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The MIH Gaïa Series III and MIH Gaïa 50th Anniversary are two limited automatic watches created to mark 50 years of the International Watchmaking Museum’s current building. Both share a 39 mm steel case and Sellita SW400-1 movement; the main choice is between Series III’s blue, laser-engraved dial and the anniversary model’s silver, hand-guilloché dial.
Why MIH made two Gaïa editions
The International Watchmaking Museum (MIH) announced the watches on September 19, 2024, for the 50th anniversary of its current building in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The museum says proceeds support the preservation and enhancement of its horological collections and help fund a redesign of its permanent exhibition spaces. The MIH announcement frames the project as a celebration of local watchmaking as well as a fundraising effort.
The two editions share their case, movement, and broad architectural design, but their dials have different finishes and production methods. Series III is the more accessible and less limited version; the 50th Anniversary edition adds hand-guilloché work and a numbered, signed serigraph by artist Xavier Perrenoud.
How the Series III and 50th Anniversary differ
| Detail | MIH Gaïa Series III | MIH Gaïa 50th Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Edition | 100 numbered watches | 50 numbered watches |
| Dial | Blue, laser-engraved main dial with ALD coating by Positive Coating; rhodium-plated hour disc and ALD-treated central minute disc | Silver main dial, hand-guilloché by Georges Brodbeck and treated with ALD anti-tarnish coating; rhodium-plated hour and central minute discs |
| Price listed by MIH | CHF 3,400 HT (excluding tax) | CHF 5,050 HT (excluding tax) |
| Shared artistic contribution | Design by Xavier Perrenoud; the anniversary edition is paired with a numbered and signed serigraph by Perrenoud. | |
The Series III dial’s pattern takes inspiration from the visible formwork marks on the museum’s concrete walls. MIH describes the coating process as producing a stable, homogeneous surface; that is the institution’s characterization, not a published independent durability test. The anniversary edition’s guilloché gives its silver dial a different, hand-worked texture. Its smaller edition size and additional signed artwork accompany a higher listed price.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 12, Case Thickness: 10.93 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel strap/bracelet, interchangeable quick release bracelet,butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft)
- 2 Year International Warranty
Shared case, movement, and specifications
Both watches use a 316L stainless-steel case made by Stila SA, measuring 39 mm across and 9.74 mm thick. The automatic Sellita Watch Co SA SW400-1 has a stated 38-hour power reserve, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and contains 26 jewels. MIH’s 2024 release lists water resistance at 3 ATM and a sapphire crystal.
| Specification | Both editions |
|---|---|
| Case | 316L stainless steel; 39 mm diameter; 9.74 mm thick |
| Movement | Automatic Sellita SW400-1; 31 mm diameter; 26 jewels; 28,800 vph; 38-hour power reserve |
| Water resistance and crystal | 3 ATM; sapphire crystal |
| Strap and buckle | Apple vegan leather strap by Brasport; pin buckle by Cornu & Cie, engraved with MIH and the museum coordinates |
These figures come from MIH’s September 2024 product release. A 3 ATM rating is a modest water-resistance specification, so it should not be read as a promise of suitability for swimming or diving.
Rank #2
- COSC Certified Chronometer
- Case Size: 39.00 mm, Band Width: 20 mm, Case Thickness: 10.98 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L solid stainless steel bracelet, Roman dial type, Date
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
A La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaking project
MIH says the project was developed in its restoration workshop with regional watchmaking partners. The institution names Sellita, Singer, Positive Coating, Georges Brodbeck, Stila, Brasport, Cornu & Cie, and Laboratoire Dubois among contributors, and says its own workshop assembled, tested, and technically verified the components. This describes the museum’s stated production process rather than independent verification.
The local connection is central to the project’s framing. In the MIH release, Sellita director Miguel Garcia praised the watch’s refinement and the coherence of making it in La Chaux-de-Fonds, while Jean Singer & Cie director Joris Engisch highlighted the capabilities of the city’s family-owned watchmaking subcontractors.
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- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic MIDO caliber with Day/Date calendar - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: 41mm Diver-style stainless steel case with silver rotating bezel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this watch offers optimal protection against water. Case Thickness: 11.7mm
- Dial: Blue with grained finish, polished nickelled indexes coated with white Super-LumiNova, day and date at 3 o’clock. Sand-blasted flange with minute indication. Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatmentCrystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment.
- Band Type: Satin-finished stainless steel bracelet with polished central link. Folding clasp with diving extension and engraved MIDO logo. MIDO quick-change system.
Price and availability
As checked on October 8, 2026, the official MIH purchase page lists CHF 3,400 HT for Series III and CHF 5,050 HT for the 50th Anniversary edition. HT means the displayed price excludes tax. The page includes purchase controls, but it does not establish current stock, shipping terms, or a confirmed delivery date; check the page directly for current availability and final purchase details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COSC Certified Chronometer
- Case Size: 39.00 mm, Band Width: 20 mm, Case Thickness: 10.98 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L solid stainless steel bracelet, Roman dial type, Date
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Rank #4
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20 mm, Case Thickness: 10.23 mm
- Automatic movement, leather strap, Index dial type, Date
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
