Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic: Three-hand watch and chronograph in the test

Massive, striking, heavy – those were my first thoughts when I lifted the Baselworld 2018 novelties Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph out of the box. I had to check my first impression straight away: the Aikon Automatic Chronograph weighs a whopping 220 grams on the steel strap, the Aikon Automatic at least 175 grams. On the leather strap with folding clasp, the Aikon Automatic comes in at a much more humane 115 grams, its big brother at 150 grams.Replica Watches

Genta’s creations have one thing in common: a lot of steel (and thus a solid appearance) meets a generally rather simple dial with line indices (which, however, has a special feature due to its patterns and structures). One of Genta’s most famous designs is certainly the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, with which he created the very first solid steel sports watch. Four years later, Genta followed up with the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which is no less well-known among watch fans.

There’s no doubt that the designer of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon has certainly had a look at the famous Genta creations – the massive appearance of the Aikon, the special dial pattern and the bezel all suggest this. The design of the Aikon is undoubtedly in the vein of Genta’s designs, but in my opinion the model is independent enough not to automatically elicit “homage!” boos.

Fans of steel straps (like me) don’t necessarily need to be put off by the Aikon’s massive appearance and not exactly light weight: the almost completely brushed strap is very delicate and therefore fits perfectly on the wrist. This makes it very comfortable to wear. All in all, considering the price range, the steel strap is of above-average quality (and thankfully completely free of “squeaking” when the steel strap elements move).

But Maurice Lacroix doesn’t just want to offer something in terms of comfort, but also in terms of technology: what many brands, and especially micro-brands, are now using are spring bars with an external lever so that leather straps can be replaced in a flash without tools (see Dufa, for example). The big advantage: scratches caused by strap changing tools are eliminated.