Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer Dive Watch

After a successful launch of the well-received Aikon Automatic’s at Baselworld 2018, Maurice Lacroix follows up with a new line to the Aikon Collection - the Aikon Venturer Dive Watch - a cool take on what’s historically been a dive-less steel sports watch collection. This model features a ceramic dive bezel that doesn’t compromise the DNA of the Aikon’s aesthetic and provides another option for those more inclined to a dive watch.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Maurice Lacroix

Model: Aikon Venturer

Case Material: Steel with Ceramic Dive Bezel

Case Size: 43.5mm

Water Resistance: 300 meters

Movement: ML115 (Sellita SW200 base)

Movement Specs: 4-Hz / 40 Hour Power Reserve

Strap Options: ML Branded Rubber Strap, or Stainless Steel 5-link Bracelet

Price & Availability: $1,890 on Rubber, or $1,990 on Steel Bracelet

The Juice:

From a utility side of things, the Aikon Venturer utilizes a similar case as the Aikon 3-Hander with the addition of the ceramic dive bezel that channels the Aikon aesthetic really well - even if it does thicken the watch up a bit. Additionally, an extra 100m of water resistance is given to the venturer bringing it up to 300m of water resistance. The lack of hobnail or lined dial patterns in-leau of a crisp sunburst dial with rounded indices gives the watch a more legible heft that enhances legibility under water.

The Venturer is an interesting direction for the Aikon Collection. For one, the collection has always been veined towards steel sports watch enthusiasts looking for an alternative (a much cheaper alternative) for the Royal Oak Aesthetic. I’ve always loved the Aikon Collection, even owning two watches within it, and this is a welcomed addition to me - even if I find it a bit contrived and unnecessary. The Aikon Automatic already sports a 200m water-resistance rating, so it’s not like it wasn’t designed to be taken for a swim.

I do believe that the watch fills a modern segment missing from the Dive Watch segment of the brand, though, the Pontos has historically filled that role but we haven’t seen a new Pontos in quite awhile. Does that mean we won’t be seeing more Pontos models in the future? I doubt it. Gripes aside, overall, this model is a formidable dive watch for a relative affordable price.