THE STORY OF MONDAINE
1944
THE DIAL
In 1944, Swiss engineer, designer and employee at the Swiss Federal Railways Hans Hilfiker created a clock that came to be known as the "Official Swiss Railway Station Clock".
1986
THE CLASSIC
In 1986, the Swiss watch manufacturer Mondaine, owned by the Bernheim family, took inspiration from the emblematic patented design of the train station clock and turned it into a watch collection -- with official approval from the Swiss Federal Railways.
1988
THE FIRST WATCH FOR WOMEN
Since the launch of the collection in 1986, new lines have been introduced every year to ensure that Mondaine's Official SBB Station Clock appeals to a wide audience.
1989
FOR THE DESK
Mondaine's official SBB office accessories represent the famous watch in miniature, while staying true to the Swiss reputation for excellent watchmaking, punctuality, precision and uncomplicated and sober design.
1993
DESIGN PLUS AWARD
The Mondaine collection has become a recognized icon in its own right, offering pieces with a strong character in each edition. Today, for many, it is one of the "10 classic Swiss watch designs".
1994
MEETING POINT ZURICH
If friends or travelers are looking for an easy and central meeting point in Zurich, the largest Swiss city, Mondaine's meeting point at the main train station is the most popular choice. A four meter high Mondaine SBB clock looms over the meeting point and is visible from all directions in the bright, glass-roofed central hall. Every day 300,000 people pass through this central hall at the Zurich train station.
2001
EVO (-LUTION)
The Evo watch series features a gently rounded watch case, crowned by a slightly curved mineral glass with a magnifying effect. This elegant watch combines design with practicality.
2003
NEW HEADQUARTERS
Mondaine's administration has a new headquarters on Lessingstrasse in Zurich.
2004
OFFICIAL SWISS POSTAGE STAMP
The Swiss postage stamp with the Mondaine dial was created by Ursus Wehrli for Swiss Post.
2005
VISIBLE IN THE DARK
Mondaine's self-contained lighting system maintains a permanent glow for years, ensuring steady, lasting readability without additional light sources.
2006
DESIGN CLASSIC
Mondaine is listed in the encyclopedic edition of Phaedo listing 999 ultimate design classics. A 3-volume edition based on careful research and extensive consultation with designers and experts in the design world. Sir Terence Conran called this book "a remarkable publishing achievement. These 3 volumes are encyclopedic in scale and completeness; they are truly a two-dimensional design museum between cardboard covers. Every design office and design student will want them...”
2006
20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
In 1986, Mondaine created the first series of watches based on this well-known Swiss model. The simple design, the unmistakable easy-to-read dial, the prominent hands and the famous seconds hand contributed to the worldwide success of the Mondaine collection and secured its rightful place in the watchmaking hall of fame.
2008
CULT WATCHES
The Mondaine watch is featured in the book Cult Watches.
2009
NEW WATCH FACTORY
The new Mondaine watch factory facility opens in 2009.
2010
SWISSNESS BOOK
What makes "Swiss made" so special? So sexy that it constantly causes a stir as the "Swiss" and not only in Switzerland? What is important is the seminal added value thanks to specific characteristics of the products and themes presented here, which elevates them above the triviality of superfluous products and throwaway (in)culture of built-in obsolescence. (...) In the land of ambitious inventors, qualities like these are not only lived out in the classic design industry, but also by Mr. and Mrs. Swiss in everyday life (...). - Klaus Leuschel
2012
VINTAGE HAND WINDING
Just like the timeless Swiss train station clock, Mondaine's vintage aesthetic never seems to fall from grace. Featuring a hand-wound mechanical movement and a transparent back of the watch case, the traditional vintage Mondaine watch is a must-have in any connoisseur's watch collection.
2013
STOP2GO
The two-second pause on all station clocks throughout Switzerland, a unique feature of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) clock that ensures the scheduled and absolutely precise departure of Swiss trains on the hour, has delighted and fascinated travelers for the past 70 years . This ingenious design by a Swiss engineer employed by SBB ensured that train punctuality became a visible concept all over the world. Swiss watchmaker Mondaine incorporated this unique movement into its latest release, the stop2go. This watch features the famous red second hand, which completes the revolution in 58 seconds and then pauses for 2 seconds at the 12 o'clock indicator while the black minute hand jumps forward, giving impetus for the next revolution.
