Introduced on 09.09.2005, the second and renamed version of the MIH watch, Mechanik2, is getting ready to hit the stage very soon with all its simplicity and glamor.
MIH was the product of an experimental study named after the Musee International d'Horlogerie, located in La Chaux-de-Fonds/Switzerland.
In 2001, a large and rather complicated clock arrived at this museum. A large amount of money was required for the restoration of the watch. Ludwig Oechslin, who was running the museum back then, thought that the way to raise the money for the restoration was to design a special watch and transfer the proceeds from the sales to the museum. Rolling up his sleeves for this, Oechslin wanted to make an annual calendar watch with an accessible price tag, based on ETA 2892-2. In those years, the annual calendar market was largely dominated by Patek Philippe, and Pateks were far from accessible. Oechslin developed an add-on annual calendar module consisting of only 9 additional parts to achieve this desired simplicity and convenience at the same time.
Oecshslin, who started working with Paul Gerber in the advanced prototype stages, decided to use the Valjoux 7750, known for its high torque, as the base movement due to the load required by the additional parts. To simplify the caliber, hosting the chronograph feature by its nature, Paul Gerber eliminated the small second display, turned the double-button chronograph function into a single button, and positioned the chronograph minute counter at the back of the watch.
In the creation of the first watch, industrial designer Christian Gafner, who until then had nothing to do with watch design, worked. I don't know if Gafner knew that he created an ageless watchmaking legend while designing the dial that revolutionized legibility and simplicity, and the case, which was in perfect harmony with the philosophy of the creation of the watch.
The watches are made of titanium and features buckles with the coordinates of the museum's latitude and longitude were written on them. Even more interestingly, when the purchased watches were sent to the customers by cargo, they were wrapped in the newspapers of that day. A packaging that is both environmentally friendly and bearing traces of history! MIH watches are produced in a limited number of 100 pieces each year, and it is known that less than 1500 MIH watches have been sold so far.
Then, when the calendars showed August 2022, the event that made me happy as if I had seen an old friend that I had not met for years took place and the new MIH, now named Mechanik2, was introduced.
Just like MIH, Mechanik2 has successfully taken over the same flags of simplicity, legibility, and lean design and looks ready to carry it into the future. Oechslin's experience in the Ochs & Junior brand must have been reflected in the new Mechanik2, which, according to MIH, also hosts some improvements.
Made of Grade 5 titanium, the case measures 42mm x 13.7mm. Equipped with a sapphire crystal, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters. The case back of the watch is fixed to the case with 12 torx screws and has a small, round window just like the old model.
The Mechanik2 is powered by the ETA Valjoux 7750-based movement. Developed by Ludwig Oechslin and consisting of only 9 parts, the automatic caliber with an annual calendar module has a monopusher chronograph. The 25-jewel movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The annual calendar features can be followed on the dial of the watch through the windows lined up one after the other at the 3 o'clock position. AM/PM information can be monitored from two points positioned one above the other towards the center of the dial. Unlike the previous model, the minute counter of the chronograph of the watch is located on the dial at 12 o'clock, not on the case back. Oechslin has realized this placement in a way that does not harm the simplicity of the watch as much as possible.
Mechanik2 will be offered to its customers with rubber strap alternatives in two different lengths. The watches, which are also completed with a titanium buckle, are now available for pre-order. The first deliveries will take place at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. The list price of Mechanik2 is 6900 CHF.
