Maurice Lacroix AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde: the future is a snap back to the past
In the contemporary watchmaking landscape, where brands often chase either extreme minimalism or complexity for its own sake, Maurice Lacroix has chosen to celebrate its first 50 years by doing what it does best: challenging the linearity of time.
With the launch of the new AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde, the Franches Montagnes-based brand isn't just presenting a watch; it’s unveiling a manifesto of "innovative craftsmanship." While the term "retrograde" might suggest a look backward, this timepiece is looking resolutely toward the future.
A Brand Signature: the art of the retrograde
For those unfamiliar with this complication, the retrograde indication is pure mechanical poetry. Instead of completing a full 360° rotation, the hand moves along an arc. Once it reaches the end of its scale, it instantaneously snaps back to its starting point in the blink of an eye.
Maurice Lacroix has mastered this technology since 1999. Today, with the AIKONIC Master, they take this expertise to a new level, integrating three retrograde complications (Date, Day, and GMT/Second Time Zone) into a single, extraordinary dial.
Design that plays with depth
The aesthetics of the AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde strike a perfect balance between Swiss tradition and urban boldness:
- Anthracite Dial: Featuring vertical brushing that creates a sharp contrast with the skeletonized apertures.
- Mechanics on Display: Through the openings, you can admire the rhodium-plated mainplate of the Manufacture Calibre ML291, adorned with iconic Côtes de Genève.
- Chromatic Contrasts: The hands and racks of the retrograde mechanisms are finished in electric blue, ensuring impeccable legibility and a touch of modern flair.
Inalterable materials for a modern icon
The 43 mm case is not just an exercise in style, but a powerhouse of materials engineering. The ceramic bezel (featuring the six signature arms of the AIKON collection) guarantees total resistance to scratches and fading caused by UV rays.
Furthermore, comfort meets convenience thanks to the patented ML Easy Change system. Swapping the textured black rubber strap for a leather or steel alternative takes only seconds, requires no tools, and keeps the clean aesthetic lines of the case intact.
The verdict
As stated by Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of the brand, this model is the distillation of everything that makes Maurice Lacroix unique: technical expertise, mastery of materials, and an ultra-desirable urban design.
The AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde isn't just a watch for those who love mechanics; it’s for those who want a piece of history on their wrist that continues to write itself, one snap at a time.
