The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe

For now 5 years, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon collection has been one of the most attractive alternatives on the crowded market for accessible sports watches with integrated design. Since its introduction, the collection has gained multiple editions, ranging from classic automatic models with closed dials to far more daring and complex options, such as the Master Grand Date Technicolour. Today, it’s one of the boldest expressions of this design that is released by Maurice Lacroix, a watch that merges the compact case and openworked movement of the Aikon Skeleton with the engraved case and bracelet of the Aikon Urban Tribe. 

In 2021, Maurice Lacroix released the Aikon Urban Tribe, a limited edition that promptly sold out. While using the larger case diameter of 42mm and a traditional textured but closed dial, it made an impression with its case and bracelet fully engraved with a motif that felt like a modernized tribal inspiration. The brand explained that it was modelled after “tall architectural buildings that endow a city with its unique skyline.” A highly personal expression resulting in a piece with character, even though not a watch for all. Last year, Maurice Lacroix unveiled the Aikon Skeleton 39mm, a relatively compact take on the Aikon sports watch, retaining the classic integrated design of the collection, yet equipped with an openworked automatic movement with modern, aerial bridges. And when these two strong editions of the Aikon are combined, it gives the new Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe.

This new version is technically identical to the classic skeleton version, yet using the engraved pattern of the Urban Tribe for its case and bracelet. We’re thus looking at a fairly compact edition, with a 39mm diameter and 11mm thickness. The barrel-shaped case and raised bezel with 6 double-claws, signature elements of all Aikon watches, have been kept, yet all surfaces of the polished stainless steel base have received a modern and architectural decoration. It is a combination of Maori tattoos and modern architecture, resulting in a contemporary take. Apart from the side of the bezel and the caseback, all surfaces are engraved. The case sticks to its usual specifications, with sapphire crystals front and back, a screw-down crown and a comfortable water-resistance of 200m.

Adding to the personality of this Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe, the dial is a sapphire plate revealing most of the technical parts of the movement. The latter is based on a SW200-1 architecture, yet has been made exclusively by Sellita for Maurice Lacroix, according to the watch brand’s design specifications. The sapphire dial is home to faceted, applied markers filled with Super-LumiNova as well as luminous hands for the time. The back reveals a matte movement fitted with a specific, openworked oscillating weight. This automatic calibre ML115 beats at 4Hz and stores 38 hours of energy when fully wound.

Following the design of the case, this new tribal-inspired Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton is worn on an integrated 5-link stainless steel bracelet, which has been engraved in the same way as the case. It is closed by a butterfly buckle and fitted with the brand’s Easychange system. You’ll thus be able to effortlessly change this bracelet for a rubber or leather strap, for a slightly more discreet look.

Released as a limited edition of 500 pieces, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe will be priced at USD 4,250 (price in Euros to be confirmed). For more details, please visit www.mauricelacroix.com.