aunched in 2016, the Aikon has become a byword for urban style. The inaugural model was quartz, but the collection soon grew to encompass numerous mechanical watches incorporating a variety of complications. In this instance, the brand from the Swiss Jura has created a unique piece, employing a skeleton movement as an ar tistic canvas, enriched with a myriad of hues. Luminescent hour and minute hands, along with a slim central sweep seconds hand, float above a sapphire dial and collaborate with indexes, once again luminescent, to indicate the prevailing time.

Maurice Lacroix has worked closely with movement specialist Sellita to conceive the exclusive Automatic ML115 (base SW200) featured within this watch. For the first time, the watch brand has also suffused the movement plate and bridges with a special rainbow treatment, imbuing the model with a very distinctive appearance. Courtesy of its openworked design, the wearer is able to see a plethora of moving components ordinarily hidden from view. The movement plays with transparency, allowing light to pass through its various openings, thereby illuminating a myriad of parts. The oscillating weight is customised, incorporating sandblasted and sunbrushed decoration. Furthermore, the movement is adorned with colimaçon.

The rainbow-theme also extends to the oscillating weight, a feature that obviates the need for manual winding. It can be viewed in all its glory, courtesy of a sapphire caseback. Housed in a modestly sized 39mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is presented on a matching bracelet and supplied with an additional black rubber strap. The Maison’s ingenious Easy Strap Exchange System provides a simple means of swapping between the bracelet and strap without the need for tools.

The Maurice Lacroix TimeForArt not only imparts time, but also serves as a breathtaking example of contemporary art, something that will no doubt resonate with Swiss Institute and its many supporters.

The Maurice Lacroix TimeForArt will be auctioned at the Phillips ‘New York Watch Auction: SEVEN’ which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11. Prior to the event, each expression of horological art will be exhibited in various cities around the globe as part of the forthcoming Phillips roadshow: Singapore 13-15 October, London 20-23 October, Geneva 2-6 November, Hong Kong 24-29 November, New York 3-9 December.