisms offer a masterpiece of innovation and horological brilliance. Maurice Lacroix designers placed a small seconds display over the 6 o’clock position with a white scale artistically placed on the underside of the crystal.
The case
The case of the Aikon Skeleton is premium 316L stainless steel. It’s a large case measuring 45 mm in width and a height of 13 mm. Notable features include beveled edges with satin-brushed finish and components of polished finishes to add remarkable contrast of texture. The artisans carefully applied vertically brushed techniques to the surfaces to create a unique detail. The bezel is bold with a satin-brushed finish and square markers with mirror-polished finishes. At first glance, the case and bezel offer platform styling. It’s a bold outline for the skeletonization of the dial. The back of the case is fitted with a screwed-in flat crystal glass to allow a clear view of the movement from one side to the other. A sapphire crystal lens is applied to the front and the back.
The movement
Ethos Watches explains that the Aikon Skeleton is powered by a caliber MBL 115, based on the Sellita SW200. It’s a self-winding mechanical movement with optimization of each component with numerous decorations applied for its exhibition. We’re informed that all visible parts of the movement received special attention with customization, sun brushing, sandblasting, subtle spiral patterning, and circular graining to continue the textural contrast theme. From the front view, a closer look reveals the five black bridges with delicate curvatures with black DLC coating. It’s made for the viewing enjoyment of those who appreciate the artistry of mechanical innovation displayed as works of harmonious form and function. The movement beats at a frequency of 2.5 Hz or 18,000 vibrations per hour with 34 jewels. The power reserve is 52 hours. The functions are hours, minutes, and seconds placed at the 6 o’clock position. The elaborate decorations include black DLC coating for the main bridge with Colimacon and sandblasting, Rhodied Colimacon for other bridges, and a Rhodied rotor featuring sandblasted, vertical brushed, and Colimacon finishes. Intense detailing sets the delicate inner workings apart in the ultimate decorating efforts.
Other details of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton watch
The strap of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton watch is genuine black alligator leather. It’s a swappable strap if you desire to change the appearance of the timepiece with different colored and textured straps. The leather strap offices securely to the wrist via a stainless steel butterfly-style buckle. It’s water-resistant to 10 ATM which is 330 feet. While it’s not suitable for diving, the watch is rated for use in the shower, swimming, and shallow water activities. The sapphire crystal lens is treated with an anti-reflective coating to dispel the effects of bright lights enhancing legibility in all lighting conditions.
Pricing and availability
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton watch is currently available through the manufacturer’s website or authorized vendors for USD 6,138.
Final thoughts
The Aikon Skeleton is Maurice Lacroix’s most recent member of the Aikon collection of watches. This model is the first Aikon skeletonized variant from the Maurice Lacroix. The timepiece is a masterpiece with a unique view of the movement with its intricate workings and highly decorated aesthetics. It’s a work of art that combines form and function to perfection. We’re amazed at the attention paid to the tiniest details with elaborate decorations for all visible parts of the exposed movement. The investment of time into the perfection of the movement is awesome. The Aikon Skeleton is nearly as visually fascinating when viewed from the back as it is from the front. Maurice Lacroix achieved the ideal in their version of the Aikon Skeleton. It’s a luxury timepiece that foregoes the use of expensive metals with the durable strength of stainless steel and the aesthetics of a high-end watch. To boot, it’s water-resistant to 330 feet. It’s an exceptional value for just over $6,000 for the quality in workmanship, fine details, and magnificent innovations employed in its new movement.
