The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021

So far, we’ve covered several unique pieces donated to the Only Watch charity auction, where watches are auctioned to raise funds to support research in the fight against Duchene muscular dystrophy. And we’ve got a couple more in store for you, including a unique Maurice Lacroix Aikon. Building on the Aikon Master Big Date presented earlier this year, Maurice Lacroix has joined forces with Mahindra Racing, active in Formula E. This is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021.

The Aikon collection, introduced in 2016 and inspired by the Maurice Lacroix Calypso from the 1990s, is a relatively affordable model and a strong contender in the luxury sports watch segment. While it might not be as refined as some of the most popular models in this category – as the Big Three will set you back well over 20k – the Aikon is an interesting proposal. The bezel with six double claws is a signature element, and so is the sharp shape of the case, which flows into the bracelet or strap.

Maurice Lacroix is the official timing partner for Mahindra Racing, a UK-based team running under an Indian license, in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. This link to the world of motorsports has resulted in a first for the Aikon range: a carbon fibre case (with black DLC-coated stainless steel components). According to Maurice Lacroix, the material is sourced from an actual Formula E car and turned into a 47mm wide, lightweight carbon fibre case. Compared to the Aikon Master Big Date presented earlier this year, that’s a 2mm increase in case size.

The dial for the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021 is orange, with an embossed and sunburst-brushed off-centre hour and minutes dial, which is, in turn, framed by a yellow ring. Positioned just below that is an openworked small seconds indication. The orange tone is the official colour theme of Only Watch 2021, as we’ve seen in several other unique watches donated to the cause. The rest of the dial is finished in the same orange.

The main features of the watch are the reversed escapement, visible between 6 and 9 o’clock, and the big date display set above that. To tie everything in with the carbon fibre and orange theme, parts of the escapement are finished in black, and the big date display uses black discs with contrasting yellow numbers.

From the reverse side of the watch, you get a clear view of the ML331 manufacture movement. While Maurice Lacroix predominantly uses third-party movements, a part of the collection is fitted with in-house developed movements, often featuring unconventional displays (like the Aikon Mercury). This automatic movement runs at 18,000vph and is finished in black with a skeletonized rotor. The power reserve is a reasonable 50 hours.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021 comes with two straps: one orange and one black, both fitted with a carbon fibre pin buckle. One can easily change straps thanks to the integrated quick-release system. The estimate is CHF 12,000 to CHF 18,000. As a bonus, the winning bidder for this watch is invited to a 2022 ABB FIA Formula E racing event with a full VIP package, courtesy of Mahindra Racing.

For more information, please visit MauriceLacroix.com.

Note: Maurice Lacroix has mentioned that the caseback seen in the pictures is not final and will be changed slightly before the watch will be auctioned by Only Watch.

Created in 2005, Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy – Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organised under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the watches of the 9th edition will be auctioned by Christie’s on Saturday, 6 November 2021. More details at www.onlywatch.com.