The partnership between Maurice Lacroix and the Geneva-based workshop Label Noir has given rise to an exclusive AIKON Manufacture Skeleton watch, combining dark aesthetics with touches of turquoise to appeal to collectors seeking contrast and personalization.
Maurice Lacroix, in collaboration with the Geneva-based workshop Label Noir, presents a brand new version of the AIKON Manufacture Skeleton, the result of their third partnership. Limited to just 100 pieces, this watch features the same skeletonized architecture as the 2022 model, but this time it has a completely black coating, embellished with touches of turquoise to make it easier to read and enhance its visual impact.
A black aesthetic enhanced with touches of turquoise
According to WatchPro, this watch features a 45 mm stainless steel case with black DLC coating. Noteworthy details include turquoise accents on the outer bezel, the small seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and Super-LumiNova-coated hands, which create a striking contrast with the blacked-out look. Europa Star, for its part, notes that the satin-finished bezel retains the six polished arms characteristic of the AIKON, which helps to maintain a certain harmony in the design.
You see, it's a bit like playing with opposites, black and turquoise, to make the whole thing more dynamic.
Movement and transparency
The ML234 caliber remains the heart of this piece. According to the official Maurice Lacroix website, it is a skeletonized manufacture movement, visible from both the front and the back, thanks to a sapphire dial and a smoked sapphire case back. According to industry data, this movement runs at 2.5 Hz (i.e., between 18,000 and 18,800 vibrations per hour, depending on the source) and has a power reserve of between 48 and 50 hours, a slight difference that several publications have noted.
Finishes, water resistance, and straps
Descriptions generally agree on the contrast between brushed and polished surfaces, as well as the black treatment of the sapphire dial, covered with a translucent varnish, according to Europa Star and Maurice Lacroix. The screw-down crown guarantees water resistance to 10 ATM, or 100 meters. The watch comes with two Easy Strap Exchange compatible straps: one in dark gray nubuck embossed with the "M" logo, and the other in turquoise FKM rubber embossed with the brand name.
Price, availability, and context of collaborations
The prices quoted vary slightly depending on the market. WatchPro mentions £6,900/CHF 6,500, Maurice Lacroix quotes USD 8,500 in some places, while Europa Star mentions CHF 6,900. And, of course, this piece is limited to 100 examples, which gives it a certain exclusivity. According to sources such as WatchPro and other specialist magazines, previous collaborations between Maurice Lacroix and Label Noir in 2020 and 2024 sold out very quickly, demonstrating how much the duo enjoys playing with limited editions, particularly to offer a touch of personalization in the contemporary world.
Analysis and scope
In short, this edition illustrates a fairly widespread trend in modern watchmaking: the search for a style that is both urban and theatrical, while remaining accessible in terms of mechanics. Label Noir brings a touch of personalized "DIY," while Maurice Lacroix provides its manufacture caliber and the AIKON spirit. The result, both technical and stylistic, is clearly aimed at collectors who appreciate strong visual contrasts and limited editions.
If you notice any minor differences between the technical specifications and official press releases, don't be surprised—these mainly concern the power reserve and price depending on the market. In any case, these differences are well documented in specialist publications and on the brand's website.