Junghans Form A Automatic vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Junghans's dress watch meets Maurice Lacroix's diver
Quick Verdict
The Junghans Form A Automatic ($1,000–$1,500) offers Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished precision in the tier below the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The Form A Automatic measures 39.3mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Aikon Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Junghans Form A Automatic | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 39.3mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) | Automatic ML115 |
| Caliber Type | Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | 38 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Germany | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Junghans's design language vs Maurice Lacroix's approach
The Junghans Form A Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39.3mm with Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating 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 J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) vs Automatic ML115
The Form A Automatic runs the Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) (Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished, 38 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). Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
39.3mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 39.3mm, the Form A Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Junghans sits in the lower tier
The Junghans Form A Automatic sits at $1,000–$1,500 and the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Form A Automatic uses Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating with 38 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The Form A Automatic is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The Aikon Automatic offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Junghans Form A Automatic | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | 316L stainless steel — standard grade for mid-range watchmaking. Hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant. | 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 | Flat sapphire (Mohs 9) with anti-reflective coating on the underside — provides excellent clarity with minimal internal glare. Note — Unlike the Max Mohs 9 | 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. |
| Caseback crystal | Tinted mineral glass (smoke/grey tint) — provides partial view of the movement while maintaining a subtle aesthetic. | 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. |
| Dial material | Brass-base dial with matte silver lacquer finish, embossed (stamped) square minute track producing three-dimensional relief. | 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. |
| Strap | Black calfskin leather with polished stainless steel pin buckle. Leather is adequate quality but not luxury-grade. | 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 Junghans Form A Automatic saves you $434 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Junghans Form A Automatic if…
- Enthusiasts wanting proven Swiss/Japanese quality in the $1,000–$2,000 sweet spot
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dress watch seekers who want understated elegance
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
Junghans Form A Automatic
- ETA 2824-2 at a $1,000–$1,500 band price — fair value but not prestige movement. NOMOS offers in-house for only slightly more.
- 38-hour power reserve — leaves unworn for a weekend and it's stopped by Monday
- No lume / dress-only — not versatile for active or outdoor use
- Limited US distribution — difficult to try on in person outside major cities
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
Junghans
Form A Automatic
Choose the Junghans Form A Automatic if you prioritize Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished engineering, Made in Germany craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $1,000–$1,500, it delivers Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) with 38 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 Junghans Form A Automatic and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Junghans bringing Made in Germany tradition while Maurice Lacroix delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.