Mondaine Doppio

In watchmaking, the balance between honoring a rich heritage and embracing forward-thinking innovation is a delicate and often elusive act. Mondaine Watch Ltd., a company with foundational roots in Swiss design history, confronts this challenge directly with its latest release, the Doppio Collection. This new line is not merely an extension of the brand's catalogue but a thoughtful exploration of duality, merging the company's past with a clear vision for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. It represents a a meticulous fusion of ideas, materials, and philosophies, reflecting the collaborative spirit that brought it to life.



The story of Mondaine began in 1951, long before the Doppio came into existence. The brand cemented its place in design history in 1986 when it transformed the iconic Official Swiss Railways (SBB) Clock into a collection of wristwatches. That clock, with its clean white face, bold black indices, and unmistakable red, lollipop-style second hand, became a global symbol of Swiss punctuality and minimalist utility. This legacy of clarity, reliability, and functional design forms the bedrock upon which all subsequent Mondaine creations, including the Doppio, are built. It's a history not of fleeting trends, but of enduring design principles.



At its core, the Doppio Collection is built around the concept of duality, a theme inspired by the dynamic partnership of brothers and company leaders, André and Ronnie Bernheim. Their distinct yet complementary perspectives were instrumental in shaping a collection that harmonizes tradition with modernity. The name "Doppio," Italian for "double," is a direct nod to this philosophy. This concept is woven into the very fabric of the watches, creating a product line that feels both familiar to fans of the brand and refreshingly new.



This theme of duality is most evident in the watch's design language. The Doppio joins the esteemed SBB collection, presenting itself as a sibling with a unique personality. The design concept is most clearly articulated through the use of double lines, which define the hour and minute hands and are echoed in the dial's indexes. This subtle repetition creates a cohesive and thoughtful aesthetic that feels intentional and refined. It’s a design that doesn't shout for attention but rewards closer inspection with its clever details.



Visually, the watches make a strong impression through their refined textures and depth. The dials are offered in several variations, including circular-brushed finishes in off-white, deep blue, and stark black. This brushing technique creates a dynamic surface that plays with light, shifting its appearance as the wrist moves. A key feature is the concave dial, a subtle curvature that dips inward from the chapter ring. This uncommon feature, paired with the watch's crystal, adds a remarkable sense of three-dimensionality to what is otherwise a very clean and minimal face.



Enhancing this effect is the double-domed sapphire crystal that protects the dial. This type of crystal, with its pronounced curve, works in concert with the concave dial to create an engaging visual experience. It magnifies the dial slightly and generates interesting light refractions at its edges, further enhancing the watch's depth and visual appeal. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the sapphire, ensuring that legibility remains paramount despite the crystal’s complex geometry. This combination of elements demonstrates a sophisticated approach to design, where every component is chosen to complement the others.



The hands of the Doppio are a masterclass in thematic design. The hour and minute hands are not solid batons but are instead crafted with a "double line" design, appearing as two fine parallel lines that terminate in a point. This directly reflects the "Doppio" name and creates a lighter, more architectural feel than traditional hands. Serving as a vibrant point of contrast is the solid red second hand, a direct and unmistakable link to Mondaine's iconic SBB watches. This single element bridges nearly 40 years of brand history, connecting the new collection to its celebrated predecessor.



The case of the Mondaine Doppio is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material known for its durability and corrosion resistance. The finishing is a tasteful mix of brushed and polished surfaces, lending the case a versatile character that can suit both casual and more formal settings. The collection launches with two distinct case sizes to accommodate different wrist sizes and preferences: a more classic 33mm diameter and a more contemporary 41mm version. The case heights are commendably slim, with the 33mm models measuring 7.8mm thick and the 41mm models at 9.1mm, ensuring a comfortable and unobtrusive profile on the wrist.



Inside the Doppio watches beat two different types of Swiss-made movements, offering a choice between tradition and cutting-edge technology. The quartz models are equipped with a reliable and precise Swiss Quartz movement, providing the accuracy and low-maintenance convenience that many users expect from a modern timepiece. This choice ensures that the collection remains accessible and practical for a wide audience.



