Maurice Lacroix

Seems like an absolutely fantastic value to me.  If your wrist can handle the 44mm size, and you're looking for a chronograph, I'd say this is an incredibly killer deal.

According to this review, it sound like the movement might be a decorated Valjoux 7750, in which case it'll last forever and it'll be relatively easy / inexpensive to service.  

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/maurice-lacroix-aikon-chronograph-automatic-watch-review/

Great choice!

Thanks, I've seen it in a local jewellers and it looks very nice.  Will just have to save my pennies and speak nicely to my better half.  Funny how nobody ever seems to review them.

There is a watch youtuber I follow, Uptick Watch Reviews, and he has his 3 year review of this watch in non chronograph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2me52HK9RM

I would highly consider it. I think, right now, it is their flagship watch within the watch community.

Here are a few Watchfinder YT videos on Maurice LaCroix.  The company has heritage and cache and fine watchmaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENSDpe1mMyQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcMARrR4fCI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f9sCogdSHw

I've always thought of the brand as very high end, and have very positive associations with Maurice LaCroix.

It's funny, but honestly, I would rather wear a Maurice LaCroix on my wrist than an AP Royal Oak or any of the watches that are getting massive public exposure via the "Instagram Effect" currently.  

My experience has been:

1.  NOBODY cares what watch you're wearing on your wrist
2.  If anybody ever does notice, and you're wearing an instantly recognizable brand, it just brings up uncomfortable and unwanted conversation / associations
3.  Meanwhile, if you're wearing an "unknown" brand, and somebody does notice, they'll notice because they're also a watch geek, and you'll have a great nerd conversation

Had a neighbor come over for drinks, and he had a Zodiac Super Seawolf on his wrist.  He got an immediate 100 points from me for being an enthusiast.  He also would have gotten 100 points if he had a Seiko or a Casio on his wrist.  Meanwhile, I think he would have gotten -100 points if he had on one of the "Instagram Effect" watches on his wrist.

I have a couple early 2000's Maurice LaCroix watches, and they are very well made, excellent fit & finish.  ML doesn't seem to get a lot of love, but it doesn't seem to get a lot of hate either.

Once thing I've noticed is that the chronograph models that are part of a regular sports watch line-up usually don't get much attention.  Same goes for something like the Omega Aqua Terra Chronograph vs the Speedmaster.

LOL, I reckon they want to “check you out” first, then your outfit, then shoes, etc, before they check the watch out…

I saw so many guys with really bad outfit, oversized shorts + beaten up shirt + thongs (Aus LOL), wearing 2 tone Rolex Datejust / Sub etc, to me it is just too gaudy. 

MLC is a solid brand. Well made watches that fly under the radar and are a great value at grey market prices, for sure. 

Thanks for links and advice gents.  I feel a bit more confident now.  I Still don't get the name, it sounds so like a £25 fashion watch. 😃

My very first nice watch was a ML. Very nearly this same model you pictured.  Still in my collection. Runs a val 7750 and has always been a fantastic watch with zero issues after 23 years. I always wanted to pick up their biretrogade model. The pic is the updated model I purchased...

I have a Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic in 39mm which I picked up last summer. It's easily my favourite watch, they're pretty blingy since the light catches the different finishes on the case- the 'claws' on the bezel are incredibly highly polished. 

Finishing overall is amazing on these. I would recommend going for one with a bracelet though as it's hard to get hold of them- or any of the integrated Aikon straps in general - aftermarket.

Thanks Pickle.  I just needed convincing and you've done it.  Look out bank account! 😃