MAURICE LACROIX AIKON AUTOMATIC CERAMIC 39MM & 42MM
At the end of 2024, Maurice Lacroix will launch the AIKON Automatic Ceramic – a real eye-catcher, available in two sizes and two contrasting colors: black and white. These new models culminate three years of research and development, offering unprecedented value for money. They make ceramic watches affordable without sacrificing their highly refined appearance. Indeed, Maurice Lacroix goes one step further: The brand uses "technical ceramic," a material that enhances the performance of conventional ceramic by optimizing zirconium oxide with additional oxides.
The case and bracelet were given special attention to ensure every surface and every facet meets the highest standards. Furthermore, each link was designed to fit smoothly around the wrist, ensuring maximum comfort. The new AIKON Automatic Ceramic once again underlines AIKON's reputation as a watch with special nuanced details and excellent finishes. One material, two looks – depending on how you want to express your personal urban style.
TECHNICAL CERAMICS: A MATERIAL WITH LASTING ATTRACTION
This year, Maurice Lacroix launched several versions of the AIKON, its highly successful urban-style watch, in a variety of materials. As a crowning achievement in 2024, the Swiss brand is turning its attention to "technical ceramic," a scratch-resistant material that retains its flawless appearance over the years. Ceramic cases made of zirconium oxide have existed for some time. However, with the development of a technical ceramic, Maurice Lacroix is setting new standards in the performance of this material.
Like conventional ceramics, technical ceramics are corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. However, they represent a significant advance in terms of durability, heat resistance, and overall strength. To create this innovative material, zirconium oxide is enhanced with three other oxides—hafnium oxide, yttrium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The process is strictly monitored to ensure the desired result.
The technical ceramic cases and bracelets required three years of intensive research and development, and numerous technical challenges had to be overcome. Maurice Lacroix's R&D team invested a great deal of time, often working late into the night, to ensure that every surface and facet of the case and bracelet met the brand's exacting standards. One particular technical challenge, for example, was the bezel with its distinctive protruding claws and contrasting finish. The technical ceramic bracelet also proved extremely challenging, as the links must be flexible to fit perfectly around the wrist and ensure optimal comfort.
During the development process, Maurice Lacroix intensively studied the topic and surveyed retailers and customers. Based on this feedback, the brand optimized the appearance and surfaces of the new models made of technical ceramic. Particular attention was paid to the ergonomic relationship between the case, bracelet, and wearer. All of these time-consuming efforts led to the development of the new Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Ceramic, a unisex model with a diameter of either 39 mm or 42 mm and distinctly different appearance.
TECHNICAL CERAMICS: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
Since its founding in 1975, Maurice Lacroix has been committed to high perceived value. With the new Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Ceramic, the Franches-Montagnes brand offers unprecedented value and the opportunity to delight new customers with this appealing material.
A LESSON IN CONTRAST
In 2016, Maurice Lacroix introduced the first AIKON, a quartz watch inspired by its best-selling CALYPSO model of the 1990s. Two years later, the company launched mechanical versions of the AIKON, prompting an exponential rise in the collection's popularity. In the following years, Maurice Lacroix capitalized on this success by launching different case sizes, dial colors, and complications.
Now, Maurice Lacroix is focusing on contrasts with the new AIKON Automatic Ceramic, available in either white or black. The matte black 42mm version has a stealthy feel, emphasizing the urban atmosphere of a night owl who takes center stage after dark, while the glossy white 39mm version shines angelically in the sunlight, drawing admiring glances wherever it goes.
Whether by day or night, open or discreet, innocent or knowing – there's an AIKON Automatic Ceramic that's perfectly attuned to the respective situation, mood, and wearer. Maurice Lacroix proves once again that the brand is a master of materials and contrasts. With a performance that causes a sensation.