Introducing Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT

The Aikon Venturer Line

The Aikon line has long been Maurice Lacroix’s answer to the luxury sport watch market. It is a stylish timepiece with a modern flair, distinctive sense of style, and attractive pricing. The story began back in 2016 with the first model featuring a quartz movement. The Swiss maker followed up in 2018 with an automatic version and that was followed by a model based on the Calypso with a strong sporty makeover which was branded “Venturer.” The newest Aikon Venturer GMT keeps the strong sport aesthetic and adds a GMT complication to the range of features.

The satin brushed surfaces and polished edges make for a creative, contrasting finish on the 43mm stainless-steel case
The satin brushed surfaces and polished edges make for a creative, contrasting finish on the 43mm stainless-steel case

The Case

The case is a sturdy 43mm in stainless-steel with integrated lugs. Satin brushed surfaces and polished edges make for a creative, contrasting finish. The crown guard is a solid piece that both gives the watch a slightly urban, utilitarian look while functionally allowing a 300-meter water resistance. The case is not too thick for its size, creating a comfortable profile on the wrist.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is stainless steel with the hallmark Aikon style that features a black ceramic insert and with alternating raised steel arms to create a very handsome checked pattern for the 24-hour scale of the GMT. The raised detail creates a pleasing depth and texture to the watch that continues the modern, urban overall theme while functionally enhancing the grip for rotating the bezel. White Arabic numerals are engraved around the bezel in increments of 4 and include an inverted triangle at the 24-hour position.

Dial

There is an option of dials – sunburst black with a striking red GMT hand or creamy silver with a vibrant orange GMT hand. The GMT hand features an oversized arrow design that makes it stand out even more against the black and white of the dial. A perfect tool for divers or frequent flyers.

The watch’s GMT hand features an oversized arrow design that makes it stand out against the black and white of the dial.
The watch’s GMT hand features an oversized arrow design that makes it stand out against the black and white of the dial.

The markers are unique in a series of applied shapes with white, SuperLumiNova-filled insets. The broad baton hands give great timekeeping legibility while remaining a quiet, harmonious element of the black and white color scheme that allows the colored GMT hand to take center stage. The seconds hand has a coordinating lollipop that adds an extra touch of charm to the overall design.

The date window is unobtrusive on a black date wheel on both the white and black dials. It is positioned at three o’clock and outlined in a steel-lined frame.

The Straps

Like most sport-luxury watches in this space, Lacroix opted for an integrated bracelet design. However, there are no comparisons to be made with other integrated sports luxury watches. Aikon Venturer stands on its own merits. The timepiece is paired with both a black rubber strap and a matching five-link stainless-steel bracelet for two versatile looks. With the quick-release system, termed “EasyChange” by Lacroix, the wearer can change the straps out without tools via four small protruding catches. This allows the strap to be changed in seconds from the sporty rubber to the more formal bracelet.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT is available on a sporty rubber strap or a formal stainless-steel bracelet
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT is available on a sporty rubber strap or a formal stainless-steel bracelet
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT is available on a sporty rubber strap or a formal stainless-steel bracelet

The Movement

Powered by the ML 165 automatic caliber, this is the first GMT complication for the Aikon line. The movement is based on the Sellita SW330 and offers hours, minutes, seconds, date and a second time zone. The Aikon Venture GMT has a 42-hour power reserve.

The GMT function is one of the most practical complications in the watch world, allowing a traveler a quick orientation to local time while staying connected to home or enabling a business model that requires global coordination.
The caseback is closed with an ornate engraving of a globe and 24 city names with their GMT timing.

Final Thoughts

The final effect is a masculine and unpretentious watch with great legibility and a minimalistic impression. The GMT function is a great addition to the line and the modern, urban twist to what is a conservative watch adds just enough personality without falling into “trendy.” At a sub $3000 price, this is a fantastic and versatile option for an integrated sports luxury watch.

Tech Specs

Case: 43 mm in Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic ML 165 (base SW330 caliber), 42 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and dual time zone, and date
Strap: Stainless steel with Butterfly buckle in stainless steel/ Rubber strap
Price: USD 2,690

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