The integrated bracelet without the waitlist
By Priya Nair, Singapore ยท
Let's be frank: the Aikon exists because certain steel sports watches have waitlists measured in years. Maurice Lacroix took its 1990s Calypso, kept the bezel claws, and built a sharper case around it. The result is the watch people buy when they want the look and would rather spend the difference on dinner.
The 42 mm steel case has a blue 'clous de Paris' dial, 200 m water resistance and a bracelet that switches to a strap without tools. Inside is the ML115, which is based on a Sellita SW200-1, with 38 hours.
Where it falls short is size and finish. At 42 mm and 11 mm it reads big for this style, which is why the 39 mm version exists. And the bracelet, while solid, doesn't have the polished-bevel finish of the watches it's compared to. Nobody at the table will mistake it for one.
At $2,800 it is still one of the better-made watches in its niche and holds its own on the wrist. Choose the 39 if you can.