Aikon Tide Black Red & White

We jumped at the chance when we were offered the new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide Black Red and White for a couple of weeks to review. The integrated sports watch category has grown significantly over the past few years. Partnering with #Tide, this range is manufactured from upcycled ocean-bound waste. These sub £1000.00 quartz watches are available in a range of bright colours and are the perfect summer accompaniment.

#tide also known as Tide Ocean SA, is a Basel-based company specialising in the upcycling of ocean plastics. They give ocean waste new value by transforming it into usable products.

The new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide watches feature cases, bezels, case backs, crowns, end-pieces, and buckles made from ocean-bound upcycled plastic combined with glass fibre. This composite material is twice as hard as standard plastic, five times more resistant, and has a carbon footprint six times lower than PET. The packaging for each Aikon Tide watch is also crafted from this composite material. In total, each watch and box sold uses 17 plastic bottles saved from the ocean.

In addition to this innovative watch collection, Maurice Lacroix has entered into a long-term partnership with #tide to collect plastic bottles from the seas surrounding various islands in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The upcycled cases of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide watches retain the signature design elements of the Aikon collection, such as the six-arm bezels and integrated straps. The cases measure 40mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness, and they feature a flat sapphire crystal glass for dial protection. These watches boast a water resistance rating of 100 meters and include a screw-down crown and case back.

The straps use the brand’s Easy Strap Exchange system, making it simple to switch bracelets for a new look. Powered by a standard quartz movement, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide watches offer hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions.

Upcycling Specialists

Maurice Lacroix and #tide guarantee the removal of 10 million plastic bottles from the oceans by financially supporting the initiative. #tide collects the bottles, which are then sorted, shredded, cleaned, and transformed into flakes. These flakes form the main component for the colourful cases of the Aikon #tide watches. It takes approximately 17 bottles to create one watch and its eco-friendly packaging.

The Aikon Tide Black Red & White has a 40mm case, which you honestly can barely feel on the wrist. It wears smaller, and at times is barely noticeable due to the slim 11mm profile. The upcycled plastic is mixed with glass fibre, making it extremely resistant and robust. It’s not only the case that’s made from this, as so is the case back, crown and strap buckle too.

The dial design is reminiscent of the ocean waves and the white dial contrasts perfectly against the red accent of the indices, hands and fixed bezel. The date window sits at 3 o’clock with the Maurice Lacroix and their logo at 12 o’clock. It’s extremely legible and has a no-nonsense feel about it.

Overall, I love the design of this watch, however, it does feel a little like a Swatch I had years ago, albeit more expensive. The colour sadly, is not my bag, as I don’t wear red. It could be an anti-Arsenal thing possibly, so I would choose something with blue in it if were to own one. These are priced at €850.00 (around £725.00) which I do feel is high for an all-plastic, quartz watch.

I do love what Maurice Lacroix is trying to achieve with #tide. By highlighting the amount of plastic we as humans throw into the sea and oceans of this beautiful world we live in. The watches themselves won’t change the sea pollution, but certainly bring it a little more to the forefront. More brands should get on board with using recycled materials, as this surely is the way to go for a more sustainable future.

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