So far, we've discussed several unique pieces sent to the Only Watch charity auction, where watches are sold to raise funds for research in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We still have a few more pieces in store, including the unique Maurice Lacroix Aikon. In the development of the Aikon Master Big Date model, introduced earlier this year, Maurice Lacroix teamed up with Mahindra Racing, competing in Formula E. This is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021.
The Aikon collection, launched in 2016 and inspired by the Maurice Lacroix Calypso from the 1990s, is a relatively accessible model and a strong competitor in the luxury sports watch segment. While it may not be as refined as some of the most popular models in this category - the 'big three' will cost you well over 20,000 - the Aikon is an interesting proposition. The bezel with six double claws is a signature element, as is the sharp case shape, transitioning into the bracelet or strap.
Maurice Lacroix is the official partner of Mahindra Racing, a British team competing under an Indian license, in the ABB FIA Formula E championship. This connection to the world of motorsport led to the first model in the Aikon line: carbon fiber cases (with stainless steel components with black DLC coating). According to Maurice Lacroix representatives, the material was sourced from a real Formula E car and turned into a lightweight 47 mm carbon fiber case. Compared to the Aikon Master Big Date model introduced earlier this year, the case size has increased by 2 mm.
The dial of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021 is orange, with an embossed and sun-brushed off-center hours and minutes dial, which is framed by a yellow ring. Just below is an open-worked small seconds display. Orange is the official color theme of Only Watch 2021, as seen in several other unique watches donated for this event. The rest of the dial is in the same orange color.
The main features of the watch are the visible escapement between 6 and 9 o'clock and the large date display above it. To match the carbon fiber and orange theme, the escapement parts are finished in black, and the large date display uses black discs with contrasting yellow numbers.
The back of the watch reveals the in-house ML331 movement. Although Maurice Lacroix predominantly uses third-party movements, part of the collection is equipped with in-house developed movements, often with unconventional dials (e.g., Aikon Mercury). This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and features a black finish with a skeletonized rotor. The power reserve is 50 hours.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Big Date Only Watch 2021 comes with two straps: orange and black, both equipped with a carbon fiber clasp. The straps can be easily changed thanks to the integrated quick-release system. The estimated price ranges from 12,000 to 18,000 Swiss Francs. As a bonus, the winner of the auction for this watch is invited to an ABB FIA Formula E 2022 racing event with a full VIP package, courtesy of Mahindra Racing.
For more information, visit MauriceLacroix.com.
Note: Maurice Lacroix noted that the case back shown in the photos is not final and will be slightly modified before the watch is auctioned at Only Watch.
Founded in 2005, Only Watch biennially raises funds for muscular dystrophy research - Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). The 9th edition of the watches, organized under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, will be auctioned by Christie’s on Saturday, November 6, 2021. More details at www.onlywatch.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – MAURICE LACROIX AIKON MASTER BIG DATE ONLY WATCH 2021
Case: diameter 45 mm x height 15 mm – carbon fiber case and bezel – stainless steel case back and crown with black DLC coating – sapphire crystal front and back – water resistance 100 m.
Dial: main part of the dial in orange – orange hours and minutes dial with embossed and matte finish – yellow ring around the hours and minutes dial – open-worked small seconds display – visible escapement – large date display with black discs and yellow numbers – black hands with yellow luminescent material
Movement: caliber LM331, in-house – automatic – 43 jewels – 18,000 per hour (frequency 2.5 Hz) – power reserve 50 hours – off-center hours and minutes dial – open small seconds dial – visible escapement – large date display
Strap: orange strap with contrasting yellow stitching – black strap with matching stitching – carbon fiber clasp
Availability: unique piece for Only Watch 2021
Price: estimated from 12,000 to 18,000 Swiss Francs