Openwork timepieces are an integral part of Maurice Lacroix's history and watchmaking culture. Its first such creation, the Calypso Skeleton, dates back from 1993. Consisting in the hollowing of a movement's parts, in order to retain only its bearing and functional structures, the "squelettage" is inseparable from a graphic frame of mind, one that sets the hollow apart from the void according to a designer's will, and the zeitgeist.
New Aikon case
Based on the 2016 Aikon Quartz design, the Aikon Automatic case leans towards a more masculine, sharper state of mind, one that is also more polarizing. It is 45 mm wide, yet only 13 mm thick. Entirely made of steel, both brushed and polished, it stands out thanks to the six arms on its bezel, positioned once every two hours. This is a signature feature of the Aikon collection, as is the one-piece case shape. Without lugs, it bears two prongs that descend on the bracelet and shape its curve.
Aikon Automatic Skeleton introduces Maurice Lacroix's Easychange system.
These fast-swap attachments allow to singlehandedly remove the bracelet, in a few seconds. At case level, the leather is cut out to accommodate two small vertical prongs, which commands the spring bars' opening. And so is detached the long piece of alligator leather with black on black stitching, which features Maurice Lacroix's signature M logo applique. It is coupled with a double deployant buckle, which allows a fine length adjustment.
Skeletonised movement
Entirely designed for Aikon Automatic Skeleton, the automatic caliber ML234 is the result of a thorough aesthetic and functional reshuffle of the ML134 caliber, one of the first to have come out of the Maurice Lacroix manufacture. It is structured by a series of five con centric circles, that run diagonally through the entire watch. Bridge after bridge, they radiate from the center of the barrel, at one o'clock.
Said bridges are black due to a DLC surface treatment. Their central canal is lower and sandblasted. Their outline is one level higher and satin-brushed. All of the components are hollowed out - the barrel, the balance wheel - the winding mechanism, the oscillating weight. Visible at the back side, he oscillating weight features a brand new design, with the highest level of open-working possible, and includes the drawing of the brand's logo. One level above this mechanical lattice, a sapphire dial bears rhodium-plated indices and the small seconds hand, at 6 o'clock.
