A modern watch made to help raise funds for the restoration of a 19th century clock.
Located in Switzerland, the Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH) holds the world’s largest collection of timepieces. Recently, the museum announced the launch of a watch that has a special purpose: the raising of funds for the restoration of MIH’s Tellurium. Dating back to the 19th century, this antique astronomical watch was created by renowned Swiss clockmaker François Ducommun. To help fund the restoration project, the museum designed the second version of the Gaïa watch. The MIH Gaïa Series II features a similar design to the original but also a series of updates.
Made with a 39mm stainless steel case, the timepiece features a sapphire glass front with anti-reflective coating. An individual serial number appears on the case back, while a subtle MIH logo decorates the crown. The modern watch boasts an updated black nickel-plated sunburst dial as well as a domed minute disc and a rhodium-plated hour disc. A self-winding mechanical SW400-1 caliber movement with 26 jewels and a power reserve of 38 hours ensures that the watch keeps the time with accuracy. Finally, the black calf leather strap comes with a tongue buckle with a tool-free removal mechanism. The buckle also features an engraved inscription: the museum’s geographical coordinates. Manufactured in a series of only 75 pieces, the MIH Gaïa Series II watch costs CHF 2,900, or around $3,125. Deliveries will start from November 2021 and end in the first quarter of 2022. Photography© Musée International d’Horlogerie.
