Maurice Lacroix elevates the Aikon with the arrival of the new Aikon Master Grand Date. With a completely a new movement working hand-in-hand with a fresh new design, the watch extends the urban appeal of the collection and brings it to the fore with unstoppable charisma.
The Aikon Master Grand Date is a marvel in watchmaking as the bold 45mm diameter of its steel case imbues traditional mechanical watchmaking codes seamlessly into the collection. Powered by the amazing achievement that is the in-house ML331 calibre, the Master Grand Date pushes the limits of the possibilities with the popular Aikon platform.
With the movement properly aligned, one can notice the visual aspects of the watch being divided into three sections. The hour and minute dial sits in line with the small seconds. Opposing both are the visible balance wheel and prominent big date display. The six bezel arms help to focus one’s view towards all these details as these point towards the centre of the noble blue sunburst dial.
All in, the key highlights of the ML331 are indeed the skeletonised opening on the balance wheel coupled with the new big date display. The former is where the bold skeletonised balance bridge at 8 o’clock works tirelessly in between the two sapphire crystals. Here, one may chance upon the traversing finely finished rotor. Right above it is a double-window large date display.
Finishing plays an important role in the Master Grand Date. There is a great contrast between the textures on the angled surfaces that help with the legibility of the watch. The off-centre Clous de Paris hour and minute dial, the grained dial plate and the Cordura bracelet are given a deep matte blue tone. Against these are the bezel, the large date aperture and the small seconds sub dial with the satin brushed texture. And finishing the look are the polished surfaces on the case along with the integrated metal bracelet.
With some roots grounded in the iconic Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity, the Master Grand Date is nevertheless its own watch. Even though there are some aesthetic similarities, this Aikon presents a unique vibe especially with the EasyChange system present allowing for quick switching between the recognisable steel bracelet to the Cordura strap.
For more watch reads, click here.
