We have a column at WorldTempus called “Fantasy Shopping” where I give one of our journalists a fictive budget and they have to come up with their top five timepieces within that budget. It is funny because they are always begging me for more money, like I actually have real money to give away!
But sometimes, what we love isn’t in that six-figure zone because a good-looking timepiece can exist at all levels of the horological price pyramid. In fact, one of my go-to timepieces isn’t a diamond-studded annual calendar, or a rose gold day date, but my Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide in shocking pink. Since I acquired it, I think I have had more comments on this watch than anything else in my collection – and in my line of work – I am mixing in quite fancy horological circles!
Since strapping on my Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide, there have been a myriad of other models that have equally caught my eye. So, in true “Fantasy Shopping” style, here are five of my top favourites Aikons – from CHF 750 to CHF 3,500 – to prove that style isn’t always linked to the price tag.
Aikon #Tide 40mm Benzilla
Although I would never give up my pink Aikon #Tide, I also really like this special collaborative edition between Maurice Lacroix and Thai artist Benzilla. The dial features a reproduction of Benzilla’s three-eyed character called “LOOOK” and is framed by a 40mm black bezel and orange case, matching the colours on the dial. The case is made from a proprietary composite material consisting of ocean-sourced plastics and fiberglass, making it twice as hard and five times more scratch-resistant than traditional materials. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement and paired with a bright turquoise strap, this timepiece is fun, artistic, and sustainable – and all for CHF 750.
Aikon PVD 42mm
This is the latest edition to the Aikon family that comes in a grey gunmetal PVD case that gives off a metallic sheen. The dial features a traditional Clous de Paris motif and is smoked so it is darker around the outside and lighter in the middle. There is also a slightly smaller 39mm version in midnight blue that is equally stunning. Both are limited to 888 pieces and are priced at CHF 2,300 each.
Aikon Automatic Limited Summer Edition 35mm, 39mm, and 42mm
The Aikon Automatic Summer Edition comes in stainless steel with a choice of sizes – 35mm, 39mm, and 42mm – for all wrist sizes. It is fitted with a turquoise blue dial and is available with a matching-coloured rubber strap and/or a stainless steel bracelet, which can be easily switched thanks to the brand’s easy-change system. All three sizes are powered by an automatic movement that indicates the hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Price: Around CHF 2,500.
Aikon Automatic Venturer GMT
For urban adventurers who love to travel, the Aikon Automatic Venturer GMT is a great travel watch. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, with a white sun-brushed dial, and powered by an automatic movement, this version indicates the hours, minutes, seconds from the centre, a date in an aperture at three o’clock, and a second time zone via an orange hand with a triangular tip. This model also has a unidirectional rotating bezel, screwed-down crown, and 300m water resistance, in case your travels take you anywhere near the ocean! Price: CHF 2,550.
Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39mm
The Maurice Lacroix Automatic Skeleton shows how versatile the Aikon model can be. We started with colourful recycled ocean plastics and here we have a genuine horological interpretation of the same model with the skeletonized automatic Calibre ML135. A mix of brushed and polished finishing across the stainless steel case, bezel, and bracelet, takes this model even further as every single surface plays with the light. Price: CHF 3,450.
So, if you were to play “Fantasy Shopping” with the Maurice Lacroix Aikon, which models would you choose?
