diamondsdirect... ask for Chris The longer I spend time with this watch, the more I feel that is the best available watch at the 2k price point. So awesome.
Yes! It has Royal oak all over it... But I see a lot of touches that add originality to it, the quality is amazing and you get a whole lot of watch for the price. In my opinion, it's the alternative to the Royal oak with the most character and class 👌👌
Great review! i'm glad Maurice Lacroix is getting some well deserved recognition. These guys have been doing some quality pieces under radar. This one really hits the spot.
Never thought anyone could make me get very interested in a M-L, but you did it. The bracelet especially looks great. And rest of watch. Really enjoyed review.
I saw this for sale on WUS and it immediately caught my eye. Found this video and pulled the trigger. No regrets! Normally this type of watch is not my style but I must say I love it. It’s dressy yet sporty at the same time. Quality is amazing and it’s absolutely comfortable. Thanks for a great video!
When I first saw the watch I thought 'oh no, a Royal Oak rip off...' and to be honest it is very very close to it. BUT I really appreciate what ML did in terms of finishing, appearance and small details like the quick release on the bracelet. That shows that it's possible to create a great and sophisticated timepiece without paying ten times more than this....
@@BruceWilliams good review, btw full of information very well explained. Unfortunately I cant get as exited about this like I do a royal oak ap or any AP there just not the same for me looks wise or engineering wise. Back to saving for the AP for me, I already have the Cartier roadster stainless steel silver 38.6mm case, which I love and have had for ten years now my next purchase is defo the ap just save save save.🤣 I have always loved my whatches but have only recently started watching videos like yours, and other whatch reviews. Iam not sure weather or not you have heard of a youtuber called producer Michael he does high end whatch reviews and about his life style hes a great noticable guy whose done very well for him self but stayed humble if u havnt seems his videos check them out his whatches are fantastic. He has a Jacob co astranomia which is a master peice. And one last share that's worth a check if u havnt seen it is the godfather edition by Jacob co. Great work mate and good look hope to see you foing reviews on the aps some day..👍
With ETA limiting their movements, expect to see a lot more Sellitas and STPs. Personally, I think the Sellita is a great choice. Plus they decorate, regulate, rhodium plate the movement. Oris uses Sellita bases for their watches around this price point as well.
Great video, Bruce. Your photography really emphasizes the merits of this watch. It looks like a really well made piece. However, I don't think I would ever buy it. The Royal Oak owns this design niche and even though you can spot numerous differences in a side-by-side comparison of the RO, a GP Laureato, an Hublot Classic Fusion or this ML, everything else than a RO seems derivative at first glance and overall. Anyway, keep it up.
Is it expensive for an homage? Yes, but when you consider how much a Royal Oak costs it really is a "poor man's" RO. I personally love the look of this, and love that quick release. I would like it in 39-40 as it would fit my wrist better.
The more I see your videos the more sure I am that I'll get divorced soon. This is a really nice piece that's screaming to come to my collection. Great video Bruce, as usual.
This one is a winner on so many levels. I love the concept of the oak but who cares if its so cost prohibitive for the average enthusiast. And as we’ve seen in the past ,knockoffs usually lack the quality and specs to be a decent choice as well . This watch however is the perfect balance of the two extremes , awesome design very good specs and quality of finish at an attainable price !!!
A great looking watch. I’m pretty sure it’s not for me, but it looks great. ML makes many of the parts that go into other big name brand watches, so don’t dismiss them. Done properly, a Sellita seems to be as accurate as an ETA.
My bias stems from my watchmaker, he says he sees far more Selittas with issues (sometimes factory based) than ETA. Though I have been impressed with this one so far. +2 is nothing for me to scoff at
...this watch needed to be automatic, and thank God, some one above DID listen;-), regarding price, its a steal!!great review Bruce, as always. PS: I agree on using a ETA inside instead, but..its a minor issue.
World of Tanks:Jaegerkorpset a noob comment regarding favouring ETA. Ha! There’s really zero in that. Hey guys, checkout my ETA movement. Ha! They are like 100 bucks a throw.
