Jewellery & Watch News
Since its release in 2017, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon has remained the backbone of the luxury watch manufacturer’s collections. As part of their 2021 Watches & Wonders releases, its formidable aesthetic is given an openwork makeover now with a new off-centre automatic winding calibre accommodating the centre of the dial. Meet the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date watch…
We’re probably not the first to notice, but at first glance, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date reminds us a lot of the Masterpiece Gravity Limited Edition launched a few years back which is similarly adorned with an off-set dial and visible escapement. In comparison to the famously affordable Aikon family, the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece collection focuses solely on haute horology at a more opulent price point. It seems, however, that the Swiss watch brand are combining their best-selling flagship line with the greatest parts of their expertise, combining new complications, technologies and aesthetic balance in the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date.
DIAL
As you’d expect when wearing the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date watch, its dial is the real draw for the eyes. Compared to Aikon models before it, the new design acquires a whole new level of contrast and legibility with the off-centred hours and minutes dial handsomely differing in texture with a Clous de Paris finishing and a silver minutes ring. Beneath that is a small seconds subsidiary dial suspended above a glimpse of the ML331 calibre beneath.
To the left, a large double-window date display gives the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date its name dressed in white with black Arabic numerals. Rather than adding an additional layer to the movement for this complication, which would consequently add thickness to the case, the date module is integrated into the existing height of the calibre. One of the most subtle yet distinguishing features of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date’s dial is the shape of the date display, which seems to have been purposely proportioned into the same shape as the bezel’s arms.
Below the date is the large, rounded, skeletonised balance bridge which at 8 o’clock floats effortlessly between the glass and the sapphire crystal case back. With every movement of the wrist, its backdrop becomes obscured by the passage of the brushed and snailed oscillating rotor. The main plate of the dial is grained and coloured in a rich shade of blue to match the option of a blue Cordura strap. Around each element of the dial, a satin-finished border of stainless steel matches the polished chamfers of the steel case as well as those choosing the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date with an integrated stainless steel bracelet.
MOVEMENT
Powering the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date watch is the ML331 automatic winding movement, an in-house calibre which delivers the unique off-set display and skeleton opening on the balance wheel. As with all of Maurice Lacroix’s manufacture movements, the ML331 is designed with the utmost attention to detail and embodies the luxury watch brand’s extensive expertise in Swiss watch manufacture. Alongside its off-centred hour and minutes function, small seconds and large date window, the movement delivers a power reserve of 50 hours and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
CASE
Other than its unique dial, the Maurice Lacroix Master Grand Date watch follows the DNA of the rest of the Aikon family. It’s formidable 45mm case is engineered entirely from stainless steel and showcases angular lugs, the iconic six prong fixed bezel and a screw in crown promising of a water resistant rating of 100 metres. Turning the watch over and the stunning exhibition case back gives you another glimpse of the automatic winding movement within alongside the brushed and snailed oscillating rotor. Sapphire crystal protects both the open case back and the dial on the front of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date.
STRAP
With every order of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date, you will receive two straps including a classic 5-row stainless steel bracelet and a dark blue synthetic Cordura with tone-on-tone stitching. Both straps complement the design in their own way and come fitted with a polished rhodium folding buckle engraved with the legendary ‘M’ logo. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date is also kitted out with the brand’s easy-change system so you can swap these two straps around with ease.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date watch is available to order now on the C W Sellors website for a retail price of £6,990. For more information on the model and other 2021 Maurice Lacroix watch releases, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at sales@cwsellors.com.
