The Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH) has unveiled its second watch in 2020, known as MIH GAIA I, limited in 200 pieces only. This timepiece follows the release of the first MIH watch in 2005, marking a 14-year gap between the two generations. The MIH GAIA I boasts a minimalist design, featuring a PVD blue dial with a rhodium-plated hour display positioned between 11 and 1 o’clock. The minutes are elegantly displayed in a round sub-dial below the hours. One unique feature of the watch is the custom rotor, which reveals the name of the museum when it aligns with the designated position, visible through a window on the dial.

This model was inspired by the Brutalist MIH building designed by architects Georges-Jacques Haefeli and Pierre Zoelly. Designed by Atelier XJC/Xavier Perrenoud, the MIH Gaïa Watch has been manufactured with the assistance of several watch industry suppliers from the surrounding area. These include an automatic SW400 movement via Sellita, a stainless-steel case from Stila SA, a display from Jean Singer & Cie., a strap from Brasport SA, and a clasp from Cornu & Cie. If you’re wondering about the name Gaïa, it comes from the spherical watchmaking award that has been presented by the museum since 1993.