Engraving is essentially the art of removing material to reveal a three-dimensional form. Seen in these terms, it becomes clear that engraving and skeletonisation are two sides of the same coin. Both are about hollowing out, carving, and etching the material to create the desired geometry.
A logical progression
This connection was not lost on Maurice Lacroix, who used it as the inspiration for the new Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe. The piece is a direct descendant of the Urban Tribe launched in 2021 which, with its case and bracelet etched with urban motifs, served as the foundation for its skeletonised twin.
Consistency is the name of the game here. Maurice Lacroix has continued the engraving that began in 2021 on the watch's exterior, and brought it to the movement. The result is a movement whose geometry is highlighted by hollowed, sandblasted bridges, suspended indices and openworked wheels. It’s as if the modern urban aesthetic of concrete, glass and steel that defines our contemporary cities had been captured in a timepiece.
Texture and volume
The movement is where the real innovation lies. The finishes present a blend of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, circular brushing and grained bridges. In most cases, the surface treatment of the components is visible to the naked eye. The material is textured and tactile, evoking depth, rawness and naked intimacy. It's a unique yet coherent aesthetic choice, evoking the brutalist urban aesthetics of megacities – something the "mirror polish" of haute horology could never hope to capture.
Slimmed down
The same principles are applied to both case and bracelet, where you'll find the exact same motifs and techniques as in the 2021 model. The main difference is that the 42 mm case of the original Urban Tribe has been scaled down to 39 mm for its skeletonised sibling. The reason for this is twofold. First, the trend confirmed by sales data leans towards watches with a more moderate diameter, between 39 and 41 mm – a size range that has always been a hit with collectors and is now gaining popularity among the wider public. In fact, there are now just as many 38 mm and 39 mm Aikons as there are 42 mm versions (29 in total).
And second, a 42 mm skeleton model is more of a statement piece, making it less wearable for everyday use. The original 2021 version, with its intensely black dial, created a sense of enclosure on the wrist. But the 2023 skeleton version flips the script: its bare mechanics make it more noticeable and assertive. It wears more like a 40 mm watch, possibly even larger.
Limited edition
The base movement is the same – the dependable Sellita SW200 – but the rotor now boasts a custom sandblasted and sunray finish, while the movement itself is beaded and snailed. Just like its predecessor, the Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe remains an exclusive piece, limited to only 500 units.
