Is your Maurice Lacroix
the real deal?
Maurice Lacroix, founded in 1975 in Saignelégier, Switzerland, has earned recognition for producing well-finished watches with in-house movements at accessible prices. The Aikon and Masterpiece collections have grown in popularity, attracting counterfeiters to exploit the brand's rising status.
How to authenticate a Maurice Lacroix
Case Finishing
Maurice Lacroix is known for excellent case finishing that punches above its price point. Look for crisp transitions between polished and brushed surfaces, well-defined edges, and precise machining. The brand uses proprietary surface treatments on some models. Counterfeits have soft edges, inconsistent brushing, and visible tool marks.
ML Manufacture Movements
The Masterpiece collection uses in-house ML calibers with distinctive architecture. Through the exhibition case back, look for the ML-branded rotor, proper Geneva striping, and beveled edges. Even Aikon models with ETA/Sellita movements should display appropriate Swiss finishing. Counterfeits use unfinished generic movements.
Dial Detailing
Maurice Lacroix dials feature precise printing, well-formed applied indices, and consistent finishing. The "MAURICE LACROIX" text should be perfectly printed in the correct typeface. Date windows should be cleanly framed. Counterfeits have blurry text, crooked indices, and misaligned date windows.
Crown Quality
The crown features the Maurice Lacroix "ML" logo precisely engraved or embossed. It should operate smoothly through all positions (winding, date setting, time setting). On the Aikon, the crown is integrated into the case design. Counterfeits have rough crowns with poorly formed logos.
Sapphire Crystal
All current Maurice Lacroix watches use sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The crystal should be perfectly clear and scratch-resistant. On curved models, the sapphire should be evenly domed. Counterfeits use mineral glass that scratches easily and may have visible distortion.
Strap and Clasp
Genuine Maurice Lacroix straps use quality leather with signed deployment clasps, or integrated bracelets with ML-branded clasps. The leather should be supple, and metal clasps should operate with a positive click. Counterfeits use stiff straps and flimsy unsigned clasps.
Maurice Lacroix counterfeit warning signs
Poor Case Finishing
Maurice Lacroix is renowned for its case finishing quality. If the transitions between polished and brushed surfaces are rounded rather than sharp, or if you see visible tool marks, the watch is counterfeit.
Generic Movement Without ML Branding
Even models using base ETA/Sellita movements should show appropriate decoration and ML branding on the rotor. If the movement looks completely generic with no brand identification, the watch is fake.
Misspelled or Blurry Brand Name
The "MAURICE LACROIX" text on the dial must be perfectly spelled and sharply printed. Any misspelling, blurriness, or incorrect font is an immediate sign of a counterfeit.
Lightweight Feel
Maurice Lacroix watches are well-built with solid construction. If the watch feels unusually light or hollow, it likely uses inferior materials and is counterfeit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Maurice Lacroix a respected watch brand?
Yes, Maurice Lacroix has earned strong respect in the watch industry, particularly for offering excellent finishing and build quality at accessible price points. They are one of the few brands in their segment to produce in-house manufacture movements. The Aikon has been praised by critics as one of the best luxury sports watches under $3,000. The Masterpiece collection demonstrates genuine haute horlogerie capability.
Which Maurice Lacroix models are most counterfeited?
The Aikon is the most counterfeited Maurice Lacroix model due to its distinctive design and growing popularity as a luxury sports watch alternative. The Aikon Automatic in particular is heavily faked because of its integrated bracelet design. The Masterpiece collection also sees counterfeits, though the in-house movements are harder to replicate convincingly.
What is the price range for Maurice Lacroix?
Maurice Lacroix watches range from approximately $800 for entry-level Aikon quartz models to $5,000+ for Masterpiece complications with in-house movements. The Aikon Automatic, their most popular model, sits around $1,500-$2,500. This positions the brand as an accessible luxury option competing with mid-range offerings from Tissot, Longines, and Oris.