In 2016, Maurice Lacroix introduced the AIKON, a timepiece that quickly ascended to become the best-selling collection for the brand. Now, the watchmaker from the Franches Montagnes is revisiting this urban classic with a bold new range known as the AIKONIC. This fresh iteration shares a familial likeness with its predecessor but arrives packed with what the manufacture terms innovative craftsmanship. The collection represents the ultimate expression of AIKON ownership by incorporating cutting-edge materials and a new ultra-refined movement.

The standout feature of this new release is a face that is entirely unique. The AIKONIC features a carbon dial that eschews the traditional woven patterns of haute horlogerie in favor of unidirectional fibers running north to south. This arrangement creates distinctive grey and black lines that ensure no two dials are ever exactly the same. The brand sourced this distinct local flavor from a specialist firm just 40 kilometers from Saignelégier to democratize a material usually reserved for the highest echelons of watchmaking.

Devotees of the original design will instantly recognize the six double-width arms that grace the bezel. These signature elements have influenced the design of the hour markers and hands while the bezel itself is formed of matte ceramic. This scratchproof material ensures the watch will not fade with the onset of years and pairs beautifully with a tactile crown made of the same durable substance. The surrounding steel case juxtaposes vertical fine brushed and polished surfaces to imbue the piece with a refined aesthetic.

Beneath the rugged exterior beats the new ML1000 Calibre which was developed in close collaboration with Soprod. Located less than 10 kilometers from the manufacture, this specialist helped create a movement endowed with a myriad of refinements visible through the exhibition caseback. An openworked oscillating mass grants a clear view of the beautifully decorated movement which boasts blued screws and Côtes de Genève finishing. This engine delivers impressive accuracy with an average daily rate of plus or minus four seconds and a prodigious power reserve of 60 hours.

The timepiece is supplied on a sporty rubber strap featuring a textile-look insert that affixes to the case with high-gleam attachments. It features the ingenious and patented ML Easy Change system which allows the wearer to create an alternative look without the need for tools. This innovative technology uses pivoting links where the bracelet meets the case body to ensure a seamless transition between styles.