The more technologically advanced models in the collection feature a Swiss-made RONDA solar movement. This represents Mondaine's forward-looking approach and deepens the collection's narrative. Concealed beneath the matte, semi-transparent dial are solar cells that capture energy from both natural sunlight and artificial indoor light. This energy is then used to charge an internal rechargeable battery, which powers the watch's functions.



This solar technology is remarkably efficient. A fully charged battery provides an impressive power reserve of up to eight months, meaning the watch will continue to run accurately even if stored in complete darkness for an extended period. Should the battery ever be fully depleted, its "instant activation" feature ensures it can be revived quickly. Just two minutes of exposure to sunlight is enough to restart the movement and provide power for an entire day, making it an exceptionally reliable timekeeping companion.



The solar movement is also engineered for longevity. It incorporates advanced protection technology to prevent both overcharging and deep discharge, two common issues that can degrade battery life over time. This careful management of the power system ensures the rechargeable battery will perform optimally for many years, drastically reducing the environmental impact associated with disposable batteries. This Swiss-made solar engine is a testament to both precision engineering and ecological responsibility.



Mondaine's commitment to sustainability extends far beyond its choice of movements. It is a core principle that informs every aspect of the Doppio Collection's production. The straps, for example, are crafted from innovative vegan materials. Some are made from grape leather, a material derived from the organic waste of wine production, while others utilize apple-based materials. These plant-based alternatives offer the look and feel of traditional leather without the associated environmental footprint.



The commitment continues with the case material itself. The 316L stainless steel used in the Doppio collection contains up to 91% recycled material, significantly reducing the demand for newly mined resources. This aligns with the company's long-held adherence to the "3Rs" principle: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. It is a philosophy that has guided Mondaine’s manufacturing processes for decades, placing them at the forefront of sustainable practices within the watch industry.



This eco-conscious approach is fully integrated into the company's operations. Since 2020, the Mondaine Group has been one of the world's first watch companies to achieve comprehensive carbon neutrality, covering scopes 1, 2, and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol. This remarkable achievement is supported by initiatives like the company's state-of-the-art factory in Biberist, Switzerland, which operates on up to 80% of its own solar-generated energy—a fact that beautifully complements the solar-powered models in the Doppio collection.



As a final nod to its lineage, every watch in the Doppio Collection features a special engraving on its solid case back. Here, the original Mondaine logo from 1951 is proudly displayed. This heritage logo is rich with symbolism; it features two mountain peaks rising from the letter "M," representing strength, stability, and the brand's Swiss alpine roots. These peaks are enclosed within a circle that evokes the shape of a watch, complete with hands and a crown, reinforcing the brand’s deep connection to the art of horology. It is a stamp of authenticity that celebrates over 70 years of history.



The launch of the Doppio collection includes a well-rounded selection of models. There are four traditional quartz watches—two in the 33mm case size and two in the 41mm size. Alongside these are three solar-powered models, all presented in the 41mm case. This initial offering provides a variety of aesthetic choices. Strap options include the vegan grape leather in black, brown, or blue, as well as finely woven 316L stainless steel mesh bracelets available in natural silver, black IP, or gold IP finishes. The bands are sized appropriately, with a 16mm width for the 33mm watches and a 20mm width for the 41mm models.



The Mondaine Doppio collection is positioned to be both accessible and desirable. The quartz models carry a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranging from $320 to $365, depending on the specific model and strap combination. The technologically advanced solar-powered models are priced between $455 and $480.



Case: 316L stainless steel (brushed & polished); 33mm & 41mm diameters; 7.8mm height (33mm) or 9.1mm height (41mm); Double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; Water resistance 5 ATM.

Movement: Swiss Quartz or Solar Swiss Quartz (RONDA); Solar models feature an 8-month power reserve.

Dial: Concave design in Off-White, Blue, or Black with a circular brushed finish (Quartz) or matte transparent finish (Solar); Features double line indexes and a red second hand.

Strap: Vegan Grape Leather in black, brown, or blue; 316L stainless steel mesh in silver, black, or gold; 16mm width (for 33mm case) or 20mm width (for 41mm case).

Price: $320-$365 (Quartz); $455-$480 (Solar).

Notes: The collection is defined by the "Doppio" (double) design concept seen in the hands and indexes. The brand emphasizes sustainability through recycled steel, vegan straps, and CO2 neutral production.