In terms of watches with absolutely coloured instances, most choices usually gravitate in direction of certainly one of two polar reverse sides of the worth spectrum. Supplies reminiscent of ceramic or sapphire are usually accompanied by steep premiums, whereas nearly all of different choices can be low cost and cheerful fashions with instances comprised of some kind of plastic. With that in thoughts, PVD coatings enable manufacturers to create steel watches in a wide range of completely different colours at an affordable midpoint. Among the many novelties debuted by Maurice Lacroix in 2024 is the Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD, which showcases a wealthy shade of darkish metallic blue throughout the whole thing of its exterior elements.
Bodily vapor deposition (higher often called PVD) serves as considerably of an umbrella time period for a wide range of completely different coatings which might be created by vaporizing stable supplies inside a vacuum and depositing them in a skinny layer onto the floor of an object. Relying on the supplies used within the vaporization course of, PVD coatings can increase the looks, sturdiness, and even the performance of elements, they usually enable watch manufacturers to create metallic objects in an enormous assortment of various colours. Regardless of the unimaginable number of hues that may be achieved with PVD therapies, Maurice Lacroix has opted for 2 of the extra conventional colours for its Aikon PVD collection. With that stated, the Blue PVD model (ref. AI6007-PVC00-430-4) strikes a pleasant steadiness of being completely different sufficient to seize consideration, with out being so uncommon that it suffers from an absence of aesthetic versatility.
Quite than being based mostly on the standard 42mm version of the Aikon, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Blue PVD makes use of the mid-size mannequin as its basis. Which means that it has a stainless-steel case that measures 39mm in diameter by 11mm thick. Similar to all Aikon watches, the Blue PVD model options the gathering’s signature bezel with six “claws” adorning its floor. Moreover, much like its automated siblings, sapphire crystals are fitted to each the bezel and caseback. The signed winding crown at 3 o’clock screws down to assist assure an ample 200 meters of water resistance. Nevertheless, not like the model’s customary Aikon fashions, the limited-edition Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD has a deep blue end utilized to its center case, bezel, crown, and caseback, and this saturated hue of darkish blue is used to tell the overwhelming majority of the watch’s general look.
In contrast to its standard-production counterparts that adhere to a conventional time-and-date format, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD opts for a simplified and symmetrical time-only show. Nevertheless, past the omission of a date window, the dial in any other case follows the identical elementary blueprint of what may be discovered on different Aikon watches. It incorporates a clous de paris motif adorning its floor, with crisp white printing and utilized baton-shaped hour markers. To additional lean into its colorway, the dial is completed in the identical shade of darkish blue as its PVD-coated case. The arms and hour markers are rhodium-plated and stuffed with white Tremendous-LumiNova to offer further distinction in opposition to the deep blue hue of the dial.
Powering the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD is the model’s Caliber ML115 automated motion, which relies upon the structure of the acquainted Sellita SW200. Similar to the ever present third-party caliber that serves as its basis, the 26-jewel Cal. ML115 runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) with an influence reserve of roughly 38 hours. Nevertheless, not like the Caliber ML115 actions that may be discovered contained in the model’s standard-production Aikon Automated fashions, the model fitted to the Aikon Blue PVD omits the date complication with the intention to correspond with its time-only show. Other than adhering to a time-only format, the Caliber ML115 is nearly similar to a regular Sellita SW200 from a efficiency standpoint. Nevertheless, it affords a barely larger diploma of ending, with perlage on its bridges and a customized skeletonized rotor that includes Maurice Lacroix’s emblem.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon is historically an integrated bracelet watch, though the Swiss model additionally produces a wide range of completely different strap-equipped variations of the mannequin. Fitted to the lugs of the Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD is a two-piece rubber strap in a darkish shade of blue to match its case, and the general design of the strap is similar as what may be discovered on different Aikon fashions. Together with that includes a tapered design with textured ridges that type an built-in look with the case, the 6 o’clock aspect of the strap is adorned with an utilized signet of the model’s “M” emblem. To assist facilitate tool-free strap adjustments, the Aikon Blue PVD’s rubber strap connects to its case with built-in quick-release springbars. Maurice Lacroix completes the strap with a chunky tang-style buckle that’s given a darkish blue PVD end to match the case of the watch.
In comparison with the wide range of hues that may be achieved via a PVD course of, darkish blue might appear to be a relatively standard shade. Nevertheless, it’s essential to do not forget that not all PVD coatings are created equal. The supplies used within the vaporization course of dictate shade, though in addition they affect the efficiency properties of a PVD coating. Some hues supply higher ranges of sturdiness than others. One of many extra widespread PVD variations is DLC (aka “diamond-like carbon”), which makes use of a vapor deposition course of to use a skinny layer of amorphous carbon to create an extremely arduous and scratch resistant floor coating. Nevertheless, as a result of pure shade of carbon, the vary of hues that may be achieved with a DLC coating is relatively restricted, and most will seem in some shade of black, brown, or darkish grey.
However, PVD finishes can seem in a variety of various hues, however lots of the extra vibrant and outlandish colours end in coatings that will not sturdy sufficient for use on a watch case. Consequently, you’ll usually discover a majority of these PVD therapies featured on dials, arms, or motion elements, as these elements are shielded from put on and publicity to the weather. With that in thoughts, plenty of completely different manufacturers produce watches with a darkish blue PVD end. Based mostly on how these fashions have aged over time, the darkish blue coating on the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Blue PVD is greater than probably sturdy sufficient to resist the pains of every day put on. Moreover, an all-blue watch affords fairly a bit extra aesthetic versatility in comparison with some lurid and eccentric hue. Thus, the Aikon Blue PVD permits homeowners to take pleasure in a completely coloured watch that’s nonetheless conservative sufficient to be worn every day.
PVD-treated watches usually price barely greater than their in any other case similar counterparts, merely as a result of additional steps which might be required to use the PVD coating. With an official retail value of $2,550 USD, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated 39mm Blue PVD (ref. AI6007-PVC00-430-4) comes at a premium of some hundred {dollars} above what the model costs for its customary 39mm Aikon Automated fashions. That stated, it nonetheless prices lower than its siblings which might be rendered in titanium or ceramic. Moreover, relatively than being a everlasting addition to the gathering, the Aikon Blue PVD can be produced as a restricted version of 888 items, which finally looks as if a reasonably cheap variety of examples in comparison with lots of the different “restricted version” watches that exist all through the watch trade. For extra data, please go to the brand’s website.
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