Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Maurice Lacroix's diver meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Aikon Automatic justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic ML115. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

View the dossier Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price

Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.

Maurice Lacroix

Aikon Automatic

$1,500–$2,500

View the dossier Full Review

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Check Price Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic	Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price	$1,500–$2,500	$100–$150
Case Size	42mm	43mm
Movement	Automatic ML115	Quartz
Caliber Type	Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base)	Quartz
Power Reserve	38 Hours	Battery
Water Resistance	200m (20 ATM)	100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Mineral crystal
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
Origin	Swiss Made	Stauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Maurice Lacroix's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

Automatic ML115 vs Quartz

The Aikon Automatic runs the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The Aikon Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

42mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 42mm, the Aikon Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Aikon Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 38 Hours, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Aikon Automatic is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. 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.

View the dossier

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

Try Prime Free — Free Shipping on Both Watches Students & 18–24: start Prime for Young Adults free

The Bottom Line

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Maurice Lacroix bringing Swiss Made tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic is rated 200 m against 100 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $1,500–$2,500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. 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 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The Aikon Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

More Comparisons

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Maurice Lacroix's diver

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Stauer's dress watch

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Tissot's timepiece meets Maurice Lacroix's diver

Explore These Watches

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic — Full Review Stauer 1920s Retrograde — Full Review Browse All Guides

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.