Longines HydroConquest Automatic vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Two divers compared — $1,500–$2,500 vs $1,500–$2,500
Quick Verdict
The Longines HydroConquest Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) are closely matched divers at similar price points. The HydroConquest Automatic emphasizes ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Balance Spring engineering while the Aikon Automatic focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Longines HydroConquest Automatic | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 41mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic L888.5 | Automatic ML115 |
| Caliber Type | ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Balance Spring | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | 72 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 300m (30 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Longines's design language vs Maurice Lacroix's approach
The Longines HydroConquest Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with 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 L888.5 vs Automatic ML115
The HydroConquest Automatic runs the Automatic L888.5 (ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Balance Spring, 72 Hours power reserve) at 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz) frequency. The Aikon Automatic uses the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The HydroConquest Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
41mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 41mm, the HydroConquest Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 300m (30 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Longines HydroConquest Automatic sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the HydroConquest Automatic uses Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating with 72 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
300m (30 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The HydroConquest Automatic is rated to 300m (30 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The HydroConquest Automatic is better suited for water activities.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Longines HydroConquest Automatic | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Bezel | Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) with engraved and paint-filled 60-minute dive scale Mohs 8.5 | 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. |
| Sapphire Crystal | Flat sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the underside 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. |
| Silicon Balance Spring | Si hairspring in the L888.5 caliber — introduced 2020 across the HydroConquest line | 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. |
| 316L Stainless Steel | Brushed flanks with polished bevel edges — mixed finishing for visual depth | 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 sword-style hands and all hour indices | 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 Longines HydroConquest Automatic saves you $62 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Longines HydroConquest Automatic if…
- Best-in-class 72-hour power reserve at sub-$2,000
- Silicon hairspring antimagnetic protection at an accessible price
- Swiss heritage enthusiasts — Longines' 1832 founding and Olympic/aviation history
- Legitimate 300m dive capability with everyday wearability
- Value seekers — at grey-market pricing the spec-per-dollar is nearly unbeatable
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
Longines HydroConquest Automatic
- ETA-base movement at this price — excellent but not "in-house" in the purist sense
- 21mm lug width — awkward for aftermarket straps (most are 20mm or 22mm)
- 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz) — seconds hand sweep is less smooth than 28,800 vph competitors
- Not COSC-certified — no chronometer guarantee (unlike Tudor or Omega at similar prices)
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
Longines
HydroConquest Automatic
Choose the Longines HydroConquest Automatic if you prioritize ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Balance Spring engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. At $1,500–$2,500, it delivers Automatic L888.5 with 72 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 Longines HydroConquest Automatic and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Longines bringing Swiss Made 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.