If you appraise iconic designs, you will see that they beget variations. Take for example the Fender Stratocaster, which is offered in alder or ash bodies, different headstock designs and neck shapes. Despite the differences, the original design DNA remains the same. The same can be said of the Maurice Lacroix AIKON, a collection with subtle variations across but all within one original framework. The inaugural Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic was first introduced in 2016 as the bedrock of the collection and has seen constant iterations and updates over the years, the latest of which sees cross-pollination of colours and new series of straps.
Early advertisement of the Maurice Lacroix Calypso
Before we dive into the watch, let us take a quick trip down memory lane to understand the AIKON. The Maurice Lacroix AIKON (pronounced ‘icon’) collection is an evolution of the now-defunct Maurice Lacroix Calypso collection which got its start in 1990. The inimitable bezel claw design and lugless case of the Calypso were integral to the design blueprint of the Maurice Lacroix AIKON. A masterstroke by Maurice Lacroix was to afford 200m water resistance to the AIKON automatic, giving it an extra dimension of versatility as it transcends both land and water effortlessly.
The limited Maurice Lacroix AIKON Urban Tribe X Simon Noguiera
During the launch in 2016, the AIKON was only available in quartz variations, which was frustrating because the Calypso design was both well-liked and remembered. Thankfully, mechanical movements and complications were introduced not long after, as Maurice Lacroix heard and answered the requests from their customer base. The strategy proved to be a success for Maurice Lacroix as they steered their subsequent releases towards their customer’s preferences.
Maurice Lacroix releases the new FKM rubber strap for greater versatility
One such example is the introduction of a new range of straps made from FKM rubber to cater to individuals leading an active lifestyle. FKM rubber is renowned for its superior flexibility to regular rubber and is commonly used in high-performance applications in the automotive and aerospace industries as it provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals, oil and heat. Couple this with Maurice Lacroix’s Easy Strap Exchange system, owners can change their straps to cater to their changing requirements. As with the wide selection of colours the Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic is rendered in, the rubber straps are released in matching colours.
Another decision Maurice Lacroix took was to cater to the tastes of both genders in terms of dial colours and case sizes for their most popular 39mm and 42mm Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic models. The 39mm model is now also available with a green dial, first seen on the 42mm version. Likewise, the rosé dial that proved very popular with the 39mm case is now offered on the larger 42mm model. A new urban shade of dark grey is released across both 39mm and 42mm dimensions.
Once you’re done with this story about the Maurice Lacroix AIKON, click here to check out the entire collection!
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