About Mondaine Watch
MORE ABOUT MONDAINE WATCH
The company
Since the foundation by Erwin Bernheim in 1951 Mondaine has gained recognition as a leading player in the watch industry. The independent, innovative and marketing driven company embraces the world of marketing, lifestyle, design and combines this knowledge with state-of-the-art manufacturing and just-in-time, award-winning logistics and distribution. A reliable, long-term partner for distributors and retailers.
Sustainability at Mondaine
"At Mondaine, we believe that Sustainability is a matter of respect towards our planet, our customers, our partners and the generations to come. For decades, we have consistently maintained a responsible use of resources, looked for eco-friendly solutions and alternative materials. With our successful track record, we continuously reduce our ecological footprint, step by step. We would like other watch companies to follow our example to support the next generations.
The best thing you can do for the planet is not buying a watch. The second best is to buy a Mondaine."
André Bernheim, Co-owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Environmental Officer of the Group
How we drive change
The world's first CO2 neutral watch company
Mondaine Watch Ltd. is one of the first entirely carbon-neutral watch companies in the world.
The ecological balance sheet was calculated by a specialized consulting company and includes all watch components, their transport to our factory, our factory itself in Solothurn, the headquarters in Pfaffikon in Switzerland, business trips and, from 2021, the transport of the watches to our sales partners and direct customers.
The photovoltaic system on the factory roof, the use of hydroelectricity at our HQ, a reduction in the volume of packaging by 50% and the use of eco-friendlier materials have all had a positive impact on our carbon footprint.
Vegan eco-friendly straps
We believe plant-based materials are the way forward, so in an effort to further lower our carbon footprint we have substituted all the leather straps in our most iconic collection, Classic, with vegan grape leather. We partnered with VegeaTM – an Italian company specialized in turning waste from winemaking into a vegetal leather alternative.
As well as being animal friendly and free from solvents, no heavy metals or other harmful substances are part of the process of turning discarded grape skins, stalks and seed into beautiful plant-based leather, with a true upcycling result.
Marie Claire Award Winner
In 2021, the group will again be completely CO2 neutral on scope 1,2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas protocol - each brand, as well as the group as a whole.
The Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2021 have recognized Mondaine’s achievements with our brand receiving a highly commended award for our Carbon Footprint Initiative and winning Best Sustainable Watch Collection with essence.
Our solar panels installation
Since September 2019, the Mondaine Group has been operating a photovoltaic system on the roof of its own factory in Biberist, Switzerland. The electricity generated from solar energy covers up to 80% of our total annual needs and the remaining amount of energy is covered by green energy provided through a hydroelectric power plant. Mondaine saves around 77 tons of CO2 emissions every year.
Moreover, we were the first watch company in the world to offer watch recycling: old watches (except for plastic watches from other brands) can be sent to our factory in Solothurn where they are dismantled and recycled, on its way of cradle-to-cradle, a closed, value-preserving material cycle.
We support impactful projects
Fairventures Worldwide
At the start of the new decade, Mondaine launched a multi-year collaboration with the non-profit organization Fairventures with the purpose of off-setting our non-avoidable CO2 emissions for the group and all its brands by supporting reforestation projects through the cooperation. The NGO is committed to reforesting the rainforest in a very socially responsible manner in endangered areas.
We have signed a long-term agreement with Fairventures Worldwide with the aim of financially supporting their work and thereby compensating the entire Mondaine Group's CO2 emissions.
MONDAINE'S BRAND HISTORY
1944 - THE FACE
In 1944, Hans Hilfiker, a Swiss Engineer and Designer and employee of the Federal Swiss Railways, created a clock which has become known as the “Official Swiss Railways Clock”.
1986 - THE CLASSIC
In 1986, the Mondaine watch company, owned by the Bernheim family, was inspired by the blueprint of the iconic patented design of the Railways Clock, and turned it into a watch collection -- with official license from the Federal Swiss Railways.
1988 - FIRST LADIES WATCH
Since the first collection launched in 1986, new lines have been introduced each year to ensure that the Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch appeals to a wide consumer audience.
1989 - FOR THE DESK
These Mondaine Official Swiss Railways desk accessories are the famous clock in miniature, and carry the same Swiss reputation of excellent watchmaking, punctuality, precision and uncomplicated, concise design.
1993 - DESIGN PLUS AWARD
The Mondaine collection has become a highly respected icon of in its own right, offering strength of character in each rendition. Today, it is widely considered to be one of the “10 Classic Swiss Watch Designs.”
