Handwound Mondaine A112.30353.16SBB short review

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Don't let the brand put you off, this is not the cheap Swatchy corner shop Mondaine most of us are familiar with.

I'm a long time collector of now mostly vintage pieces, some of which I'm sure would satisfy collectors with the most peculiar taste.
So what am i doing lurking around this teenage brand, Mondaine?

Some of you not familiar with their story, long story short, Mondaine adopted the design of the easily recognizable Swiss Railway platform clocks. These are apparently one of the most iconic designs ever created, competing with the likes of the i.e. Coca-Cola logo.

I've always admired the simplicity of the Bauhaus design, I'm lucky enough to own an early Longines "Barellito" jumbo from the 40's, also known as the father of all Nomos'. (albeit must admit it could do with a nicer dial, search in progress)

So on a fine day about 2-3 years ago, I read up on Mondaine's history, different models and editions (of which there are plenty), and found out that back in 2012 they quietly issued a 400pcs limited edition, with a rare hand wound ETA 2801-2 movement. They put it behind a sapphire display caseback, inside a 41mm steel case. Sweet.

This is when it made its entry on my bucket list, and the quest begun.
Took 3 long years to run into one, bidded and won. I received it yesterday.

Couldn't be any happier.
Well, probably could, if it was a tiny bit smaller, my wrists are probably too used to vintage sizing, perhaps 39mm would be in my sweet spot, but i'm sure i'll get used to it as it is.
Everything else is just - perfect!

No date, no lume, or any other witchcraft. Just the contrasting bold sticks to tell you the time, that's it.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" as Leonardo da Vinci said.
And who doesn't like a bright red Lollipop, especially when it sweeps around, rather than jumping second to second?
Double sapphire crystal, subtle brushed finish all around.
Lovely thin case, thanks to the missing rotor. Even retains its original leather strap (indicating what little use it'd seen) and its signed buckle.

Although i don't usually care for boxes and paperworks, this came from its first owner, including all of those, too.
And my favourite of all - a very friendly price tag.

Thanks to the previous owner for preserving it for me, i promise it's ended up in a good, loving home, will be taken care of and enjoyed.

 
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Interesting watch and congrats on your find !
To me, Mondaine is all about the quartz and the 2 seconds stop n go , and wall clocks 😀 , so an ETA driven one wouldn`t swing my balance so to speak. But to find a 10 year old limited 400 piece watch is something else non the less.
Happy day`s with it !