MONDAINE Swiss Railways essence Solar Sustainable Watch 41910LB / 41mm

TIME, POWERED BY LIGHT MONDAINE essence Solar — quite possibly the most sustainable watch in the world. Swiss national railway clock brand MONDAINE introduces the new essence Solar watch. This series is powered by light, extending the brand's minimalist aesthetic and environmental philosophy, demonstrating innovation and commitment to sustainable watchmaking. Innovation x Sustainability, Perfectly Timed The new two essence Solar watches are equipped with Swiss-made Ronda solar movements, entirely powered by light sources, providing stable and precise timekeeping. The design perfectly blends the classic elements of the Swiss Federal Railways clock with modern technology and a spirit of sustainability. This Swiss-made watch features a case and strap made from recycled materials, assembled in MONDAINE's own factory – which is powered by rooftop solar energy systems, embodying its commitment to sustainability. Bringing Sustainability into Everyday Life with Light The Solar movement can be powered by any light source, whether natural or artificial. Light penetrates the specially designed transparent dial, reaching the solar cell below, converting it into electrical energy and storing it in a rechargeable battery to drive the movement. Just 2 minutes of light exposure can awaken a fully discharged movement to run for a whole day; once fully charged, it can last up to 8 months even in complete darkness. This eliminates the hassle of regular battery replacements, is more environmentally friendly, reduces waste batteries, and saves long-term maintenance costs, all while maintaining the consistent Swiss precision quality. Renewable Materials × Swiss Craftsmanship The 41mm case is made from a castor oil-based bioplastic composite material developed by Germany's BASF: Composed of 40% castor oil, 30% glass fiber, 2% pigments, and 28% fossil-based raw materials. This material is lightweight and durable, and resistant to brittleness or degradation with long-term use. The two strap options are made from Recycled PET textile fibers with a natural cork lining, offering both skin-friendly comfort and wear resistance. They also feature a quick-release system, allowing for easy strap changes without tools, to match any style. Continuing Tradition, Driving Innovation The dial design faithfully continues the iconic Swiss Federal Railways clock motif used in approximately 3,000 Swiss stations since 1944. MONDAINE has held the exclusive global license since 1986. The stark contrast of the minimalist black and white face with the red second hand ensures excellent readability, while symbolizing the precise rhythm of the Swiss railways and the brand's design DNA. Simple Style, Sustainable Statement The essence solar series is available in two sophisticated colorways: ● White case × Ivory white strap ● Black case × Black strap This is more than just a watch; it is a declaration of responsibility towards the environment and future generations. The sustainable materials and the new solar movement adopted by MONDAINE demonstrate the brand's long-term commitment to the environment and the future. All MONDAINE watches are produced in their own advanced factories in Switzerland, where 80% of the energy comes from solar power, and the remaining 20% is supplemented by local hydropower. Since 2020, the MONDAINE Group and all its products have achieved full carbon neutrality in accordance with the GHG Protocol (Scope 1, 2, and 3), becoming one of the world's most sustainable watch brands by offsetting unavoidable carbon emissions. Important Information: How it Works The solar movement absorbs light (including daylight and artificial light) through the solar cells located beneath the dial, converting light energy into electrical energy and storing it in a rechargeable battery to power the watch. This design not only eliminates the need for regular battery replacements but also significantly reduces the environmental impact. When fully charged, the watch can continue to operate for approximately 8 months in a light-free environment. For optimal performance, it is recommended to expose the watch to natural light regularly for quicker charging. Solar Movement Features ● Solar Powered: Charges with light, no regular battery replacement needed. ● Long-lasting Power Reserve: Approximately 8 months of operation on a full charge (no further light exposure required). ● Quick Wake-up: If completely discharged, it restarts with just 2 minutes of sunlight, enough for 1 day of operation. ● Protective Design: Built-in overcharge and deep discharge protection. Usage Recommendations: ● Prioritize charging with natural sunlight. ● Ensure sufficient charge before storage to avoid prolonged deep discharge. ● Avoid high-temperature environments (e.g., inside a car exposed to temperatures exceeding 60°C). Charging Time Reference (Empty -> Full Charge) Environment | Time to Start | Time to Full Charge ---|---|--- Outdoor Sunny | Approx. 1–2 minutes | Approx. 7 hours Outdoor Cloudy | Approx. 5–11 minutes | Approx. 1.5 days Fluorescent Lamp 30W (20cm away) | Approx. 20–35 minutes | Approx. 5.2 days Standard Indoor Light | Approx. 2–4.4 hours | Approx. 40 days Recommendation: Primarily use sunlight for charging; indoor light is for maintenance only.