Style -- 4 days ago
Words: Patrick Tillard
Innovative design doesn’t necessarily mean complicated. Whenever we hear the word ‘new’ our minds all too easily wander to the breaking of new ground, the pushing of mechanical boundaries, and the triumvirate marriage of sophistication, function and beauty. But this doesn’t always have to be the case. The latter, the unity of form and functionality, can be achieved by refining a design rather than making it infinitely more technical. There is beauty in simplicity.
Mondaine has long been recognised as a purveyor of monochrome design, renowned for its iconic pieces inspired by the Swiss Railways clock and Helvetica font. They have stayed true to this minimalist ethos with their Autumn-Winter 2015 Collection, with the introduction of styles to the Mondaine SBB and Helvetica family.
New additions this season include the Mini Giant and the Evo Big Date – the latter having received a dramatic make-over. Available in 40mm and 30mm case sizes, the contrast of the Evo’s new black IP plated stainless steel case with signature square-shaped lugs against the pure white backdrop of the dial gives this timepiece a graphical and strong presence on the wrist. Powered by a quartz movement, and water resistant to 30m, this is an everyday watch for the everyday gentleman, carrying a very everyday price-tag, with models starting at £149.
They have also launched a smartwatch, the Helvetica No. 1 Smart – the first smartwatch to be launched by a Swiss watch brand. But, uniquely, Mondaine has not been tempted to stray from their signature simplicity, and the result is something of a juxtaposition; a blend of technology and craftsmanship. It is vintage modernity; proudly referencing its past, while simultaneously taking a bold step into its future.
Mondaine Helvetica No. 1 Smartwatch – £600
Inside this watch is the latest in smart technology focused on monitoring activity and sleep, featuring MotionX® activity tracking, so while the modest design we have come to pleasantly associate with the name remains, stirrings beneath the surface of these clean dials demonstrate that Mondaine is still at the forefront of ingenuity. The future looks bright, and simple.
For more information, visit www.mondaine.com
