Maurice Lacroix proves that Swiss icons can still surprise
Maurice Lacroix unveils the AIKONIC, blending Swiss craftsmanship, innovative materials and Jura spirit into accessible excellence.
In 2016, Maurice Lacroix introduced the AIKON, a contemporary urban watch that swiftly became the Maison’s defining success.
Today, from its base in the Franches Montagnes, the brand reveals the AIKONIC, a collection that honours the spirit of the original while embracing what the Manufacture calls “innovative craftsmanship” or “IC”.
Crafted in Saignelégier with locally sourced elements, the AIKONIC combines advanced materials with finely tuned horology.
It embodies the Maison’s guiding principle of accessible excellence while capturing the energy of modern city life.
As the natural progression of the AIKON, the AIKONIC refines the collection to its highest form.
It preserves familiar hallmarks while introducing fresh materials for case and dial, a newly developed movement of exceptional precision and the patented ML Easy Change system.
It is both a statement of creativity and a testament to watchmaking know-how.
Where conventional carbon dials feature woven patterns, the AIKONIC presents vertically aligned fibres that form grey and black linear textures.
Each dial is inherently unique, giving every watch an individual identity. While such dials are usually reserved for haute horlogerie, Maurice Lacroix has broadened their appeal without sacrificing exclusivity.
To create this distinctive aesthetic, the Maison collaborated with a specialist firm located just 40 kilometres from Saignelégier, a choice that reflects its dedication to regional expertise. The result is a dial that fuses Swiss craftsmanship with urban sophistication.
The six double-width arms on the bezel, introduced in the original AIKON of 2016, remain a defining element.
They influence the design of the hands, hour markers and crown. The crown, fashioned in matt ceramic, offers both tactile ease and resilience, with ceramic ensuring scratch resistance and enduring beauty.
The steel case combines brushed and polished surfaces in an elegant interplay of textures, while angled chamfers catch and reflect the light, enhancing the perception of refinement.
The sapphire crystal is treated with advanced anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring clarity and durability even in challenging environments.
The AIKONIC is offered on a robust rubber strap with a textile-style insert, complemented by the Maison’s patented ML Easy Change system. This discreet mechanism allows the wearer to switch between strap and bracelet without tools, offering seamless adaptability for different occasions.
For this creation, Maurice Lacroix partnered with Soprod, a movement specialist located less than 10 kilometres from its Manufacture, to develop the ML1000 Calibre.
Visible through the exhibition caseback, the movement is beautifully finished with blued screws, perlage and Côtes de Genève.
Its technical credentials are equally impressive. A twin-screw balance bridge ensures stability and symmetry, while an openworked oscillating mass provides a glimpse of the mechanics within.
The movement delivers a precision of ±4 seconds per day and a 60-hour power reserve, standards rarely encountered at this level of accessibility.
Stéphane Waser explains that the AIKONIC was conceived to build on the success of the AIKON by showcasing the brand’s expertise through innovative craftsmanship and locally sourced components, resulting in a model that reflects the spirit of the Jura while delivering accessible excellence.
Your time is now
Since 1975, Maurice Lacroix has blended urban elegance with Swiss precision, consistently delivering remarkable value and horological creativity.
Its Manufacture in the Franches Montagnes has produced a wealth of in-house movements and acclaimed designs, including the MASTERPIECE Square Wheel (2010), the MASTERPIECE Mysterious Seconds (2013) and the Triple Rétrograde (2021), earning more than 15 international awards.
In 2016, inspired by requests to revive the Calypso, discontinued in 2003, the Maison reinterpreted the model for a new generation. The AIKON was born, instantly resonating with younger collectors and becoming a cornerstone of the brand.
Today, Maurice Lacroix continues to draw inspiration from the world’s great cities, capturing their vitality in timepieces designed for those who thrive in fast-moving, cosmopolitan settings.
