Mondaine Numeri Collection

Mondaine recently introduced the Numeri collection, a fresh line that injects a sportive character into the brand's well-known design language. This new range aims to find a sweet spot between robust functionality and clean aesthetics, presenting an interesting option within the sports watch category. The collection launches with three distinct models, all built around a new case design featuring a prominent, novel bezel.

The roots of Mondaine watch design are deeply entwined with Swiss railway history. Back in 1944, Swiss engineer Hans Hilfiker designed the Official Swiss Railways Clock. His creation was revolutionary for its stark minimalism: a clean white face, thick black hour and minute markers, and a very distinct red seconds hand. This seconds hand, shaped like the signaling disk used by railway dispatchers, became an instant identifier. The design prioritized absolute clarity and immediate readability, crucial for keeping the notoriously punctual Swiss trains on schedule.



It wasn't until 1986 that Mondaine, the company, secured the license to translate this iconic clock face into a wristwatch format. This move brought the celebrated railway clock design from station platforms to personal wrists worldwide. The resulting watch collection stayed true to Hilfiker's principles of simplicity and legibility, quickly gaining recognition. This design is now considered a staple of Swiss watchmaking and functional design, celebrated for its straightforward approach. Every Mondaine watch since carries this DNA, focusing on telling time clearly and reliably.

The new Numeri collection builds upon this foundation but introduces elements geared towards a more active, versatile use case. These watches are conceived to bridge the gap between office attire and weekend adventures, offering a design that doesn't look out of place in either scenario. The core idea is to merge the durability expected of a sports watch with the uncluttered look Mondaine is known for, resulting in a timepiece that serves its primary function – telling time clearly – under various conditions.

At the heart of the Numeri collection's visual identity is its unique bezel. For the first time, Mondaine has implemented a 12-sided fixed bezel. This dodecagonal shape immediately sets the Numeri apart from other Mondaine lines. Beyond its geometric appeal, this bezel is functional; it features engraved numerals from 1 to 12 corresponding to the hours. This is another departure for Mondaine, adding a detail previously unseen on their bezels and directly aiding in time-telling.

This faceted bezel surrounds the watch crystal, adding a layer of visual complexity while reinforcing the watch's robust build. The inclusion of numerals directly on the bezel enhances readability, working in concert with the dial markers. The design manages to be both a practical addition and a defining aesthetic feature. Finishing touches, like the crown signed with the Mondaine "M," underscore the attention to detail applied throughout the watch's construction.

The case itself measures 42mm in diameter, a contemporary size suitable for a sports-oriented watch, providing presence on the wrist without being overly cumbersome. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, a standard in quality watchmaking known for its corrosion resistance and durability, the case construction feels solid. It features a height of 10.8mm, maintaining a relatively slim profile for its diameter and water resistance rating.



A noteworthy aspect of the case is its dual finishing. The top surfaces, including the upper plane of the lugs and the bezel's flat top facets, are treated with a brushed finish. This technique gives the steel a subtle texture that helps diffuse light and resist minor scuffs. In contrast, the sides of the case and the edges of the bezel facets are polished to a high shine. This interplay between brushed and polished surfaces adds visual depth and a touch of sophistication, allowing the watch to transition smoothly between casual and slightly more formal settings. The case back is a solid, screw-in type, also made of 316L stainless steel, contributing to the watch's water resistance.

Two dial colors are available in the Numeri collection: classic white and black. The white dial models (MSN.4211B.SK and MSN.4211B.RB) adhere closely to the traditional Mondaine railway clock aesthetic. They feature bold, black block-like hour and minute markers set against the crisp white background, ensuring maximum contrast for easy reading. The minute track is clearly delineated around the dial's periphery.

Of course, the iconic red seconds hand is present on all models. It features the signature circular tip, often referred to as the "lollipop," providing a vibrant splash of color and making it easy to track the seconds at a glance. This hand remains a direct visual link to the original Swiss Railways clock design and is an integral part of the Mondaine identity.

For low-light visibility on the white dials, Mondaine employs its patented BackLight technology. Instead of applying luminous material to the top surfaces of the hands, Super-LumiNova is applied to the underside of the hour and minute hands. This lume glows through the night, reflecting off the white dial surface to make the hands visible without altering their daytime appearance. It's a subtle but clever solution to maintain the clean look while ensuring functionality in the dark.

The black dial variant (MSN.42120.RB) offers a different feel. The same bold markers and iconic red seconds hand are used, but here they are rendered in white against the deep black background. This creates a high-contrast look that is equally legible but presents a stealthier, perhaps more modern, appearance compared to the classic white dial.



On the black dial model, the approach to lume is more conventional. Super-LumiNova is applied directly to the top surfaces of the white hour and minute hands. This ensures that the hands glow brightly in dim conditions, providing excellent nighttime readability consistent with the watch's functional goals. The choice between BackLight on white dials and top-applied lume on the black dial caters to maintaining the distinct character of each colorway.

Protecting the dial on all Numeri models is a sapphire crystal. Sapphire is highly valued in watchmaking because it is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, second only to diamond. This ensures the watch face remains clear and free from unsightly marks through daily wear and tear, even during more demanding activities. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the crystal, reducing glare and further enhancing visibility, especially in bright sunlight.

Inside the Numeri watches ticks a Swiss quartz movement. While Mondaine doesn't specify the exact caliber, Swiss quartz movements are renowned for their accuracy, reliability, and low maintenance requirements. They offer grab-and-go convenience, keeping precise time without the need for regular winding. This choice aligns perfectly with Mondaine's focus on functionality and dependability, providing hassle-free timekeeping suitable for an everyday sports watch.

