Based in Saignelégier, in the heart of the Swiss Jura, Maurice Lacroix is pleased to unveil a unique watch, the AIKON Skeleton TimeForArt, that will be auctioned in support of Swiss Institute and TimeForArt, the first-ever benefit auction to support contemporary art and artists. Based on the watch brand’s popular AIKON model, this one-off creation unites watchmaking with a daring exemplar of avant-garde design.
Launched in 2016, the AIKON has become a byword for urban style. The inaugural model was quartz, but the collection soon grew to encompass numerous mechanical watches incorporating a variety of complications. In this instance, the brand from the Swiss Jura has created a unique piece, employing a skeleton movement as an artistic canvas, enriched with a myriad of hues. Luminescent hour and minute hands, along with a slim central sweep seconds hand, float above a sapphire dial and collaborate with indexes, once again luminescent, to indicate the prevailing time.
Maurice Lacroix has worked closely with movement specialist Sellita to conceive the exclusive Automatic ML115 (base SW200) featured within this watch. For the first time, the watch brand has also suffused the movement plate and bridges with a special rainbow treatment, imbuing the model with a very distinctive appearance. Courtesy of its openworked design, the wearer is able to see a plethora of moving components ordinarily hidden from view. The movement plays with transparency, allowing light to pass through its various openings, thereby illuminating a myriad of parts. The oscillating weight is customised, incorporating sandblasted and sunbrushed decoration. Furthermore, the movement is adorned with colimaçon.
The rainbow-theme also extends to the oscillating weight, a feature that obviates the need for manual winding. It can be viewed in all its glory, courtesy of a sapphire caseback. Housed in a modestly sized 39mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is presented on a matching bracelet and supplied with an additional black rubber strap. The Maison’s ingenious Easy Strap Exchange System provides a simple means of swapping between the bracelet and strap without the need for tools.
The Maurice Lacroix TimeForArt not only imparts time, but also serves as a breathtaking example of contemporary art, something that will no doubt resonate with Swiss Institute and its many supporters.
TimeforArt benefit auction and roadshow details
The Maurice Lacroix TimeForArt will be auctioned at the Phillips ‘New York Watch Auction: SEVEN’ which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11. Prior to the event, each expression of horological art will be exhibited in various cities around the globe as part of the forthcoming Philips roadshow.
• Singapore: 13-15 October
• London: 20-23 October
• Geneva: 2-6 November
• Hong Kong: 24-29 November
• New York: 3-9 December
About TimeforArt
New York non-profit Swiss Institute introduces TimeForArt, the first-ever benefit watch auction to support contemporary art. The inaugural edition of TimeForArt gathers exceptional timepieces from the world’s foremost watchmakers, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to supporting today’s most visionary artists through Swiss Institute’s innovative exhibitions, public programs, education & community engagement workshops in New York City and beyond.
The timepieces curated for TimeForArt express the most artistic elements of contemporary watchmaking, shining a light on the creative core of today’s horology. With the theme of artists for artists, all featured watches are either unique collaborations with world-renowned artisans, interventions by leading contemporary artists, bespoke examples of innovative craftsmanship or coveted limited-edition timepieces.
Maurice Lacroix AIKON Skeleton TimeForArt Technical Specifications
Functions
- Hours, minutes and seconds.
Movement
- Automatic Skeleton ML115
- Decorations:
- Rainbow skeleton plate and rotor.
- Soleillage, sandblasting and colimaçon on the mainplate and oscillating weight.
Case
- Case diameter: 39 mm
- Case height: 11 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case setting: No
- Water resistance: 20 ATM
Dial
- Sapphire with black flange
Strap / Bracelet
- 5-row steel bracelet or black rubber with rhodium M-logo
- Buckle: Stainless steel folding clasp or stainless steel pin buckle
YOUR TIME IS NOW WITH MAURICE LACROIX
For more than 40 years, Maurice Lacroix has demonstrated all of its watchmaking exper tise, crafting watches within the brand’s Manufacture in Saignelégier, Switzerland. Having won more than fifteen awards, the brand has demonstrated an innovative, avant-garde and per fectionist spirit over the years. Maurice Lacroix’s culture is indeed to offer affordable watches, with iconic design and high perceived value. In 2016, Maurice Lacroix reinterpreted its iconic model of the 90s, the Calypso, releasing the AIKON. Moder n and daring, the AIKON is made for a generation of Millennials who are connected, cosmopolitan and talented. This ambitious generation is setting out to conquer the world’s cities, embracing their unique spirit. A constant source of inspiration for the Maurice Lacroix creative team, an active and urban brand, that thrives in the electric energy of these cities.
With this in mind, Maurice Lacroix chooses to associate its image with a set of activities that allow consumers to experience the unique vitality of city life.
YOUR TIME IS NOW
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