Head-to-Head Comparison

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic vs Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001

Maurice Lacroix's diver meets Seiko's GMT watch

Quick Verdict

The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 ($250–$500) delivers Seiko In-House Automatic GMT technology in the tier below the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The 5 Sports GMT SSK001 measures 42.5mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Aikon Automatic justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic ML115. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Maurice Lacroix

Aikon Automatic

$1,500–$2,500

Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001

Seiko

5 Sports GMT SSK001

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureMaurice Lacroix Aikon AutomaticSeiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001
Price$1,500–$2,500$250–$500
Case Size42mm42.5mm
MovementAutomatic ML115Automatic Caliber 4R34 (True GMT)
Caliber TypeAutomatic (Sellita SW200-1 base)Seiko In-House Automatic GMT
Power Reserve38 Hours41 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalHardlex Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeMade in Japan

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Maurice Lacroix's design language vs Seiko's approach

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 offers Stainless Steel construction at 42.5mm with Hardlex Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Seiko

Automatic ML115 vs Automatic Caliber 4R34 (True GMT)

The Aikon Automatic runs the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The 5 Sports GMT SSK001 uses the Automatic Caliber 4R34 (True GMT) (Seiko In-House Automatic GMT, 41 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The 5 Sports GMT SSK001 offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

42mm vs 42.5mm — different wrist presence

At 42mm, the Aikon Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 5 Sports GMT SSK001 at 42.5mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Seiko

Seiko sits in the lower tier

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Aikon Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 38 Hours, against Hardlex Crystal and 41 Hours on the 5 Sports GMT SSK001. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Aikon Automatic is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the 5 Sports GMT SSK001 handles 100m (10 ATM). The Aikon Automatic is better suited for water activities.

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.

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Seiko

5 Sports GMT SSK001

Choose the Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 if you value Seiko In-House Automatic GMT technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 42.5mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Caliber 4R34 (True GMT) with 41 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic and Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Maurice Lacroix bringing Swiss Made tradition while Seiko delivers Made in Japan engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) offers Automatic ML115 with 38 Hours power reserve, while the Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 ($250–$500) features Automatic Caliber 4R34 (True GMT) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Aikon Automatic at 42mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The 5 Sports GMT SSK001 at 42.5mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Aikon Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the 5 Sports GMT SSK001 uses Hardlex Crystal.

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.