1994 - MEETING POINT ZURICH
When friends or travelers are looking for an easy central meeting area in Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city, the most popular choice is the Mondaine Railway Station Meeting Point at the main station. A four-meter high Swiss Railways Clock by Mondaine, visible from every direction in the station’s light and airy glass-domed central hall, towers over the Meeting Point. Over 300,000 people pass through this central hall in Zurich each day.
2001 - EVO (-LUTION)
The Evo watch line features a gently rounded case topped by a slightly domed mineral crystal with a magnifying effect. Design and function are combined in this elegant timepiece.
2003 - NEW HEADQUARTER
The administration of Mondaine has a new Headquarter at the Lessingstrasse in Zurich.
2004 - OFFICIAL SWISS STAMP
This Swiss stamp featuring a Mondaine face was designed by Ursus Wehrli for the Swiss Post.
2005 - NIGHT VISION
The Mondaine self-powered illumination system maintains a permanent glow for years, providing steady, long-lasting readability without any additional light source.
2006 - DESIGN CLASSIC
Mondaine is featured in the encyclopedic edition "Phaidon" presenting the 999 ultimate Design Classics. A 3-volume edition meticulously researched and curated after extensive consultation with designers and design-world insiders. Sir Terence Conran calls this book "A remarkable publishing achievement. These 3 volumes are encyclopedic in their scale and thoroughness; they are really a two-dimensional design museum between cardboard covers. Every design office and design student will want to have them..."
2006 - 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
In 1986, Mondaine created its first range of watches based upon this well-known Swiss blueprint. The simple design, the unmistakable easy to read face, distinctive hands and the famous red seconds hand helped to make the Mondaine collection successful the world over and secured their rightful position in the watch making hall of fame.
2008 - CULT WATCHES
Mondaine Watch featured in the Cult Watches book.
2009 - NEW FACTORY
The new Mondaine factory facilities open in 2009.
2010 - SWISSNESS BOOK
What makes “Swiss made” so special? So sexy, that as “Swissness” it is constantly causing a stir, and not just in Switzerland? Rather, what is important here is a seminal value added, thanks to specific qualities exhibited by the products and topics presented here, which raises them above the triviality of superfluous products and throw-away (un)culture of built-in obsolescence. (…) In the land of aspiring inventors, qualities such as these are not only lived out in classic design areas, but also by Mr. and Mrs. Swiss in everyday life(…). - Klaus Leuschel
2012 - VINTAGE HANDWINDER
Like the timeless Swiss Railways Clock, the Mondaine vintage aesthetic never seems to fall out of favor. The traditional Mondaine Vintage watch, featuring a mechanical hand-wound movement and transparent case back is a must-have addition to any watch connoisseur’s collection.
2013 - STOP2GO
A unique feature of the Swiss Railway (SBB) Clock that ensures the smooth and absolutely precise departures of Swiss trains on the full minute, the 2 second pause on all railway clocks across Switzerland has continued to delight and intrigue travelers for the past 70 years. This ingenious design by a Swiss engineer employed by the SBB ensured that train punctuality would become a visible concept across the globe. Swiss watchmaker Mondaine has incorporated this unique motion within its newest introduction, the stop2go. This timepiece features the famous red second hand that completes its rotation in 58 seconds and then pauses at the 12 o’clock mark for 2 seconds while the black minute hand jumps forward, starting its next rotation.
2014 - HELVETICA NO.1
Choosing the Helvetica font as a muse, with its quintessentially Swiss values and style, has enabled the creation of a time-tested yet harmonious watch collection. Just like the type font, Mondaine Helvetica is discreet, yet strong in the conviction of providing efficient time-keeping in a tempered recognizable form. The font translated to a watch design is something that is incredibly simple at first glance, but which has little quirks that are only noticed when studying the watch. The date aperture is slightly off its traditional central axis position to fit in with the typography of the dial. The Helvetica number “1” with its famous curved crossbar has been used as model for the lugs.
2015 - MONDAINE HELVETICA 1 SMARTWATCH
Mondaine launched a watch that proudly references its past, while simultaneously taking a bold step into its future. The Mondaine Helvetica No 1 Smart is the first-ever smartwatch. Inside this watch is the latest in smart technology focused on monitoring activity and sleep, featuring Motion activity tracking, Sleeptracking sleep monitoring, sleep cycle alarms, get-active alerts and adaptive coaching.
2016 - MONDAINE PAYCHIP
Blurring the lines between technological innovation and horological excellence, Mondaine has once again excelled with a fresh update to its outstanding Mondaine Helvetica No1 Smart watch. Having established itself as a leader in the field of Swiss-made wearable technology for the discerning customer, Mondaine continues to innovate with new Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless payment technology. A number of Mondaine watches will be imbued with a Mondaine PayChip™, designed to offer convenient and efficient transactions at contactless payment points.
