Review Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint

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Christmas is approaching fast and most of us think about the last gifts we need to acquire for our loved ones. But not all of us spend Christmas and the end of the year in the nordic hemisphere… So for those going on the sunny side of the blue planet or for those extrovert and sporty friends I have a super recommendation – the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon is the modern and more urban interpretation of elements from older collections (like Calypso). While the previous collections were interesting, it was mainly a slim quartz series that followed this style of design. The evolution permitted a widening of the collection in a more actual design. Those familiar with the brand’s watches before the launch of the Aikon line will recognise clear characteristic elements that made Maurice Lacroix desirable. Moreover, these elements constituted the strong points of the collection.

The Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint

Chronograph Sprint is the newest super sports piece of 2016’s launched Aikon. It brings together the collections strong design language on a daring sports interpretation. Packed in a 200m water-resistant case, the watch promises to be the perfect companion to your next urban or wild experience.

A bold appearance

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint comes in a large 44m black DLC case. The black finish is tough enough not to worry about the vicissitudes of a normal active lifestyle. The DLC promises increased protection against the usual scratches.

The fans of the brand and of the collection will recognise the bezel featuring the six double protuberances design (at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and respectively 12 o’clock). This detail is an inheritance of the brand’s older designs (and one of the defining detail).

Covered with sapphire on top and bottom, the case still achieves an impressive 200m water resistance (especially considering it is a chronograph). So nothing can stand against your next adventure.

Another element to support your active life is the blue rubber strap (with an easy change system) decorated with the Maurice Lacroix embellished logo. The brand is one of the very few that does this (and did this consistently in the past – another main detail for Maurice Lacroix watches).

Since there is no element left aside, the crown and the chrono pushers received the same black DLC treatment on a satin finish. The crown features the embossed Maurice Lacroix logo. A lovely detail is the Start/Stop chrono-pusher found at 2 o’clock that features the superb light blue insert.

Dark or jovial? What is your favourite side of it?

I have to admit I found the Aikon Chronograph Sprint a fun and enjoyable piece. One might expect from a black dial to be somehow dull. The pastel blue takes care to remove any boredness.

We found a classic layout: a vertical chronograph displacement with central chrono seconds, 30-minutes upper counter and 12 hours totaliser on the lower side of the dial. The median areal is split horizontally between the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the day/date apertures on the right.

The dial is enriched with a stamped in-relief rectangular pattern surrounded by a flat recessed register featuring light blue on black chrono seconds indexes.

Gunmetal applied indexes accompany the skeletonised and SuperLuminova filled central hands. The combination offers enough contrast for good legibility but a beautiful cosmetic appearance. The chrono function is well highlighted by the use of blue on all three hands.

The small seconds sub-dial features the light blue background as a highlight. Together with the chrono-pusher and the rubber strap made me think about the Caribbean regions.

A tough movement

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint is powered by the Calibre ML112. This movement is based on the legendary ETA/Valjoux 7750. This 4Hz movement can achieve 54 hours of power reserve.

The movement is visible on the back of the watch so we can observe a series of decent machined finishes like circular-graining, vertical Côtes de Genève on bridges and rotor plus a lacquered engraving bearing the brand’s name and logo.

The ML112 is widely used by the Maurice Lacroix in its chronographs for its exceptional robustness proved by time (and countless watches based on the same ebauche).

Bring the sunny side of life

Maurice Lacroix did again an excellent job. The Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint is a bold sports piece featuring many specific and recognisable elements that will please the brand’s enthusiasts. The watch tends to be an attractive choice for the younger generation due to its daring and adventurous spirit. The older generation will appreciate the well-built design featuring the elements that made the brand noticeable. Despite the age, we can all agree that the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint is a good looking piece with an interesting presentation. The watch is prepared to get in all your adventures on land or at the sea, encouraged by the resistant coating and the high water resistance. The watch wears a bit smaller than expected. On my wrist (18-18.5cm/7-7.2″), I was baffled by how comfortable and light seemed. The chrono behaviour is familiar from the 7750 ebauche (a bit stiff chrono-pushers, but nothing new …) with quite a precise actuation and easy set and wind. The Sprint chrono is not suitable for my business attire (as seen above) since it is a pure breed sports piece. A very enjoyable one.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph Sprint Technical Specifications

Reference AI6038-DLB01-330-4 – CHF 3,350.00, Incl. VAT

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