MONDAINE Doppio Watch Collection Rewrites the Rules

While living abroad, a glance at the red second hand sweeping across my MONDAINE's white dial would take me straight back to Switzerland. That SBB station clock on my wrist created instant nostalgia. Just for a moment, I was home again.

That connection made my initial meeting with André Bernheim even more meaningful.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to talk to the Chairman of the Board and second-generation co-owner of MONDAINE. On the roof of the watch factory in Biberist, the company had just installed solar panels on a quest to become carbon-neutral.

Our paths crossed a second time just now. Twice, double, doppio. How fitting, because the focus of my interview was the MONDAINE Doppio Collection.

After 70 years of perfecting the minimalist design of the MONDAINE SBB collection, the Bernheim brothers have created something extraordinary. Next to the iconic railway clock design, André and Ronnie built a second collection with its own distinct identity.

Two Brothers, One Vision

"We needed to find a symbiosis between our DNA and modern design trends," André explains. But creating another icon that would stand on its own feet alongside their famous railway design wasn't easy. "You usually only know an icon after the fact."

Doppio means "double" in Italian. The collection’s name emerged organically during the design process. André admits his love for espresso might have played a role, too: "I drink about two dozen espressos daily…"

The brothers quickly realized that the concept of duality runs deep into the very heart of MONDAINE, far beyond design elements.

"Two brothers, that’s duality," André lights up during our interview. He also connects this to everyday life, such as the interactions between couples or pairs. From his two dogs to his two granddaughters, the Doppio theme resonates in many parts of his life.

The collaboration between the Bernheim brothers, who have been working together for nearly 40 years, feels genuine. Now that I understand the entire philosophy behind this new collection, I'm eager to see how it translates into the actual watch.

Turning Tradition Upside Down

Looking at my wrist, I’m struck by the sleek aesthetics. This timepiece doesn’t look like a conventional watch. I scribble down a note: “Vintage meets contemporary design meets innovation.”

I simply can’t stop looking at that concave dial. It’s a rare element in modern watchmaking that creates unexpected depth and visual intrigue.

When developing the Doppio design, André consulted Martin Frei from Urwerk. This high-end Swiss watch brand is known for its avant-garde designs.

"Frei came with the idea of those old dials from the '70s and earlier, which were bent downwards," André recounts. "I said no, that looks too old-fashioned. We need something different."

The solution? "Let's turn the dial up instead of down."

This is classic MONDAINE. While the brothers respect the legacy and tradition of the brand, they don’t feel trapped by it. With that bowl-shaped dial, they merged subtle elegance with improved readability.

The brothers hired a Swiss typography expert, “an absolute nerd of minimalistic design,” to redesign each component. The result? Hour and minute hands were split into double-lined, visually light indexes.

The red second hand is a clear nod to the iconic MONDAINE SBB Collection.

I ask André about his personal approach to design. He cites the principles of Hans Hilfiker, creator of the original SBB clock: "Good design is when you cannot add anything because it would be too much and disturbing, and you cannot leave anything away because it would be missing."

Dare I say the Doppio feels like a masterclass in good design, with each element serving a distinct purpose?

Sustainability Beyond Marketing

MONDAINE practiced sustainability long before the term became fashionable. The solar panels at their Biberist watch factory generate some 80% of production electricity, saving 77 tons of CO₂.

The environmental commitment goes even deeper. Since 2020, MONDAINE has achieved full CO₂ neutrality across all three GHG protocol scopes. This covers direct emissions, as well as the entire supply chain for mechanical parts.

"This is intended to be a signal to the large watch corporations," André emphasizes. "If we can do this as a small company, they can do more."

What's particularly refreshing is how the Bernheims approach sustainability not as a marketing gimmick but as core business philosophy. André candidly acknowledges the realities: "Only no watch, no mobile phone, no car, and no electricity is truly sustainable."

The brothers’ mission is to create the most sustainable watch collections possible. “Our mantra is to be a leading company in sustainability, all the while charging fair prices. We want you to have a good feeling wearing our watches, knowing that you're not harming the environment."

From Wine to Wrist

This practical approach shows throughout the Doppio collection, from cases containing up to 91% recycled stainless steel to the innovative strap materials. Frustrated by the environmental and ethical implications of traditional leather, MONDAINE took an unusual approach.

"I wanted a strap with a more animal-friendly background," André explains. "I looked for a solution in our industry, but no one had any idea. So, I thought, maybe there is an industry outside of ours."

This exploration led him to an Italian startup in the wine industry. They found a way to make a sturdy, leather-type material from grape leftovers during wine production. The material proved exceptional: "We had tested many materials. But this grape-based strap really stood out. It performed better than natural leather."

The advantages go beyond helping the planet: "You don't sweat, the straps don't smell and stay dry. No animals are killed or have to suffer. It's really a win-win for everybody."

Swiss Solar Technology Returns

In a remarkable full-circle moment, the Doppio Collection reintroduces solar technology to the MONDAINE lineup.

"Our father, Erwin Bernheim, developed the world's first analogue solar watch in 1971," André shares with pride. "After some lines with solar bands in the 90s, the know-how disappeared. But the Doppio collection now features Swiss solar technology. Naturally, you don’t see the cells. They are hidden below the transparent dial for that minimalistic look."

His personal connection to this technology is profound. He still owns one of his father's original solar watches from five decades ago: "I recently wore it, and it took only 10 seconds to start working. After 50 years! That's incredible."

Initially skeptical, André tested the Doppio solar models himself. "I was a little bit suspicious if it would work. And I was totally surprised. It started working after a few moments outside, and it’s never stopped since."

The numbers speak for themselves: eight months of power reserve in complete darkness, instant activation with just two minutes of sunlight or artificial light, and built-in protection against overcharging and deep discharge.

When asked which Doppio model he personally wears most, André doesn't hesitate: "I'm wearing the solar. For me, that's really the innovation in the line."

His choice says everything, and early sales numbers confirm the popularity. Despite their slightly higher price point, the solar models have become bestsellers since the launch.

For André, solar technology continues his father's legacy. But it's also simply about making a better watch that never needs a battery change.

What’s On the Horizon?

The Doppio collection allows for more experimentation than the traditional SBB collection ever did. "Here, we have the option to play with numbers, more or less, bigger, bolder," André explains. "Really, there are no limits."

Future models might explore different dial layouts, seasonal colors, Bauhaus-inspired cases, and new sustainable materials. MONDAINE will watch (no pun intended!) how people respond to online releases before making bigger moves.

Available online and at retailers, the Doppio collection offers 14 models across different sizes, movements, and strap materials.

Fun fact: Flip your Doppio over and you'll spot a neat detail on the caseback: the original 1951 logo. Two mountain peaks rise from the "M" in MONDAINE, enclosed in a circle representing a watch with hands and crown.

For André, this detail is personal: "I wore our diving watches in the '60s and '70s. People always asked about the logo, which was easy to explain: the round watch shape with crown, 'M' for Mondaine, mountains for Switzerland."

More information and the official blog post about my interview.