2017 - MONDAINE BACKLIGHT TECHNOLOGY
Life doesn’t stop at night – the Mondaine Backlight Technology allows good visibility of the hands at night, without any disturbing visual effect of the design. The thin luminous foil with Swiss-made, extra strong Superluminova material is painted on the back side of the watch hands.
2017 - MONDAINE SMART STOP2GO WALL CLOCK
Employing one of its most influential designs, Mondaine has chosen to update its archetypal Swiss Railway wall clock, by adding Smart technology for modern living. The development of this connected Clock also incorporates the famous and unique stop2go function.
2017 - MONDAINE HELVETICA REGULAR SMARTWATCH
Two years since the launch of Mondaine’s first horologically-styled smartwatch in February 2015, Mondaine is once again focusing on its founding principles – the simple unity of eminent timeless Swiss design with innovation, craftsmanship and functionality, with the launch of the new Mondaine Helvetica Regular Smartwatch.
2017 - ESSENCE - SUSTAINABLE LAUNCH
The essence collection combines two of Mondaine’s core values - innovation and sustainability - to create the watch of the future. Essence watches are made with the latest in watch technology, along with 70% of the parts built from renewable materials. This collection is protected by scratch-resistant mineral crystal to not only ensure they are built along environmentally-friendly guidelines, but that they remain in perfect condition for as long as possible.
2019 - ESSENCE EXPANSION
With the success of the essence Sustainable Collection launch, Mondaine expanded the assortment with the introduction of a White Case & an updated Eco-Conscious strap. This new update includes a 100% Vegan Eco-Friendly Strap made out of cork lining and Recycled PET water bottles, with a quick-change enhancement.
2019 - MONDAINE HONORS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE SWISS RAILWAY CLOCK
The Official Swiss Railway clock is an icon of modern time-telling. In the years since its 1944 release, it has achieved a particularly beloved place in global design recognition. Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) engineer Hans Hilfiker imagined the original—which would come to represent the precision of the transport system. Since 1986, the Swiss watch brand Mondaine has been the official licensee. With an original clock blueprint, Mondaine has minimized the design and applied it to wristwatches with authenticity. To honor the 75th anniversary of the clock, we have released two special edition iterations of the Classic.
The company
Since the foundation by Erwin Bernheim in 1951 Mondaine has gained recognition as a leading player in the watch industry. The independent, innovative and marketing driven company embraces the world of marketing, lifestyle, design and combines this knowledge with state-of-the-art manufacturing and just-in-time, award-winning logistics and distribution. A reliable, long-term partner for distributors and retailers.
Sustainability at Mondaine
"At Mondaine, we believe that Sustainability is a matter of respect towards our planet, our customers, our partners and the generations to come. For decades, we have consistently maintained a responsible use of resources, looked for eco-friendly solutions and alternative materials. With our successful track record, we continuously reduce our ecological footprint, step by step. We would like other watch companies to follow our example to support the next generations.
The best thing you can do for the planet is not buying a watch. The second best is to buy a Mondaine."
André Bernheim, Co-owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Environmental Officer of the Group
How we drive change
The world's first CO2 neutral watch company
Mondaine Watch Ltd. is one of the first entirely carbon-neutral watch companies in the world.
The ecological balance sheet was calculated by a specialized consulting company and includes all watch components, their transport to our factory, our factory itself in Solothurn, the headquarters in Pfaffikon in Switzerland, business trips and, from 2021, the transport of the watches to our sales partners and direct customers.
The photovoltaic system on the factory roof, the use of hydroelectricity at our HQ, a reduction in the volume of packaging by 50% and the use of eco-friendlier materials have all had a positive impact on our carbon footprint.
Vegan eco-friendly straps
We believe plant-based materials are the way forward, so in an effort to further lower our carbon footprint we have substituted all the leather straps in our most iconic collection, Classic, with vegan grape leather. We partnered with VegeaTM – an Italian company specialized in turning waste from winemaking into a vegetal leather alternative.
As well as being animal friendly and free from solvents, no heavy metals or other harmful substances are part of the process of turning discarded grape skins, stalks and seed into beautiful plant-based leather, with a true upcycling result.
Marie Claire Award Winner
In 2021, the group will again be completely CO2 neutral on scope 1,2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas protocol - each brand, as well as the group as a whole.
The Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2021 have recognized Mondaine’s achievements with our brand receiving a highly commended award for our Carbon Footprint Initiative and winning Best Sustainable Watch Collection with essence.
