Hands-on review of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton. The Aikon Skeleton AI6007-SS002-030-1 has a price of CHF3,200. Excellent price quality ratio.
The Aikon is without doubt one of the most recognisable and popular creations of Swiss brand Maurice Lacroix. The latest addition to this wide collection is the Aikon Skeleton Automatic 39 mm, a model that offers a totally new look thanks to the skeletonisation of its calibre .
Skeletonisation is a technique that is generally used to create exclusive interpretations of high-end timepieces by cutting away the parts of a movement which have no active function for its operation. This way, it is possible to better appreciate the movement architecture.
With the new Aikon Skeleton Automatic 39 mm, Maurice Lacroix successfully brings skeletonisation to a broader audience thanks to an excellent price-quality ratio.
After our presentation article at the end of April, we had the possibility to spend a few days with this model and we are now delighted to share our live pictures and impressions.
The watch comes in a 39 mm x 11 mm stainless steel case whose dynamic lines are highlighted by the alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.
Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 20 ATM (approximately 200 metres / 660 feet) also thanks to the screwed-in crown, embellished by the Maurice Lacroix symbol.
The case is perfectly executed and the perception of quality is instantaneous while handling it.
The satin-brushed bezel is enhanced by six polished arms which contribute to the strong character of this timepiece.
To reveal the beauty of the underlying mechanics, a transparent sapphire dial supports the rhodium plated indexes. The outer dark grey chapter ring facilitates the reading of the time indicating the minutes.
The balance wheel, beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), and the large mainspring barrel can be easily recognised at 12 and 5 o'clock, respectively.
The hour and minute hands, just like the indexes, are filled with a white Super-LumiNova X1 luminescent material that glows in green in darker environments.
Developed in cooperation with Sellita, one of the largest manufacturers of Swiss mechanical watch movements, the self-winding Calibre ML115 (based on a robust and reliable SW200) beautifully plays with transparency, allowing light to pass through various openings.
The mainplate is beautifully finished with soleillage, sandblasting and colimaçon decorations, also used for the openworked rotor visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback. The autonomy of the watch is 38 hours.
The 5-row stainless steel bracelet is meticulously finished and seamlessly integrated with the case.
It is equipped with a double folding clasp with double safety push-buttons and the proprietary EasyChange system that makes it is possible to swap the bracelet for one of the various leather or rubber strap options, quickly and without the need for any tool.
With its ideal size and sporty-yet-classy appearance, the Aikon Skeleton Automatic 39 mm will sit comfortably on most wrists (the wrist in our pictures is 18 cm / 7 in) and will be at ease both in formal or informal situations.
Delivering truly excellent value for the money, the new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Automatic 39 mm ref. AI6007-SS002-030-1 has a price of CHF 3,200. mauricelacroix.com
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