News - AIKONIC

A unique dial with a local flavour

Building on the success of the AIKON, the new AIKONIC is the ultimate expression of AIKON ownership. While sharing a familial likeness with the AIKON, this new collection incorporates ‘innovative craftsmanship’. This term, abbreviated to ‘IC’, refers to the use of new materials for the dial and case, the incorporation of a new ultra-refined movement and the introduction of the ingenious, patented ML Easy Change system.

The AIKONIC features a carbon dial with a difference. Most carbon structures are formed of interwoven carbon fibre strands, arranged at angles to create patterned weaves. However, the AIKONIC’s carbon dial incorporates numerous fibres running north to south in one direction and appear as grey and black lines. As part of the dial making process, the arrangement of carbon fibres will always be slightly different, resulting in each dial having its own unique appearance. Normally, carbon dials are the preserve of Haute Horlogerie; however, Maurice Lacroix has democratised this form of display. When creating the carbon dial for the AIKONIC, the brand looked beyond the watchmaking industry and collaborated with a specialist firm based approximately 40 km from Saignelégier, a decision consistent with the Maison’s desire to create watches with a distinctive local flavour.

A case for new materials

On seeing the AIKONIC for the first time, AIKON devotees will immediately recognise the six, double-width arms gracing the bezel, a detail first found on the inaugural AIKON of 2016. These arms proved a source inspiration, influencing the design of the hour and minute hands, hour markers and crown. The crown also features a tactile grip, granting ease of manipulation and, together with the bezel, is formed of matt ceramic, a scratchproof material that won’t fade with the onset of years.

The steel case juxtaposes vertical fine brushed and polished surfaces, imbuing the AIKONIC with a refined aesthetic, while the strap affixes to the case with high-gleam attachments. The flanks of the case are endowed with variable chamfreins (chamfers that increase in magnitude) that readily engage with light, heightening the perception of quality. To ensure maximum dial legibility, the sapphire crystal features an upgraded anti-reflective coating. Applied to both sides of the sapphire crystal, this treatment proffers superior light transmittance and improved resistance to salt water.

The patented ML Easy Change system

Supplied on a sporty rubber strap featuring a rubber textile-look insert, the AIKONIC is equipped with another example of innovative technology, namely the patented ML Easy Change. This feature allows the wearer to remove the bracelet, creating an alternative look, without the need for tools and with no visible catches or levers. Where the central row of links meet the case body, they pivot, allowing the bracelet to be separated from the watch head. Refitting the bracelet simply requires the wearer to line it up and push it home until it clicks into position.

The ML1000 Calibre

Keen to create an automatic movement worthy of its new high-end model, Maurice Lacroix chose to work closely with Soprod, a movement specialist located less than 10 km from Saignelégier. The new ML1000 Calibre is endowed with a myriad of refinements, several of which are visible via the exhibition caseback. The balance bridge is secured with two screws, delivering superior stability and attractive symmetry. The oscillating mass is large, boosting reliability, and openworked, granting sight of the beautifully decorated movement. The finishing includes blued screws, perlage and Côtes de Genève, providing a level of refinement seldom seen at this price point. Beyond its good looks, the ML1000 Calibre delivers impressive accuracy with an average daily rate of ± 4 seconds and has a prodigious power-reserve of 60 hours.