Our solar panels installation
Since September 2019, the Mondaine Group has been operating a photovoltaic system on the roof of its own factory in Biberist, Switzerland. The electricity generated from solar energy covers up to 80% of our total annual needs and the remaining amount of energy is covered by green energy provided through a hydroelectric power plant. Mondaine saves around 77 tons of CO2 emissions every year.
Moreover, we were the first watch company in the world to offer watch recycling: old watches (except for plastic watches from other brands) can be sent to our factory in Solothurn where they are dismantled and recycled, on its way of cradle-to-cradle, a closed, value-preserving material cycle.
We support impactful projects
Fairventures Worldwide
At the start of the new decade, Mondaine launched a multi-year collaboration with the non-profit organization Fairventures with the purpose of off-setting our non-avoidable CO2 emissions for the group and all its brands by supporting reforestation projects through the cooperation. The NGO is committed to reforesting the rainforest in a very socially responsible manner in endangered areas.
We have signed a long-term agreement with Fairventures Worldwide with the aim of financially supporting their work and thereby compensating the entire Mondaine Group's CO2 emissions.
MONDAINE'S BRAND HISTORY
1944 - THE FACE
In 1944, Hans Hilfiker, a Swiss Engineer and Designer and employee of the Federal Swiss Railways, created a clock which has become known as the “Official Swiss Railways Clock”.
1986 - THE CLASSIC
In 1986, the Mondaine watch company, owned by the Bernheim family, was inspired by the blueprint of the iconic patented design of the Railways Clock, and turned it into a watch collection -- with official license from the Federal Swiss Railways.
1988 - FIRST LADIES WATCH
Since the first collection launched in 1986, new lines have been introduced each year to ensure that the Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch appeals to a wide consumer audience.
1989 - FOR THE DESK
These Mondaine Official Swiss Railways desk accessories are the famous clock in miniature, and carry the same Swiss reputation of excellent watchmaking, punctuality, precision and uncomplicated, concise design.
1993 - DESIGN PLUS AWARD
The Mondaine collection has become a highly respected icon of in its own right, offering strength of character in each rendition. Today, it is widely considered to be one of the “10 Classic Swiss Watch Designs.”
1994 - MEETING POINT ZURICH
When friends or travelers are looking for an easy central meeting area in Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city, the most popular choice is the Mondaine Railway Station Meeting Point at the main station. A four-meter high Swiss Railways Clock by Mondaine, visible from every direction in the station’s light and airy glass-domed central hall, towers over the Meeting Point. Over 300,000 people pass through this central hall in Zurich each day.
2001 - EVO (-LUTION)
The Evo watch line features a gently rounded case topped by a slightly domed mineral crystal with a magnifying effect. Design and function are combined in this elegant timepiece.
2003 - NEW HEADQUARTER
The administration of Mondaine has a new Headquarter at the Lessingstrasse in Zurich.
2004 - OFFICIAL SWISS STAMP
This Swiss stamp featuring a Mondaine face was designed by Ursus Wehrli for the Swiss Post.
2005 - NIGHT VISION
The Mondaine self-powered illumination system maintains a permanent glow for years, providing steady, long-lasting readability without any additional light source.
2006 - DESIGN CLASSIC
Mondaine is featured in the encyclopedic edition "Phaidon" presenting the 999 ultimate Design Classics. A 3-volume edition meticulously researched and curated after extensive consultation with designers and design-world insiders. Sir Terence Conran calls this book "A remarkable publishing achievement. These 3 volumes are encyclopedic in their scale and thoroughness; they are really a two-dimensional design museum between cardboard covers. Every design office and design student will want to have them..."
2006 - 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
In 1986, Mondaine created its first range of watches based upon this well-known Swiss blueprint. The simple design, the unmistakable easy to read face, distinctive hands and the famous red seconds hand helped to make the Mondaine collection successful the world over and secured their rightful position in the watch making hall of fame.
2008 - CULT WATCHES
Mondaine Watch featured in the Cult Watches book.
2009 - NEW FACTORY
The new Mondaine factory facilities open in 2009.
2010 - SWISSNESS BOOK
What makes “Swiss made” so special? So sexy, that as “Swissness” it is constantly causing a stir, and not just in Switzerland? Rather, what is important here is a seminal value added, thanks to specific qualities exhibited by the products and topics presented here, which raises them above the triviality of superfluous products and throw-away (un)culture of built-in obsolescence. (…) In the land of aspiring inventors, qualities such as these are not only lived out in classic design areas, but also by Mr. and Mrs. Swiss in everyday life(…). - Klaus Leuschel
2012 - VINTAGE HANDWINDER
Like the timeless Swiss Railways Clock, the Mondaine vintage aesthetic never seems to fall out of favor. The traditional Mondaine Vintage watch, featuring a mechanical hand-wound movement and transparent case back is a must-have addition to any watch connoisseur’s collection.
