The Lightweight Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic in Titanium

Integrated sports watches have been a hit since the 1970s when the Royal Oak and Nautilus changed everything, and affordable options are all the rage today. Look no further than Tissot’s PRX Powermatic 80 as an example. Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon Automatic perhaps does it best with a masterful combination of luxury and attainability. Usually comprised of stainless steel, the collection has strayed into bronze on rare occasions and also titanium for an Automatic Chronograph, but the latest titanium Aikon Automatic models are a first for the series and a logical, lightweight addition.

The Aikon was introduced in 2016, but the mechanical automatic launched two years later in 2018 (and you know we’re all about mechanical watches at MONOCHROME). It’s certainly a diverse collection with many dial variants, complications, case sizes and materials, but the classic time and date models are the core of the collection. It has a distinctive style that’s easily recognizable as a Maurice Lacroix and is an evolution of the brand’s Calypso from the 1990s.

Not much has changed with the new titanium models from an overall design perspective, but there are now two grades of titanium for visual contrast (Grade 2 and Grade 5) and two dial colours. The case is 42mm in diameter and 11mm in height, and features the signature clawed bezel with six polished twin bars in Grade 5 titanium, which is necessary for the proper sheen (the sandblasted matte finish is Grade 2). The polished aesthetic continues down the integrated titanium bracelet with two vertical links within the five-link design. The bracelet also features the Easy Strap Exchange system for tool-free changes. A hexagonal, screw-down crown matches the bezel aesthetic and water resistance is rated at 200 metres. Sporty indeed. There are also sapphire crystals front and back, so the movement is on full display. 

Two dial colours provide either a grey titanium look or bright and showy vibe with purple. Both have a Clous de Paris pattern that admittedly reminds me of the Royal Oak, but it’s still uniquely Maurice Lacroix. Rhodium plated applied indices and hour/minute hands contrast well against both dials and have white Super-LumiNova inserts. A double index is seen at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and a framed date window sits at 3 o’clock. It’s all familiar if you know the steel Aikon Automatics, but the titanium brings a unique, upscale look and featherweight wearing experience that’s very much appreciated. 

The calibre ML115 powers both models and is based on the Sellita SW200 (itself an ETA 2824 clone). It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and comes with a 38-hour power reserve. A bit pedestrian in 2024, but still a very proven and reliable Swiss workhorse. It’s finished with perlage and colimaçon, again seen through the sapphire case back. 

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic in Titanium retails for EUR 2,800, which is only EUR 650 more than the steel counterpart. Not bad at all for two grades of titanium with multiple finishes. For more information and to place an order, please visit Maurice Lacroix’s website.