Longines Master Collection Moonphase vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Longines's dress watch 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 Longines Master Collection Moonphase ($2,500–$5,000). The Aikon Automatic measures 42mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Master Collection Moonphase justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Caliber L899. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Longines Master Collection Moonphase | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic Caliber L899 | Automatic ML115 |
| Caliber Type | Automatic (ETA A31.L91 base) | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | 72 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | 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 Master Collection Moonphase features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal 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 Caliber L899 vs Automatic ML115
The Master Collection Moonphase runs the Automatic Caliber L899 (Automatic (ETA A31.L91 base), 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 Master Collection Moonphase edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Master Collection Moonphase wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Maurice Lacroix sits in the lower tier
The Longines Master Collection Moonphase 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 Master Collection Moonphase uses Sapphire Crystal with 72 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The Master Collection Moonphase is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The Aikon Automatic offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Longines Master Collection Moonphase | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | Stainless steel 316L (standard mid-range Swiss spec). | 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 | Synthetic sapphire grown via Verneuil process, Mohs 9, anti-reflective coating on interior. 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. |
| Lume specification | None (dress watch by design). | 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 finishing | Barleycorn guilloché — fine textured pattern resembling barley seed heads, machine-engraved or stamped into the dial brass disc. One of horology's cl | 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. |
| Hand finishing | Blued steel via thermal treatment (heat-blued) or chemical bluing process. | 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 $791 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Longines Master Collection Moonphase if…
- Weekend warriors — 72-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- 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
Longines Master Collection Moonphase
- ETA A31 base at this price — though Longines-exclusive, the architecture is shared platform. Some buyers expect in-house at this price.
- 30m water resistance — strictly dress watch use; no swimming, no shower
- Moonphase indication is rough — like most "simple" moonphase movements, the 29.5-day approximation is imprecise vs. actual 29.53-day lunar cycle (requires ~1-day adjustment every 2.5 years)
- 3.5 Hz frequency is unusual — not as smooth as 4 Hz peers
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
Master Collection Moonphase
Choose the Longines Master Collection Moonphase if you prioritize Automatic (ETA A31.L91 base) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic Caliber L899 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 Master Collection Moonphase and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — 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.