2013 - STOP2GO
A unique feature of the Swiss Railway (SBB) Clock that ensures the smooth and absolutely precise departures of Swiss trains on the full minute, the 2 second pause on all railway clocks across Switzerland has continued to delight and intrigue travelers for the past 70 years. This ingenious design by a Swiss engineer employed by the SBB ensured that train punctuality would become a visible concept across the globe. Swiss watchmaker Mondaine has incorporated this unique motion within its newest introduction, the stop2go. This timepiece features the famous red second hand that completes its rotation in 58 seconds and then pauses at the 12 o’clock mark for 2 seconds while the black minute hand jumps forward, starting its next rotation.
2014 - HELVETICA NO.1
Choosing the Helvetica font as a muse, with its quintessentially Swiss values and style, has enabled the creation of a time-tested yet harmonious watch collection. Just like the type font, Mondaine Helvetica is discreet, yet strong in the conviction of providing efficient time-keeping in a tempered recognizable form. The font translated to a watch design is something that is incredibly simple at first glance, but which has little quirks that are only noticed when studying the watch. The date aperture is slightly off its traditional central axis position to fit in with the typography of the dial. The Helvetica number “1” with its famous curved crossbar has been used as model for the lugs.
2015 - MONDAINE HELVETICA 1 SMARTWATCH
Mondaine launched a watch that proudly references its past, while simultaneously taking a bold step into its future. The Mondaine Helvetica No 1 Smart is the first-ever smartwatch. Inside this watch is the latest in smart technology focused on monitoring activity and sleep, featuring Motion activity tracking, Sleeptracking sleep monitoring, sleep cycle alarms, get-active alerts and adaptive coaching.
2016 - MONDAINE PAYCHIP
Blurring the lines between technological innovation and horological excellence, Mondaine has once again excelled with a fresh update to its outstanding Mondaine Helvetica No1 Smart watch. Having established itself as a leader in the field of Swiss-made wearable technology for the discerning customer, Mondaine continues to innovate with new Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless payment technology. A number of Mondaine watches will be imbued with a Mondaine PayChip™, designed to offer convenient and efficient transactions at contactless payment points.
2017 - MONDAINE BACKLIGHT TECHNOLOGY
Life doesn’t stop at night – the Mondaine Backlight Technology allows good visibility of the hands at night, without any disturbing visual effect of the design. The thin luminous foil with Swiss-made, extra strong Superluminova material is painted on the back side of the watch hands.
2017 - MONDAINE SMART STOP2GO WALL CLOCK
Employing one of its most influential designs, Mondaine has chosen to update its archetypal Swiss Railway wall clock, by adding Smart technology for modern living. The development of this connected Clock also incorporates the famous and unique stop2go function.
2017 - MONDAINE HELVETICA REGULAR SMARTWATCH
Two years since the launch of Mondaine’s first horologically-styled smartwatch in February 2015, Mondaine is once again focusing on its founding principles – the simple unity of eminent timeless Swiss design with innovation, craftsmanship and functionality, with the launch of the new Mondaine Helvetica Regular Smartwatch.
2017 - ESSENCE - SUSTAINABLE LAUNCH
The essence collection combines two of Mondaine’s core values - innovation and sustainability - to create the watch of the future. Essence watches are made with the latest in watch technology, along with 70% of the parts built from renewable materials. This collection is protected by scratch-resistant mineral crystal to not only ensure they are built along environmentally-friendly guidelines, but that they remain in perfect condition for as long as possible.
2019 - ESSENCE EXPANSION
With the success of the essence Sustainable Collection launch, Mondaine expanded the assortment with the introduction of a White Case & an updated Eco-Conscious strap. This new update includes a 100% Vegan Eco-Friendly Strap made out of cork lining and Recycled PET water bottles, with a quick-change enhancement.
2019 - MONDAINE HONORS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE SWISS RAILWAY CLOCK
The Official Swiss Railway clock is an icon of modern time-telling. In the years since its 1944 release, it has achieved a particularly beloved place in global design recognition. Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) engineer Hans Hilfiker imagined the original—which would come to represent the precision of the transport system. Since 1986, the Swiss watch brand Mondaine has been the official licensee. With an original clock blueprint, Mondaine has minimized the design and applied it to wristwatches with authenticity. To honor the 75th anniversary of the clock, we have released two special edition iterations of the Classic.
MORE ABOUT MONDAINE WATCH
