Traveling through Switzerland by train means frequently sighting the source of Mondaine’s minimalist watch dial named for the Federal Swiss Railways (SBB).
At every train station you’ll see an easy-to-read black-and-white-dial clock originally designed by Hans Hilfiker in 1944 when he was working for the SBB. The design was enhanced in 1947 with the addition of a paddle-shaped seconds hand based on the stationmaster’s hand-held train signal.
While today Mondaine features primarily quartz-powered models built using sustainable materials, the Swiss watchmaker recently gave its EVO2 Automatic collection (originally created in 1986) a design update, adding rounder curves that reach around the case to seamlessly fold into a clear caseback, exposing a nicely SBB-branded Sellita automatic movement.
Mondaine has also refined the case lugs and has carefully updated EVO2’s crown to balance the watch’s design.
The newest Mondaine EVO2 models, with their genuine and classic Swiss-design dial, are available in 35mm and 40mm case sizes, are offered with a choice of a black or red straps ($665) or on a steel mesh bracelet ($720). 