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Maurice Lacroix Drops Two Bronze Sports Watches

News

Maurice Lacroix Drops Two Bronze Sports Watches

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Maurice Lacroix continues to build upon its vision of contemporary horology with the introduction of two new limited edition sports watches crafted in bronze, The Aikon Automatic Bronze and the Pontos S Diver 2024. The Aikon Automatic Bronze features a rich bronze construction with a brown colorway, exuding sophistication with a modern flair. Simultaneously, Maurice Lacroix is bringing back the popular Pontos S Diver in bronze, just in time for summer adventures.

 

Aikon Automatic Bronze

 

The Aikon collection was developed as a revival of Maurice Lacroix’s Calypso timepieces, which were manufactured from 1990 until 2003. This collection played a significant role in establishing Maurice Lacroix’s reputation in the Swiss watchmaking industry. A number of critical Calypso design elements were incorporated into the Aikon’s design, such as the flat sapphire crystal, the distinctive protruding lugs that connect with the bracelet, and the six prominent arms that embellish the fixed bezel. Despite numerous variations in theme and style, these design features ensure the silhouette remains immediately identifiable.

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

The Aikon Automatic Bronze is designed with a sturdy 42mm brushed bronze case, featuring sandblasted riders on the bezel that enhance its depth and character. Despite its robust construction, the watch maintains a slim and unobtrusive presence on the wrist, standing at a height of 11mm. The open caseback, constructed from stainless steel, offers a view of the movement.

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

With a water resistance rating of 200 meters, the Aikon Automatic Bronze is well-equipped to accompany you on any adventure, whether you find yourself in the depths of the ocean or navigating your way through a concrete jungle. The familiar design of quintessential Seventies integrated bracelet sports watch makes it a versatile timepiece suitable for any setting.

 

The previous 42mm bronze model featured a deep blue quadrillé dial with Arabic numerals at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock. In contrast, the Aikon Automatic Bronze introduces a new level of sophistication with a gradient smoked chocolate dial. The Clous de Paris texture enhances the complexity of the design, while the 4N gold PVD Maurice Lacroix logo at 12 o’clock adds a touch of elegance. The interplay of light and shadow is further enhanced by the faceted hour, minute, and second hands in 4N gold, gliding across the indexes also in 4N gold. White Super-LumiNova inserts on the indices and hands ensure clear visibility even in low light conditions, while also adding to the unique aesthetic of the watch. A date window at 3 o’clock features a white date wheel with date in black color for high contrast.

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

Automatic Bronze features an integrated vintage brown leather strap that is adorned with the signature ‘M’ emblem in 4N Gold, adding a touch of refinement to the overall appearance. The strap complements the bronze case, especially with the watch’s evolving patina. The light gray stitching on the strap provides a subtle yet pronounced contrast. Additionally, Maurice Lacroix’s EasyStrap system allows for easy interchangeability of straps without the need for special tools.

 

Maurice Lacroix worked closely with movement manufacturer Sellita to create the exclusive Automatic ML135 movement, which is based on the workhorse SW200 movement. The movement is enriched with additional finishing like snailing and circular graining on its rhodium-plated components, and the rotor is embellished with the Maurice Lacroix logo. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the watch ensures consistent accuracy, and a power reserve of 38 hours.

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze

The Bottom Line

 

The ultimate result is a robust and striking timepiece marked by a slender profile and distinct warm hues. The amalgamation of a smoked brown dial along with a bronze casing imparts a contemporary edge to this otherwise traditional watch. It incorporates an adequate amount of character without veering into the realm of fleeting trends. Priced below $3,000, this timepiece emerges as an exceptional and adaptable choice for those seeking an integrated sports luxury watch.

 

Technical Specifications

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Bronze (Ref. AI6008-BRZ01-730-3)
Movement: Automatic ML 115 movement, Base Sellita SW200, 38 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds, date
Case: 42 mm x 11 mm, Bronze, 200m water resistance
Dial: Smoked brown Clous-de-Paris, 4N gold index with white Super-LumiNova
Strap: Integrated vintage brown leather with EasyStrap system
Price: USD 2,650
Availability: Limited to 888 pieces

 

Pontos S Diver Bronze 2024

 

The Pontos S Diver was introduced in 2013 as a serious dive watch. Despite the fact that only a minority of users would fully utilize its capabilities, it remained a unique offering. In 2016, Maurice Lacroix introduced the aforementioned Aikon, a watch designed for urban use that became an immediate success. Given the limitations in production capacity and success of the Aikon, the company strategically decided to discontinue the Pontos S production.

 

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver 2024

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver 2024

In 2023, Maurice Lacroix decided to bring back Pontos S Diver after receiving numerous requests for what had become a cult diver’s watch. This next-generation watch is marginally smaller than its 2013 predecessor, providing improved wearability. Moreover, it incorporates several enhancements while maintaining the core features of the original 2013 model.

 

The Pontos S Diver is encased in a 42mm bronze case with a textured black dial. The hands and indexes are designed in golden tones and coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. Despite its warm appearance, the watch exudes a cool aesthetic. But don’t let the aesthetic fool you, it is a 300m tool dive watch. Paired with a vintage brown leather strap and bronze pin buckle, this stylish Pontos S Diver 2024 model is limited to 888 pieces. Maurice Lacroix’s EasyStrap system provides a straightforward and tool-free method for swapping out the leather strap for a rubber one for diving.

 

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver 2024

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver 2024

The Pontos features an additional crown at 2 o’clock, allowing for operation of the internal rotating bezel. This feature is designed for measuring elapsed time underwater and can also serve as a useful reminder for any upcoming appointments. The watch is powered by the automatic ML115 caliber, based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement.

The Bottom Line

The strategic decision to bring back this cult favorite, now in a slightly smaller and more wearable size, not only underscores the company’s responsiveness to its customer base but also its ability to adapt to the trends within the luxury watch market. The new Pontos S Diver 2024 in bronze should appeal to both long-time enthusiasts and a new generation of watch aficionados.

Technical Specifications

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver 2024
Movement: Automatic ML 115 movement, Base Sellita SW200, 38 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds, date
Case: 42 mm, Bronze, 300m water resistance
Dial: Texured black, hands and index with Super-LumiNova
Strap: Vintage brown leather with EasyStrap system
Price: USD 2,700
Availability: Limited to 888 pieces

 

Learn more on Maurice Lacroix’s website