Maurice Lacroix Icon Quartz Chronograph

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Modern watchmaking is full of different themes and subgenres. What if you want to wear a chronograph that doesn’t make you look like a 1940s fighter pilot, astronaut, or 1960s rally driver? One that helps cultivate your own style rather than imposes one on you Finding things is difficult, especially if you don’t want to settle for minimalism. Now, Maurice Lacroix’s iconic quartz chronograph has received a facelift to make it the best model yet.

case

Maurice Lacroix’s Icon collection is based on the brand’s Calypso model from the ’90s, but it’s by no means a retro reissue. Everything has been rebuilt for the 21st century, exuding strength and sportiness. The round bezel’s six pairs of raised claws give the watch an industrial, blocky feel without having to rely on a geometric bezel shape. That way, you can rock the integrated bracelet and avoid unnecessary comparisons to watches like the Royal Oak or Nautilus. Polishing these claws adds an extra punch to the brushed surface, elevating the case into slightly dressier territory.

Previous models of the Aikon quartz chronograph were fairly heavy at 44 mm in diameter, but this is simply a stylistic decision when using a quartz movement. The new model has been scaled down to 42mm for a presence that’s still “huge” by today’s standards, but still easy to handle on average wrists. The thickness is only 11mm, so regardless of the diameter, it exudes slender elegance. It’s as practical as you’d expect from a sports watch, with a swim-friendly 100 meter water resistance, a secure screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

dial

Quartz chronographs can sometimes fall into the trap of having too many extraneous complications, but the Icon Quartz Chronograph successfully resists that urge. Granted, the 1/10 second counter at 12 o’clock may not be of much use to many people, but at least it’s a bit of fun eye candy when the chronograph is running, and when it’s not in use. Time is not a distraction. The 30-minute counter is hidden at 9 o’clock and is perfect for timing daily tasks and necessities like parking meters, cooking, and exercising. Additionally, the second hand is located at 6 o’clock. The date complication is also engraved on the subdial, giving it a bit more symmetrical balance than placing the date in place of the hour marker at 3 o’clock.

The Maurice Lacroix logo and printed text keep things simple, giving the dial a little extra space on the right side. Fine sunburst brushings move dynamically in the light, creating a subtle play of color regardless of dial choice. With options of silky black, blue, or silver with blue subdials, you can coordinate it with your everyday outfits, but we’re sure we’ll see more colorful and experimental releases in the near future. Some people may feel that the amount of luminous paint is not enough. The hands have minimal lines and only small dots at the end of the hour markers to help in the dark.

bracelet

We’re at a stage in the watchmaking industry where integrated bracelets are probably far more prolific than when they first became a trend in the ’70s, and that can only be a good thing. With modern construction and equipment, it’s more likely to age better even after decades. The Aikon Quartz Chrono’s five-link bracelet seamlessly follows the contours of the lugs, tapering in both width and thickness before meeting at the butterfly clasp. Maurice Lacroix’s Easy Strap Change System features a quick-release spring bar and allows you to choose from a number of additional straps, including leather options and rubber in a variety of colors.

movement

Maurice Lacroix hasn’t revealed the source of the quartz movement, but judging from the layout, it appears to be something like the Ronda 3540.D. This is a standard quartz chronograph in that it has 1Hz increments, unlike the mechaquartz movements popular with many microbrands. That being said, Seiko’s mechaquartz movement has a 24-hour subdial that annoys many collectors. This caliber instead uses a 1/10 second counter on the third subdial, giving you a little adrenaline rush every time you press the chronograph pusher. I can’t think of many instances where you’d need a tenth of a second time, let alone a fast enough reaction time to measure accurately, but it’s still a nice feature.

judgment

In our fervent vintage worship and obsession with trends, it can sometimes seem like the art of a “nice watch” has been lost. If you want a watch that’s perfect for everyday use and value the functionality of a chronograph, the Maurice Lacroix Icon Quartz Chronograph is a great choice with its unique case shape and attractive dial. It’s not the cheapest option, but with a quartz movement, you know that every penny you spend is spent on build quality and longevity.