Maurice LaCroix Debuts a Stealthy Follow Up to the Aikon Grand Master Date

Last year, Maurice LaCroix released the Aikon Master Grand Date which fused their highly successful integrated steel sports watch collection in the Aikon, and their sophisticated take on high-end watchmaking with their Masterpiece collection. Aesthetically, The Aikon Master Grand Date uses some of the distinct use of asymmetrical dial design from the Masterpiece collection and packages it into the familiar sporty Aikon steel case. The main feature however, is Maurice LaCroix’s redesigned in-house movement with the ML331 that’s responsible for the unique off-center hour and minute register, sub seconds register, and the big date display. Maurice LaCroix has released their follow up to their flagship model with the new Maurice LaCroix Aikon Master Grand Date Black.

As the name suggests, the entire watch gets the all-black-everything treatment, and as a result highlights the white accents throughout the dial, as well the metal mechanical components seen through the skeleton display. The hour and minute Clous de Paris subdial is displayed off-center and positioned in the upper quadrant of the dial. Right below, a small seconds subdial that also acts as a mini-skeleton display for the movement within. I’ve somewhat started to have a growing appreciation for dials that have a time display that uses a portion of the dial, giving way to the remaining dial real-estate for a brand to put their own design touch to it. In the case of the Aikon Master Grand Date Black, a larger skeleton display diagonally opposite the hour and minute subdial reveals the balance wheel, escapement, and other mechanical parts of the ML331. A matte black textured dial acts as a backdrop for the multiple subdials and skeleton display.

The Maurice LaCroix ML331 is a redesigned movement made specifically for the Aikon Grand Master Date. The “big date” complication composed of two individual discs displays the date in a large, legible fashion. The date sits centered in the negative dial space, and although it’s not in a traditional location, it just feels right for how the Aikon Master Grand Date Black is set up. The ML331 comes with a decent power reserve of 50 hours, 43 jewels and is tuned to 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 bph.

In regards to the case, it keeps form in dimensions, measuring 45 mm in width and 15 mm in thickness. However instead of straight stainless steel, the Aikon Master Grand Date Black uses a DLC coated steel case, maintaining the all-black theme. If the skeleton portion of the dial doesn’t fill the need to appreciate the movement, Maurice LaCroix has opted for an exhibition caseback to display their ML331 movement. In addition to the branded rubber strap, Maurice LaCroix will offer up a synthetic leather textile strap, both equipped with their quick-changing system.

The Aikon Master Grand Date Black tastefully blends the aesthetics of their Aikon and Masterpiece collections in a more subtle, and stealthier fashion. The combination of the DLC coated case, black dial, a rubber and textile strap, and 100 meters of water resistance, makes this watch more sportier when compared to its older steel and blue dial sibling. This watch will be for the individual that appreciates independent watchmaking and design, and at the same time, wants to stay under the radar and not worry about wearing their watch during more rigorous activities.

The Maurice LaCroix Aikon Master Grande Date Black retails for $8,500, comes with a two year warranty, and is currently available directly through the online Maurice LaCroix platform and participating in-store retailers. Maurice LaCroix