Great review as always! Like you said I wish it was an ETA and I'd be all over this. You would expect that at this price range! And lastly I wish it was a 39-40mm :D
Comon boys no fighting. ETA or Sellita ia not a big difference. People call on ETA for its name, but nobody of yours are watchmakers or know anything about movements rather than saying what others say. Both are fine. None are amazing.
Hi Bruce, I just bought this watch and I'm very, very happy. Thanks to your review, I bought the watch. If it is too much trouble, you can review the Tudor M12710-0013, with a blue dial and a fluted bezel. I like that watch but I still do not see reviews about that model. Thank you. Greetings from Peru.
Own a Pontos Day/date (2018) with ETA movement. A true M.L. evolving original design over 20 years.This Aikon is an appeal to the younger man who has to spread the dough and the love.There's just so much more bills and gadgets to have to buy to stay connected than say in the 80's and 90's. WTF! M.L. founders had the balls to get in the game when cheap Japanese quartz watches were wiping top swiss watch houses off the face of there earth! They know a thing or two about budget vs. value for money.They understand the the real world of want vs need .They strike a solid balance generally.They came up in the mid seventies so they have a historical right to produce quartz pieces too! They're not Longines (I own a couple),Omega,or even AP and they're not trying to be.These seventies 'rockers' came up loving the top brands and watches we all love today so of course they're gonna get influenced and reinvent a favourite along the way.They patented some watch movements and a few novel firsts too in their short 45 year history.They are a healthy mix of classical, contemporary and near future design.They are not perfect. They definitely will remain independent and ballsy as opposed many umbrella brands.For sure the best is yet to come from M.L. and no doubt a couple of 'shiitters' along the way.Which house watch has never made a couple of 'shiiters' over 100 years? They are a relatively young outfit who's covered a lot of ground in 45 years.They good for another 60.No?
I was curious about this ML Akon automatic. The previous ones are much less expensive, but also quartz. Pretty sure we see some AP Royal Oak relations here, but it's done in it's own way. ML is highly underrated. Their entry level stuff is "ok". I never had one, but nothing jumps out to me too much. I've only owned 1 ML Masterpiece, MP6348-SS001-12E, and it was excellent. One of the best watches I've ever owned. Totally regret I had to sell it. The detail and finishing, especially the movement, is all top shelf (or is it top drawer?). Not COSC, but they still regulate and balance in at least 3 positions.. maybe 5?.. I forget, but the watch was spot on accurate above anything I've even owned in terms of automatic before, during and since. They have great masterpiece watches and their Pontos is also highly regarded. Anyone who is snobbing ML just doesn't know what they are talking about and likely yapping without any real experience with ML.
Yes, I'm glad they updated the quartz offering. I like this texture better than the 'patek like one' and the sharper edges look amazing. Really impressed by this brand, I feel like I've been let in on a well kept horological secret!
That dial reminds me of my 2006 Tag Aquaracer. Love that waffle pattern on the blue color. Looks great in the water. However that Tag cost $1300 before a 15% discount.
Excellent review Bruce. Thanks! I'm wanting to add a blue dialed watch to my collection this year and this one is definitely in the running so I appreciate seeing what you think of it. Cheers, John
After watching your review I went out and purchased this watch from diamondsdirect, great seller! I have a question I saw this same watch reviewed on a blogtowatch but the date displayed on the same blue dial Aikon auto was in reverse, white on blue background, I was wondering how come the date window was different on what appears to be the same watch?
Fabulous looking watch and a great AP alternative. I hope you enjoy this one. I have a thing about micro adjust so the butterfly clasp is not for me, also a tad over priced in my opinion. On leather worth considering.
I got a little discount from the AD like most people. This one came with two half links which I forgot to mention. Would love to see the leather someday in person
I really like the watch, I just wished it looked Less AP. And utilized a more unique design while still paying homage. Where the The bezel is a good example. But the dial and bracelet look like straight copies.
