Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Hamilton's chronograph meets Maurice Lacroix's diver
Quick Verdict
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) delivers Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) technology in the tier below the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph ($2,500–$5,000). The Aikon Automatic measures 42mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic H-31. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic H-31 | Automatic ML115 |
| Caliber Type | Valjoux-Based Automatic Chronograph | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | 60 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire (Domed) | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Hamilton's design language vs Maurice Lacroix's approach
The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Sapphire (Domed) protection. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic H-31 vs Automatic ML115
The Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph runs the Automatic H-31 (Valjoux-Based Automatic Chronograph, 60 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Aikon Automatic uses the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Maurice Lacroix sits in the lower tier
The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph uses Sapphire (Domed) with 60 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The Aikon Automatic offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Hamilton H-31 caliber | Medical-grade 316L stainless steel with alloy composition: Fe (~65%), Cr (16–18%), Ni (10–14%), Mo (2–3%), Mn (≤2%), C (≤0.03%). The molybdenum content prevents pitting corrosion in chlorinated and saltwater environments. Mixed finishing — polished bezel arms and case flanks with satin-brushed top surfaces. |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire ("box crystal" silhouette) | Synthetic corundum crystal (Mohs hardness 9, second only to diamond) with multi-layer anti-reflective coating for glare reduction. Virtually scratch-proof in daily wear. |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L | Stainless steel integrated links with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. Features Maurice Lacroix's proprietary EasyChange quick-release system — spring-loaded pushers on the case flanks allow strap swaps in seconds without tools. |
| Clous de Paris Dial Finishing | — | Mechanical hobnail (Clous de Paris) pattern pressed into the dial blank before color application. This traditional guilloche-adjacent technique creates a grid of raised pyramidal studs that catch and refract light from every angle. Uncommon at this price point. |
| Super-LumiNova | — | Applied to the hands and hour markers for legibility in the dark. Maurice Lacroix does not publish the Super-LumiNova grade for this reference, so no emission colour or wavelength is stated. |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic saves you $676 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph if…
- Active lifestyle wearers — 100m water resistance handles swimming and water sports
- Practical daily wearers — 60-hour reserve gives breathing room
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Chronograph enthusiasts looking for a proven timing instrument
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Hamilton's historical pedigree
Pick the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if…
- Enthusiasts wanting the integrated-bracelet luxury sports watch look under $2,000
- Daily wearers who need genuine 200m WR with screw-down crown
- Those who value strap versatility — EasyChange is a genuine differentiator
- Buyers who appreciate fine dial craftsmanship (Clous de Paris) at an accessible price
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph
- 14.6mm thickness honest but tall.
- Not column-wheel — cam-switching 7753 architecture.
- H-31 isn't in-house in the strict sense.
- Lume is modest.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
- Brand recognition gap: Maurice Lacroix doesn't command the instant recognition of Omega, Tudor, or TAG Heuer. Buyers motivated purely by brand cachet may feel the money is better spent on a more recognizable name.
- 38-hour power reserve: Below average for 2026 — most competitors offer 60–80 hours (Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 offers 80h at 1/3 the price). Skip a day wearing it and you'll need to reset time and date.
- Sellita SW200-1 base movement: A proven workhorse with the ML115 26-jewel upgrade, but not in-house. Enthusiasts who prioritize manufacture movements may view this as a drawback at this price point.
- Grey-market erosion: Heavy grey-market discounting ($1,200–$1,500 vs full retail) undermines the brand's luxury positioning and signals weak demand at MSRP.
Our Verdict
Hamilton
Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph
Choose the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph if you prioritize Valjoux-Based Automatic Chronograph engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic H-31 with 60 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonMaurice Lacroix
Aikon Automatic
Choose the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if you value Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ML115 with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Hamilton bringing Swiss Made tradition while Maurice Lacroix delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Bulova Lunar Pilot vs Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono
Moon-worn quartz precision meets Swiss automatic heritage
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph
Two chronographs compared — $2,500–$5,000 vs $2,500–$5,000
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Maurice Lacroix's diver
Explore These Watches
How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.