The Maurice Lacroix Aikon is a Swiss steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet, recognizable by the six raised "claws" on its bezel. It is one of the best ways to own that style of watch without paying for a famous name. The choices are size (35, 39 or 42 mm for the main automatic models), movement (automatic or quartz) and version: the classic Aikon Automatic, the chronograph, the skeleton, or the lightweight Aikon #tide.
For most buyers, the Aikon Automatic in 39 mm is the one to start with. We have 164 Aikon watches in stock, from $420.
By the numbers: Switzerland exported CHF 25.9 billion of watches in 2024, 2.8% less than in 2023, in 15.3 million pieces (9.4% fewer), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (swissinfo.ch, 30 January 2025).
Where the Aikon comes from
Maurice Lacroix was founded in 1975 in Saignelégier, in the Swiss Jura, where its watches are still made. In the 1990s its best seller was the Calypso, a sports watch with six arms on its bezel.
In 2016 the brand revived that design as the Aikon, first with a quartz movement. The Aikon Automatic followed in 2018 and made the line's reputation: a well-finished case and bracelet, a patterned dial and a see-through case back, at a price far below the integrated-bracelet watches it resembles.
What every Aikon has
- The bezel with six claws, polished against a brushed background.
- An integrated bracelet of five links, or a strap that flows from the case.
- The Easychange system: press two small tabs under the lugs and the bracelet or strap comes off without tools.
- A dial with a square "Clous de Paris" pattern on most automatic models.
- Sapphire crystal and solid finishing.
The Aikon models
Aikon Automatic
The core of the line. An automatic movement with a power reserve of about 38 hours, visible through a sapphire case back, and 200 meters of water resistance with a screw-down crown. That is a real figure for a watch this elegant, and it makes the Aikon a watch you can swim with.
Sizes:
- 35 mm, the smallest, often with mother-of-pearl dials or diamonds.
- 39 mm, the size that suits most wrists.
- 42 mm, for larger wrists or a bolder look.
Dials come in blue, black, white, gray and green, with regular limited "summer" editions in brighter colors. We have 53 Aikon Automatic watches in stock, from $1,425.
Aikon Quartz
The original 2016 model, still made in several sizes for men and women. It has a plainer sunburst dial, a closed case back and a lower price. It is slimmer than the automatic and needs no attention beyond a battery every few years.
Aikon #tide
A playful, lightweight version with a case made from a composite that includes plastic recovered from the ocean. It is quartz, comes in a wide range of bright colors, and costs the least of the family. It is the Aikon as a casual summer watch.
Aikon Automatic Chronograph
A 44 mm chronograph with three subdials. It is a substantially bigger and heavier watch than the three-hand model, and it suits a large wrist.
Aikon Venturer and special versions
The Venturer adds a rotating dive bezel. The Aikon Automatic Skeleton shows the movement through an open dial. There are also titanium and ceramic versions and models with a large date or a second time zone.
How the Aikon wears
Integrated-bracelet watches wear larger than their diameter, because the first links of the bracelet do not bend where they meet the case. The Aikon is no exception:
- 39 mm wears like a 40 or 41 mm watch on a conventional bracelet. It is the safe choice for wrists from about 6.25 to 7.25 inches.
- 42 mm is a large watch. Choose it for a wrist of 7 inches or more.
- 35 mm suits small wrists and is far from being only a ladies' size.
Our guide to lug-to-lug length explains why, and the Real size button on each product page shows the case at its true size on your screen.
The bracelet tapers nicely and is comfortable, with a butterfly clasp that closes flush. Like most clasps of that type it has no fine adjustment, so the fit depends on the number of links. Ask us what wrist size a watch fits; our guide to sizing a bracelet explains how links are removed.
Automatic or quartz?
| Aikon Automatic | Aikon Quartz | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Self-winding mechanical | Battery |
| Dial | Square pattern on most | Sunburst |
| Case back | Sapphire, movement visible | Closed |
| Water resistance | 200 meters | Lower on most; check the listing |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Choose the automatic if you want a mechanical watch and the more detailed dial. Choose quartz if you want the look for less and a watch that is always running. Our guide to automatic and quartz explains the difference.
How it compares
The Aikon's closest rival is the Tissot PRX, which costs less and has a 1970s look of its own; our PRX buying guide covers it. The Aikon has the more elaborate case and bezel, the higher water resistance and the tool-free strap change. The PRX Powermatic 80 has the longer power reserve.
Above both sit the integrated-bracelet watches from much more expensive makers. The Aikon does not pretend to be one of them. What it offers is the same kind of watch, well made, for a small fraction of the price.
Reading the reference
Maurice Lacroix references begin with letters for the line, AI for Aikon, followed by a four-digit model code:
- AI6006: Aikon Automatic 35 mm
- AI6007: Aikon Automatic 39 mm
- AI6008: Aikon Automatic 42 mm
- AI2008: Aikon #tide
The rest of the reference describes the case material, the dial and the strap or bracelet. The reference is shown under the title of every watch on our site.
What to check before you buy
- The size, from the reference or the Diameter line.
- Automatic or quartz, from the Movement line.
- What is included. Many Aikon watches are sold with a second strap; the listing says.
- Bracelet length: ask how many links are fitted.
- Box and papers.
You can browse the Aikon watches and every Maurice Lacroix we have in stock. For other options at similar prices, see our guide to the best watches under $3,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon a good watch?
Yes. It is a well-finished Swiss sports watch with an integrated bracelet, 200 meters of water resistance in the automatic versions and a tool-free strap system, at a moderate price.
What sizes does the Aikon Automatic come in?
35, 39 and 42 mm for the three-hand automatic. The chronograph is 44 mm.
Is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon waterproof?
The Aikon Automatic is water resistant to 200 meters and has a screw-down crown, so it is suitable for swimming. Check the rating of quartz and #tide models on the listing.
What movement is in the Aikon Automatic?
A Swiss automatic movement with a power reserve of about 38 hours, visible through the case back.
Can I change the strap on an Aikon?
Yes, without tools. The Easychange system releases the bracelet or strap with two small tabs. The Aikon takes straps made for it, not standard ones.
Is Watchflix NYC an official Maurice Lacroix retailer?
No. We are an independent retailer and are not affiliated with Maurice Lacroix. Every watch is checked by our specialist before it ships.