It's a gorgeous watch. I want to buy a watch at the end of this year. I have a diver as favorite, for example a Ball Skindiver 2, I like it's bracelet a lot, but not the clasp. The HydroConquest Automatic Chronograph Blue Dial Stainless Steel is one of my favorites too. Until I saw this watch. I still haven't made my choice. But this one makes a good chance... The pinrelease for the bracelet can be found on Fossil watches too....
Nice video as always and a very nice watch. I’d be interested to see you compare this against the Armand Nicolet J09 automatic day-date with the blue dial.
There are a lot of bracelets with a quick releas for about 15€ on ebay, this feature should be om every 2k watch and even on every good watch like Seiko etc. But this ist still a nice watch, maybe an
I think it is a little expensive for what you get...really cool quick release though. I continue to love the macro shots Bruce...I think you have the best video editing out of anyone talking about watches on RU-vid. Thanks for another great video :)
I had a question. You have reviewed the Zenith Defy Classic (blue dial) which retails for something like 5500 USD and this watch is for 2000 USD. Both have similar looks although the Zenith is Titanium. Is the Zenith worth the additional 3500 USD or does this watch offer better value?
These are just details and probably each of them would bring the price up a bit, but the rounded hands like in Grand Seikos would look so much better...
It is a Royal Oak design but I won’t call it a homage. It has its own characteristic though still has a high percentage of similarities to RO. At the end of the day you can only spin a watch around so much to look similar but still different.
I’m impressed Bruce , think I’m going to order the black variant as I have nothing similar in my collection .i take its screws and not push pins with the bracelet ? Great review and this is first attainable watch that has captured my imagination in a while so thanks a lot bud !
Thanks Brian. The bracelet does not use screws or push pins. They have a pin and tube system, I would prefer screws but overall not a big deal, pretty easy to resize too. I love the 3 colors they offered. Congrats on yours man
Great video. Any updated thoughts on this piece? Curious to see how you are enjoying it after a while on the wrist. I'm thinking of ordering one from the EJC guys as well (amazing price).
Hey Bruce, awesome review as always - I've been looking for a good video review of this watch for the past couple days. Quick question, what colour does the lume glow? Is it blue or green? Also was it difficult to adjust the bracelet? And do you know what it tapers down to at the clasp? Thanks in advance, and keep up the good work!
Thanks David! The SLN lume glows green. The bracelet is around 24mm at the case and tapers to 20mm at the butterfly opening. It is a pin and tube system to connect the links. There are two half links and it was not difficult to adjust. Took about 10 minutes and I got a great fit, not too tight or loose
Will loved to see this compared to a royal oak..im curious to see how this newer under the rader brand compares to the mighty ap..of course movements are no comparison im speaking quality of case,design,finish and comfort/fluidity of the bracelet
Shame they didn’t make the date wheel matching blue. But that’s a nit pick. It’s a gorgeous piece at a reasonable price. Definitely get the bracelet version and leather strap as an alternative look.
Which one do you think It's better this Maurice Lacroix or a Tag Heuer Aquaracer caliber 5 ? I am choosing between these two watches. Thank you for your answer.
Thanks for doing this video , I’m been eyeing this piece for a little while . What other watches in the 2k range did you consider ?or would you recommend ?
For sports- Marinemaster 300, any Oris or Tag, Pre owned aluminum smps and breitling colts. I can't think of a better one. Do you have a favorite at the range?
Bruce Williams that’s not the range I typically look for watches In . I bought an Rolex air king for about $1900 , that’s my most expensive watch so far . I’m looking for something that’s pops in all the right ways and also not too common. This one looks good on you though. I’ve seen a few of your vids here and post in the UGWC also . I’m also a member
Tried this on, didnt like it. The 6 thingies on the bezel (and the logo) kills it for me. Personally i think the aquaracer cay/way2110 is a better choice. Similar style sort of, except for the bracelet.
I am surprised that they have 200m water resistance without a screw down caseback. It is a gorgeous watch with a lot of value. I would still prefer the Sinn 556i b at $1500 on the bracelet.
