The Calypso line was the best-selling sports model of Maurice Lacroix in the 1990s.
It featured both mechanical and quartz movements. Given the current demand for luxury sports watches for buyers without five-figure budgets, the Calypso model underwent a fundamental redesign and was transformed into the Aikon. Released in 2016 with a quartz movement, the Aikon appeared a year later with a mechanical movement and caught our attention. Retaining the characteristic double claws on the bezel from the Calypso model, Aikon now represents a solid collection of reliable, well-made, attractive, and affordable sports watches. To keep prices competitive, the watch movements are based on Swiss automatics. The latest time and date Aikon model added to the collection is this charming bronze model with a chocolate brown fumé dial.
Maurice Lacroix, one of the first brands to explore bronze cases, released its first bronze Aikon in 2017. Bronze watches are much warmer than steel and develop a patina over time, unique to each owner. Compared to the first bronze version, several changes contribute to a more compact and refined design.
The sturdy 42mm matte bronze tonneau-shaped case has a thickness of 11mm and is adorned with the brand's signature double claws holding the round bezel. Instead of polishing, the double claws feature a contemporary matte sandblasted finish that stands out against the matte bezel surface, adding extra texture. To avoid skin contact, the screw-down case back is made of stainless steel. The large screw-down crown ensures water resistance up to 200 meters.
Unlike the previous bronze model with a flat blue square dial, the Aikon showcases a more intricate Clous de Paris dial texture. Made in a warm gradient chocolate brown that lightens at the center and intensifies towards the periphery, the dial reflects the modern trend for gradient dials. The choice of warm brown tones for the dial, combined with the warm golden hues of the bronze case, complements each other beautifully in this context.
Another distinction from the earlier bronze model is the absence of Arabic numerals at the “12”, “6”, and “9 o'clock” positions. Instead, elegant 4N gold indices appear on the dial, with hour and minute hands featuring a central white Super-LumiNova strip. The combination of gold and chocolate colors has not gone unnoticed: the minute markers on the peripheral track are gold, as are the inscriptions on the dial. The gold-framed date window at the “3 o'clock” position completes this beautiful composition.
A brown vintage leather strap complements the warm golden color of the case and dial. The practical EasyStrap exchange system, which requires no tools, allows the owner to change straps in seconds. The automatic Sellita caliber, based on the SW200-1 model, runs at a frequency of 28,800 vph and offers a relatively modest power reserve of 38 hours. Visible through the case back, it is decorated with Geneva stripes and perlage.
Availability and Price
The Aikon Automatic Bronze watches are released in a limited series of 888 pieces. The watches are sold at a price of 2,400 Swiss Francs (including tax) and can be purchased directly on the brand's website.