nly Watch, the biennial charity auction of one-off luxury watches, has become a popular platform for those participating brands wishing to give something back to society. Since 2005, this altruistic face of commerce has seen the watch firms collectively raise funds for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Maurice Lacroix, the urban brand from the Swiss Jura, has been a longstanding supporter of Only Watch, donating unique pieces for over a decade.

This year, Maurice Lacroix has created an eye-catching composition in collaboration with Mahindra Racing. The watch brand, synonymous with delivering high-perceived value, is the Official Timekeeper of Mahindra Racing. Maurice Lacroix’s involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship surpasses merely applying a logo to a car or a set of racing overalls. Indeed, Maurice Lacroix and Mahindra Racing share their know-how, enhancing the competitiveness of both companies.

This is manifest with the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date Only Watch 2021, presented in a 47mm case formed of carbon fibre, formerly used on a Mahindra Racing car, and black DLC stainless steel. This is the first time Maurice Lacroix has presented an example of its Aikon collection in carbon fibre. The resultant watch is lightweight and looks contemporary.

The embossed off-centre hour and minutes display is presented in sun-brushed orange, framed with a yellow circlet. Maurice Lacroix has chosen these tones to match the Pantone shades inspired by the Only Watch 2021 theme. The hands and indexes are executed in black and lined with yellow Super-LumiNova, while an openworked small seconds is positioned below. The main area of the dial is the reverse of the mainplate, vertically brushed and suffused with orange PVD.

Part of this model’s charm relates to the openworked area of the dial, revealing the screwed balance, hairspring, pallet lever and escape wheel all in motion. This dynamic characteristic is consistent with the world of motorsport, where each component must collaborate successfully to deliver the desired performance. The curved balance bridge is presented in black DLC and features an openworked, twin-beam design, affording views of the components below.

A large date display is positioned in the north-westerly region of the dial. Unlike a conventional date display, the ‘Grand Date’ features two discs, one for tens and the other for units. The date values are presented in yellow atop black discs and along with the large format display, confer a highly legible indication.

At the heart of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Master Grand Date Only Watch 2021 is the automatic ML331 calibre, a Manufacture movement endowed with refined finishing. The movement features 43 jewels and the watch has a power-reserve of 50 hours.

The watch is presented with two straps, one in black with matching stitching and a second strap, executed in vibrant orange with contrasting yellow stitching. Each strap is paired with a carbon fibre pin buckle.

Finally, the successful bidder will be invited to attend a 2022 round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as a guest of Mahindra Racing, where they can look forward to a full VIP hospitality package.