Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon-IC Frozen Carbon Collection (Incl. Video)
Sportier, edgier, and a unique marriage of materials, colours and textures.
Last year, the highly successful Aikon collection welcomed the next generation of integrated sports watches for Maurice Lacroix, with the Aikon-IC range. With the added “IC” referring to Innovative Craftsmanship, Maurice Lacroix created a playground for colours, materials and finishes, as well as complications, as seen in the Aikon-IC Master Triple Retrograde. The first series of the Aikon-IC came in steel, with ceramic elements and carbon dials. Now, though, things are ramped up even more, as the Aikon-IC Frozen Carbon collection makes its striking debut, with no less than six new models.
A decade ago this year, Maurice Lacroix launched the quartz-powered Aikon collection, with automatic versions making their debut in 2018. Based on the design cues of the Calypso from the 1990s, the Aikon hit the market at exactly the right moment in time. The integrated luxury sports watch design was about to explode in popularity like never seen before, with icons becoming virtually unattainable, new entries high and low, and even independents daring the jump.
The Aikon proved a smash hit for the brand, thanks to its perfect timing, its edgy design and reliable mechanics underneath. What followed in the years since its release was a wide range of colours, materials and complications, with everything from dive watches to GMTs, and even skeleton versions and chronographs being added. The Aikon-IC spin-off is not much different in terms of design, yet it takes the concept to the next level, while at the same time leaving the Aikon to stay true to its original DNA.
From all angles, the design is very much an Aikon, and thus by extension an Aikon-IC. Similar to the ones before it, the new Aikon-IC Frozen Carbon series comes in at 43mm in width and 11mm in height. The range is spread across six references, three of which are limited editions of 500 pieces each. The remaining three are not limited by number, and perhaps a little bit less expressive, yet still captivating in their own right. Focusing on the limited editions, of which we had the Frozen Carbon Bronze at hand, the whole concept revolves around textures and colour.
The central case comes in bronze, Damascus steel and titanium or black-DLC-coated titanium. The Frozen Carbon Bronze and Damas models are fitted with a matte black ceramic bezel with signature claws all around, while the Frozen Carbon Deep Forest gets a green one. For each of the three, the crown gets a matching ceramic element to finish it all off nicely. It goes without saying there’s a sapphire crystal on both sides, and the water resistance is rated at 100 meters.
The theme continues on the dial, as each one gets either bronze or titanium powder, or green resin inclusions baked into the carbon dials, creating unique swirls and streaks. The non-limited editions follow suit, yet with a stainless steel case and turquoise, purple or red details. The result is a very intriguing look for sure, but also one that feels coherent, as they match the exterior. The dials are also fitted with case-matching applied markers and hands, with a bit of Super-LumiNova as well. The finishing touch is the framed date window at 3′, with a black disc with white digits underneath.
Maurice Lacroix also stepped up its game with the choice of base movement when it first released the Aikon-IC last year. Where previously the brand relied mostly on Sellita-based movements, the time-and-date Aikon-IC line (with the exception so far being the Aikon-IC Master Triple Retrograde) uses the Calibre ML1000 Automatic, developed with Soprod. The ML1000 movement is regulated to run within +/- 4 seconds per day, so within COSC chronometer specifications, although it’s not certified. It beats at a rate of 28,800vph and delivers a sturdy 60 hours of running time, so it’s on par with modern standards. The finishing is clean and modern as well, with Côtes de Genève on the rotor, circular graining, sunray-brushing and blued screws.
The three limited editions all come on an integrated strap with a black rubber base and a nylon-textured insert depending on the case material or finishing colour. The standard editions have a black-on-black rubber strap, with coloured stitching to match the dial. A signed pin buckle secures the Aikon-IC Frozen Carbon to the wrist. All of them also use the cleverly hidden ML Easy Change System, where you push down on the centre of the lug section to release the strap and swap it out for something else.
As mentioned, the Frozen Carbon Bronze and its Damas and Deep Forest siblings are limited to 500 pieces each, and retail for CHF 3,450. If you want your Aikon-IC to be a slight bit less bold and outspoken, there’s also the alternative for the three non-limited editions, which retail for CHF 3,200 each. On the wrist, the Frozen Carbon Bronze felt great, and I expect the same for the other two of the limited editions, as well as the standard models. Although you can hardly call the Aikon-IC standard if you ask me…
For more information, please visit MauriceLacroix.com.