2014
MONDAINE HELVETICA NO.1 WATCH COLLECTION
Choosing the Helvetica font with its typically Swiss values and style as inspiration led to the creation of a time-tested and harmonious watch collection. Just like the font, Mondaine Helvetica is discreet, yet strong in its belief in offering an efficient time display in a tempered distinctive form. The font transferred to the watch design looks incredibly simple at first glance, but has small peculiarities that are only noticeable on closer inspection of the watch. The date aperture is slightly off the traditional position on the central axis to fit in with the dial's typography. The number "1" of the Helvetica typeface with the famous rounded slash was used as a model for the loops.
2015
MONDAINE HELVETICA 1 SMARTWATCH
Mondaine introduces a watch that proudly evokes its past while taking a bold step into its future. The Mondaine Helvetica No 1 Smart is the very first smartwatch. The watch is equipped with the latest smart technology aimed at activity and sleep monitoring and features movement tracking, sleep tracking, sleep monitoring, sleep cycle alarm, get-active notifications and customizable coaching function.
2016
MONDAINE PAYCHIP
With the latest update of the superb Mondaine Helvetica No1 Smartwatch, Mondaine excels once again, blurring the line between technological innovation and watchmaking excellence. As an established leader in Swiss-made wearable technology for discerning consumers, Mondaine continues to innovate with new contactless payment technology via Near Field Communication (NFC). Some Mondaine watches will be equipped with the Mondaine PayChip™ to enable convenient and efficient payment at contactless payment terminals.
2017
MONDAINE BACKLIGHT TECHNOLOGY
Mondaine BackLight technology allows the hands to be seen clearly at night without compromising the visual impact of the design. The thin Swiss-made luminous foil made of extra strong Superluminova material is attached to the back of the hands.
2017
MONDAINE SMART STOP2GO WALL CLOCK
The original with the iconic design of the Swiss railway station clock is refreshed with Smart technology for the modern lifestyle. The development of this connected wall clock also includes the famous and unique stop2go function.
2017
MONDAINE HELVETICA REGULAR SMARTWATCH
Two years after the launch of the first Mondaine watch-style smartwatch, in February 2015, the focus is once again on the basic Mondaine principles. The Mondaine Helvetica Regular Smartwatch convinces with timeless Swiss design paired with innovation, craftsmanship and functionality.
2017
ESSENCE - SUSTAINABLE LAUNCH
Mondaine has combined Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship and design with a forward-thinking commitment to the future of our planet. The Official Swiss Station Clock is an innovative interpretation of a 75-year-old Swiss design classic. Developed using eco-friendly raw materials, the renewable materials include castor oil for the case, natural rubber, cork and recycled PET for the straps. With sustainable, multipurpose packaging, these contemporary creations are not only pure and simple in design, but they are also considerate of the world we live in.
2019
ESSENCE EXPANSION
With the success of the launch of the first essence collection, Mondaine is expanding the range with a white housing. In addition to the sustainable case, the models also have an environmentally friendly bracelet with a cork lining. The special new strap system also allows for easy and uncomplicated replacement of the strap without tools.
2019
75 YEARS OF THE SWISS STATION CLOCK
The official Swiss railway station clock is an icon of modern timekeeping. In the years since its release in 1944, it has achieved a particularly popular place in the world's design acclaim. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) engineer, Hans Hilfiker, developed the original, which reflects the precision of the transport system. The Swiss watch brand Mondaine has been an official licensee since 1986. Mondaine has reduced the design to a minimum with an original watch design and made the leap onto the wrist. In honor of the 75th birthday, Mondaine launches the anniversary set.
2020
MONDAINE IS CARBON NEUTRAL, SCOPE 1, 2 AND PART 3 OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS PROTOCOL FOR THE FIRST TIME.
2021
NEW MONDAINE GIFT BOXES MADE OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND >50% VOLUME AND WEIGHT.
2021
AUTOMATIC: WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR COLLECTION WITH MORE AUTOMATIC WATCHES - ORIGINAL AUTOMATIQUE AND EVO2.
2021
MONDAINE RECEIVED THE HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD FOR THE CARBON FOOTPRINT INITIATIVE AND WON THE 2021 MARIE CLAIRESUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FOR BEST SUSTAINABLE WATCH COLLECTION WITH ESSENCE.
2022
START TRANSFORMING FROM ANIMAL LEATHER BANDS TO VEGAN MATERIALS WITH FULLY UPCYCLING GRAPE LEATHER BANDS.
2022
THE STOP2GO WIFI WALL CLOCK IS BASED ON THE FAMOUS STATION CLOCKS OF THE SWISS BUNDESBAHN (SBB) AND CAN BE SET EASILY AND CONVENIENTLY VIA A SMARTPHONE THANKS TO THE NEW WLAN CONNECTION.