Thanks to their excellent craftsmanship, Mondaine watches are some of the best-known Swiss timepieces in the world. The brand takes a traditional approach to watchmaking and places a strong focus on design. However, this does not take away from the functionality of the watches. Over the past couple of years, the brand has seen a rise in popularity; more and more people want to buy a Mondaine. Therefore, to help you with your purchase decisions, we have put together this list of 5 things you should know before buying a Mondaine. Keep reading to find out more!
Top 5 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Mondaine
1. Mondaine is a luxury brand
Founded in 1951, Mondaine is a luxury watch brand. Swiss heritage runs through their veins and this translates through their traditional approach to watchmaking. They wear their heritage with pride and have even incorporated ‘Switzerland’ into their iconic logo. High-quality materials are used in the construction of their products; this is what gives the brand its luxury name. However, this does not impact the prices of the watches and clocks at all. Many Mondaine watches are surprisingly affordable, which makes them attractive to many.
Mondaine Classic | 36mm | Blue Dial | IP Gold Mesh Bracelet A660.30314.40SBM
Conveying ideas of luxury and opulence, the blue dial of this Mondaine is contrasted by gold rectangular indices and hands. As well as this, the red second-hand bears resemblance to a train dispatcher’s baton; a key detail of all Mondaine watches. To make the watch suitable for daily wear, a hard mineral crystal protects the dial. Securing the model is a gold-tone stainless steel mesh bracelet. The mesh detailing not only enhances the classic design of the watch but also provides a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. A reliable quartz movement powers this watch, so you can guarantee that it will last you for years to come.
2. Mondaine watches have an iconic design
Mondaine’s iconic design dates back to the blueprint created by Hans Hilfiker for the official Federal Swiss Railway clock in 1944. His updated blueprint saw the introduction of a red second hand. This design took inspiration from the trowel of the dispatchers who handled trains at railway stations. Mondaine were inspired by this design, and as a result, adapted it into a wristwatch collection with official licensing from the Swiss Railways. They released the ‘Initial Classic‘ collection in 1986 which featured the distinctive red second hand; it paved the way for Mondaine’s great success in the watchmaking world.
Mondaine Classic 30mm | Black Leather Strap | White Dial A658.30323.11SBB
Maintaining the brand’s iconic look, this Mondaine watch features a white dial with black rectangular indices and hands, as well as a red second hand. A polished stainless steel case houses a reliable Swiss quartz movement and a hardened mineral crystal protects the dial. Securing the watch is a black leather strap with red lining. Completing the iconic design of this watch, the crown is red and features the M of the Mondaine logo. It is specially modified from the usual font to resemble two mountain peaks; something we all symbolise with Switzerland.
3. The brand prides itself on sustainability
As an advocate of shifting the watch industry towards a greener future, Mondaine is an extremely sustainable brand. They have received global recognition for their efforts and have won multiple awards because of it. Mondaine is also the first company in the world to offer watch recycling and among one the world’s first comprehensively carbon-neutral brands to follow the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ rule. As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, all of their watch collections are available with sustainable vegan straps; textiles range from recycled plastic bottles to grape leather. No matter what alternative you choose, it is helping to reduce the brands ecological footprint.
Mondaine Essence 41mm | Park Green Strap | Green Dial MS1.41160.LF
Without compromising the brand’s iconic design, this Mondaine is made from renewable materials. The tone-on-tone case, strap and dial are all presented in a powerful park green; symbolic of nature and freshness. The strap is made out of textile from recycled PET bottles and lined with cork; this makes it comfortable to wear. Together with the iconic dial and red second hand, this watch is a real eye-catcher. Sustainability has never looked so good and like all watches in the essence collection, this model has been assembled with up to 80% of power from Mondaine’s own photovoltaic system.
4. Mondaine watches showcase brilliant craftsmanship
For more than 60 years, Mondaine have followed a simple yet effective idea: form and function in perfect harmony. To ensure superior quality, all Mondaine watches and clocks are produced in their factory in Biberist. These unique and high-quality timepieces are crafted with personality and due to their reliable Ronda-based quartz movements, can last for generations. When you buy a Mondaine watch, you’re buying a piece of Swiss history and craftsmanship.
Mondaine SBB Grand Cushion Chronograph (41mm) Blue Dial / Blue Textile Steel Mesh Set MSL.41440.LD.SET
Mondaine’s chronograph watches showcase the very best of Swiss precision and craftsmanship. This Grand Cushion model is inspired by a vintage design and pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage. The watch’s cushion-shaped case is crafted from stainless steel and it houses a reliable Ronda-quartz movement. Although the dial of this model features both a date display and a chronograph, it does not take away from the brand’s iconic look. They seamlessly integrate into the display and allow for the wearer to measure elapsed time with precision. Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; it is extremely strong and scratch resistant. For optimal versatility, this model comes with two types of straps. So depending on your mood, you can switch between a blue textile strap or Milanese mesh stainless steel bracelet.
5. Some Mondaine watches feature a ‘stop2go’ movement
Watches with a ‘stop2go’ movement not only inherit the design of the Swiss Railway clock, but also feature a unique movement that resembles that of this iconic clock. The distinctive red second hand of the watch makes a full circle turn in 58 seconds and then waits for 2 seconds when it reaches the hour; this allows for the minute hand to smoothly jump to the next minute. It is important to understand this motion and be aware of the watches that include it. Otherwise there could be great confusion when the wearer sees the second hand static for those 2 seconds.
Mondaine Stop2Go (41mm) Classic Black Dial / Black Vegan Grape Leather MST.41020.LBV.2SE
With its strikingly robust design and crown-less case, this stop2go model captures the true essence of the Swiss Railway Clock. The classic black dial and stainless steel case are paired with a black vegan grape leather strap and to ensure readability in low-light conditions, the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial and adds to the watch’s durable nature. This model is equipped with an exclusive Swiss-made movement which showcases a 2-second stop in time. The stop2go collection is a true homage to both Mondaine’s Swiss heritage and design.
What are your thoughts on our 5 things to know before buying a Mondaine? Will you buying a Mondaine after reading this guide? Let us know in the comments!
