Maurice Lacroix’s popular Aikon Automatic timepiece, which we reviewed last year, now comes in a black PVD steel version.

The Aikon Automatic Black PVD Steel has the same dimensions as before: 42 mm x 11 mm. At launch, it will only be available with a black calfskin leather strap. Interestingly, though, Maurice Lacroix has imprinted a texture on the strap to make it look like textile. And it’s part of their easy change system, so you can take it off with no tool needed. So there are already other straps you can buy. Plus, presumably, there will be a black metal bracelet option at some point.

Like the existing three-hand Aikon Automatic the watch is powered by a base Swiss automatic that runs at 4Hz, has 26 jewels, and a 38-hour power reserve. The company does produce some of their own movements, but to keep the price down, using an outsourced movement was required. Although, as I mentioned in my 2018 Aikon Automatic Review, these cases are made in-house.

The dial features a black sun-brushed Clous de Paris surface with applied black gold plated indices, black gold plated hands, and a black-colored lume. Functions include hours, minutes, central seconds, and date.

Based on the Maurice Lacroix Calypso from the 1980s, the collection is increasingly becoming the focus of the brand going forward, and in my opinion, that’s a good thing. The case has a stealthy appearance, due to it being mostly matte black, and only the six bezel tabs stand out with polished surfaces. Water-resistance is 200 meters. (Ref. AI6008-PVB01-330-1)

Retail is $1990. Learn more at Maurice Lacroix.