MIH Gaïa, an Inspired Creation

The design of the MIH Gaïa watch draws inspiration from the concrete structure and architecture of the museum. Manufactured in the hometown of Le Corbusier, the timepiece shares many similarities with the Brutalist movement. The sharp, raw, and minimalist reliefs of the building are reflected in the watch’s lugs and dial, combining rectangles and circles. The watch also draws from the architectural interplay of void and solid: the hour, indicated on a rotating disc, is displayed through a window at the top of the dial, and the minutes are marked by an aperture in a domed disc— a reference to the Gaïa trophy— in rotation. On the back of the case, the oscillating weight reveals a message, nodding to the underground structure that gradually unveils its many treasures during a visit. The MIH logo is subtly engraved on the crown, and the museum’s geographical coordinates are featured on the buckle of the strap.

The cases of the two new editions of the watch feature a reworked aesthetic, blending curves and straight lines, reminiscent of the Brutalist MIH building. The dials of these new editions are inspired by various architectural elements to create unique and innovative visuals. The straight lines on the dial of the MIH Gaïa Series III recall the angles of the structure and the visible intersections of the formwork. The chosen blue color also echoes the first MIH watch model and the museum’s institutional colors.

The arched lines of the dial guilloché by Georges Brodbeck evoke the interplay of curves, rhythm, and light created by the architecture. The pure silver material reflects the raw materiality of concrete.

Unconventional yet understated, gender-neutral and timeless, the MIH Gaïa watch proudly embodies the complementarity between industry and craftsmanship.