The Swiss are known for producing seamless banking, fine jewelry, iconic fonts and one-of-kind timepieces. But fine craftsmanship usually comes at a price. It is no surprise that a well-made timepiece may run upwards of $10k. But hip Mondaine sent us brotherly love with their Swiss craftsmanship for a more attainable price point. Try around $400 for a quality well-crafted Swiss watch (Wahoo!)
“Mondaine watches, with their combination of Swiss design and ties to iconic Swiss imagery…represent a combination of precision and aesthetics,” Mondaine’s CEO Andre Bernheim said. “We have spent six decades combining form and function, without exceeding the $1,000 price point.”
Mondaine is not a new kid on the block either. The brand has been around since the 1980s when they bought the licensing for the symbolic Swiss Federal Railways clocks. Hans Hilfiger designed the original clocks that quickly became a national icon. You may also recognize similar design from your Apple’s iPhone clock, which Apple purchased design licensing for the phone. Helvetica has also become a source inspiration for the brand with their newest line of watches.
The No. 1 Helvetica Collection: A tribute to the iconic Swiss font Helvetica this line represents the understated but classic Swiss style. The No. 1 collection comes in three weights (or types): Light (26 and 38 mm), Regular (33 and 40 mm) and Bold (43 mm) with 15 models. The steel cases are brushed, polished, or plated with PVD gold or black. Three strap variations are available including leather, nylon and Milanese mesh.
The Evolution Collection (EVO): This series is perhaps our favorite with it updated take on the classic watch. It features large date displays and it’s easy to read with its convex mineral glass. The EVO Big and the EVO Giant, which feature larger faces then the rest, are standouts.
Classic: The classic collection shows off the simplicity of the Swiss Railways Clock. It features the recognizable simple face and famous red second hand. The Classic was the first Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch and has been featured in the collection since 1986.
See Mondaine’s full selection at their website and find a retailer here.
