Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic vs Rado True Square Automatic
Maurice Lacroix's diver meets Rado's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) and Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Aikon Automatic emphasizes Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) engineering while the True Square Automatic focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic | Rado True Square Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 42mm | 38mm (Square) |
| Movement | Automatic ML115 | Automatic ETA C07.611 |
| Caliber Type | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) | Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) |
| Power Reserve | 38 Hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 200m (20 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Maurice Lacroix's design language vs Rado's approach
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rado True Square Automatic offers Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic construction at 38mm (Square) with Sapphire (Anti-Reflective). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic ML115 vs Automatic ETA C07.611
The Aikon Automatic runs the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The True Square Automatic uses the Automatic ETA C07.611 (Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The True Square Automatic offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
42mm vs 38mm (Square) — different wrist presence
At 42mm, the Aikon Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the True Square Automatic at 38mm (Square). Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Rado True Square Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Aikon Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 38 Hours, against Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) and 80 Hours on the True Square Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Aikon Automatic is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the True Square Automatic handles 50m (5 ATM). The Aikon Automatic is better suited for water activities.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic | Rado True Square Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 316L (Marine Grade) | 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. | Rado's proprietary zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) ceramic, fired at temperatures higher than standard ceramic to produce a more scratch-resistant material w |
| Sapphire Crystal (Anti-Reflective Coated) | 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. | ceramic enriched with carbon during a plasma-treatment phase at 20,000°C, resulting in a sheen that is more metallic. Owners describe the appearance a |
| Integrated Bracelet with EasyChange System | 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. | Sapphire (Al₂O₃) grown via Verneuil process, Mohs 9, with anti-reflective coating. Mohs 9 |
| 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 (variable by dial variant). |
| 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. | Monobloc ceramic matching the case, with titanium clasp components. |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic saves you $315 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
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
Pick the Rado True Square Automatic if…
- Weekend warriors — 80-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
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.
Rado True Square Automatic
- Ceramic brittleness — virtually scratchproof but can crack/shatter under hard impacts. WatchUSeek Rado threads document multiple owner reports of ceramic cracking from drops that would only scratch steel cases. Insurance is recommended.
- Square format polarising — distinctive and modernist, but not for buyers who want traditional round cases.
- 50m water resistance — dress watch only; not for swimming sports or hard activity.
- Proprietary endlinks — severely limits aftermarket strap options.
Our Verdict
Maurice Lacroix
Aikon Automatic
Choose the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if you prioritize Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $1,500–$2,500, it delivers Automatic ML115 with 38 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRado
True Square Automatic
Choose the Rado True Square Automatic if you value Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm (Square) proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ETA C07.611 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic and Rado True Square Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Maurice Lacroix bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rado 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.