The collection offers different strap and bracelet options. Model MSN.4211B.SK comes fitted with a solid 316L stainless steel link bracelet. This bracelet mirrors the dual finishing of the case: the central links running down the bracelet are polished, while the outer links feature a brushed finish. This creates a cohesive look between the case and bracelet, adding substance and a more dressed-up feel to the watch. It secures with a brushed steel buckle and contributes significantly to the watch's overall weight of 160 grams.

Alternatively, models MSN.4211B.RB (white dial) and MSN.42120.RB (black dial) are paired with a black silicone rubber strap. This option emphasizes the sporty nature of the Numeri. The silicone material is comfortable, durable, and water-resistant, making it ideal for active use. The strap features a subtle Mondaine "M" pattern molded onto the back surface for added texture and branding. It closes with a steel brushed buckle, matching the case finish, and incorporates the "M" logo on the loop button. These models have a lighter wrist presence, weighing in at 88 grams. The straps are designed to be interchangeable, allowing owners to potentially switch between styles. The lug width is a standard 22mm.



A key feature highlighting the Numeri's sporty credentials is its water resistance rating of 10 ATM, equivalent to 100 meters or approximately 330 feet. This level of water resistance means the watch is suitable for everyday exposure to water, including showering, swimming, and snorkeling. While not intended for deep-sea diving, this rating provides ample protection for most water-based recreational activities and ensures peace of mind during unexpected downpours or outdoor excursions. The screw-in case back is essential in achieving this rating.

Legibility remains a paramount concern, deeply ingrained from the railway clock heritage. The Numeri collection achieves this through a combination of factors: the large 42mm dial size, the high contrast between hands/markers and the dial background (whether white or black), the clear minute track, the instantly recognizable red seconds hand, the anti-reflective sapphire crystal minimizing glare, and the inclusion of Super-LumiNova for nighttime viewing. The addition of numerals on the bezel further supports quick time reading.

The Numeri collection successfully demonstrates how Mondaine is evolving its core design principles for different applications. It takes the fundamental clarity of the railway clock and packages it in a more robust, versatile format. The 12-sided bezel adds a unique visual signature, while the material choices (316L steel, sapphire crystal) and practical features (10 ATM water resistance, reliable quartz movement) deliver the performance expected of a modern sports watch. It’s a design that feels appropriate for a wide range of activities and environments.

Being "Swiss Made" is more than just a label on the dial; it signifies adherence to specific quality standards regulated by Swiss law. It implies that the movement is Swiss, the movement was cased up in Switzerland, and the final inspection occurred in Switzerland. Mondaine emphasizes that its watches are hand-produced in its Swiss factory, reflecting a commitment to the craftsmanship and quality control associated with Swiss watchmaking traditions. Mondaine is also a family-owned company.

Beyond the product itself, Mondaine highlights its commitment to sustainable practices. The company states it has followed the "3Rs" principle (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) for many years. Furthermore, since 2020, Mondaine claims to be one of the first watch companies globally to achieve comprehensive CO2 neutrality across scopes 1, 2, and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol, indicating a focus on environmental responsibility in its operations.

Visually, the Numeri watches present a compelling blend of familiar Mondaine cues and new sporty elements. The dodecagonal bezel provides sharp, angular lines that contrast intriguingly with the round case and dial. The dual-finished case offers plays of light, while the dials remain models of clarity. The red seconds hand pops against both dial colors, serving as a constant reminder of the brand's heritage. Whether on the solid steel bracelet or the flexible silicone strap, the watch projects an image of functional capability.



The Mondaine Numeri collection appears well-suited for individuals seeking a reliable, highly legible Swiss-made timepiece with a distinct design character that deviates slightly from the mainstream Mondaine offerings. Its blend of sporty features like 100m water resistance and robust construction, combined with the clear dial layout and unique bezel, makes it a practical choice for daily wear that can handle occasional adventures without issue. It appeals to those who value straightforward function delivered with a considered design approach.

These new Mondaine Numeri watches became available starting March 10th. They can be purchased directly from the Mondaine website (mondaine.com) and through selected specialist watch retailers. The suggested retail price is set at $395 for the models equipped with the silicone rubber strap (MSN.4211B.RB and MSN.42120.RB) and $425 for the model featuring the 316L stainless steel link bracelet (MSN.4211B.SK).

Case: 316L Stainless steel, 42mm diameter, 10.8mm height. Brushed top and polished sides. Fixed 12-sided bezel marked with numerals 1-12. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. 316L Stainless steel screw-in case back. Water resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters).

Movement: Swiss Quartz. Swiss Made.

Dial: Available in White or Black. White dials feature BackLight technology (Super-LumiNova on underside of hands). Black dials feature Super-LumiNova applied on top of hands. Iconic red second hand. High-contrast markers.

Strap: Options: Black Silicone rubber or 316L Stainless Steel link bracelet. Silicone: M pattern on back, steel brushed buckle (88g watch weight). Bracelet: Dual finishing (polished center links, brushed outer links), steel brushed buckle (160g watch weight). Strap width 22mm. Interchangeable.

Price: $395 (Silicone strap models), $425 (Stainless steel bracelet model).

Reference Number: MSN.4211B.SK (Steel bracelet/White dial), MSN.4211B.RB (Silicone strap/White dial), MSN.42120.RB (Silicone strap/Black dial).

Notes: Features a distinctive 12-sided fixed bezel with numerals, a first for Mondaine. Uses Mondaine's patented BackLight technology on white dials for unique lume visibility. Swiss Made construction combining railway clock design cues with a robust, sporty build.