MIH Gaïa III: An Exclusive Swiss Watch You’ve Never Heard Of
The MIH Gaïa III is a rare Swiss masterpiece, blending architecture, precision, and heritage; an exclusive treasure for true connoisseurs.
In the refined world of Swiss watchmaking, where prestigious brands dominate, some creations remain hidden from the public eye, preserving an air of mystery and exclusivity.
The MIH Gaïa III, an ultimate tribute to horological heritage, perfectly embodies this rarity. Limited to just 100 pieces, this watch fascinates as much for its aesthetics as for its deep connection with the history and architecture of the Musée International d'Horlogerie (MIH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
A Watch Inspired by a Unique Place
The MIH Gaïa III is far more than a simple timepiece. It carries within it the spirit of the place where it was born, directly inspired by the brutalist architecture of the MIH.
This underground building, alternating between raw concrete and plays of light, served as the muse for the design of both the case and the dial of this exclusive edition.
The straight and angular lines of the dial echo the intersections of the exposed concrete formwork, while the curves of the guilloché, crafted by the Georges Brodbeck workshop, reflect the interplay of light and rhythm that characterises the museum's scenography.
Georges Brodbeck
This architectural design is further enhanced by an emblematic choice of colour: a deep blue that references the first MIH watch and the museum’s institutional hues.
An Exceptional Technical Achievement
Beyond its aesthetics, the MIH Gaïa III stands out for its cutting-edge technical craftsmanship. Housed in a 39mm stainless steel case, the watch features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating to ensure optimal readability.
The celestial blue dial, inspired by the museum’s structure, is the result of an innovative colouring process developed by POSITIVE COATING, specialists in surface treatments.
Thanks to PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) and ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) technologies, this finish guarantees perfect stability and uniformity, further accentuating the uniqueness of this piece.
At its heart, the MIH Gaïa III is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement, the Sellita SW400-1, known for its reliability and precision. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), this Swiss-made calibre offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
The watch is fitted with a transparent case back, allowing a view of the movement’s refined finishing and rotor, engraved with the MIH emblem.
Each watch in this limited series is accompanied by an original screen print, numbered and signed by designer Xavier Perrenoud. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the exclusive nature of this model, making it a true work of horological art.
Owning an MIH Gaïa III also means contributing to the preservation of horological heritage. The proceeds from this limited edition will be dedicated to restoring historical masterpieces held by the MIH.
Among the pieces requiring urgent attention are the renowned Grand Magicien and the Tellurium, fascinating witnesses to Neuchâtel’s horological ingenuity. Restoring these masterpieces involves in-depth investigative work, mobilising specialised artisans, archivists, and conservation experts.
The MIH, a true temple of time measurement, houses the world’s largest horological collection, with nearly 10,000 objects, approximately 3,000 of which are displayed. This institution plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting watchmaking expertise by combining exhibition, research, and restoration.
Away from the spotlight, the MIH Gaïa III remains a rare gem in Swiss watchmaking, reserved for true connoisseurs. By blending architectural inspiration, technical excellence, and a heritage mission, this watch transcends its status as a timekeeping instrument to become a symbol of legacy and passion.
Few will have the opportunity to own such a treasure – and that is precisely where the magic of the MIH Gaïa III lies.
