KMII's insightful report on the Musée International d'Horlogerie (MiH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds offers a unique perspective on horological history beyond brand-centric narratives. His detailed account, enriched with personal observations and photographs, highlights the museum's commitment to showcasing the global evolution of timekeeping technology and design. This article synthesizes community reactions, providing additional context and personal reflections on this essential destination for watch enthusiasts.
As teasered recently in another post, I have finally managed to visit MiH for the first time some weeks ago and what a pleasure it has been. Tacked on at the back of a trip to Geneva, it was actually a bit of an afterthought but I am truly glad to have done it - and I have to say that it was surprisingly family friendly and family oriented as well - asking the kids they’d go back in a jiffy (now that’s certainly some customers of tomorrow after the event 😉).
The Prix Beton Prize (as posted previously
www.watchprosite.com ) refers to the building, which I find a very suitable ‘container’ to what’s inside, as well as a good representation of the times, when the museum was built.
The gnomon in front - one of the earliest ways of telling time…
The collection covers pretty much all things horological and is a celebration of timekeeping and technology. As opposed to the better known brand museums the focus is not on brand building or ‘value’ but on actual progress and variety of approaches. I was positively surprised at how seriously the International from the name gets taken - and did most certainly not expect the coverage of so much from Japan or China for instance (international here not only meaning the German speaking cantons of Switzerland in addition to the French 😉).
The first piece you see is a student clock project from 1925…
Early smart watch era is covered, too - some members might recognize a few 😊
There’s exhibits on material innovation, not surprisingly featuring the original Freak…
Like with most things several approaches to the same problem have been attempted. Here a Swiss equivalent to what Seiko later commercialized as Spring Drive.
As are clocks of different eras and with the technological innovations over time. I was impressed to even find a clock that my father had stashed away somewhere (and it’s probably the only place with as more clocks than he has 😂)…
In addition to serious technological innovations in and around horology, the museum also covers some cultural aspects and eras, including the more whimsical and fashionable…
Including some Lip design classics…
As are some prominent past figures leading to various innovations…
Yet more and much more complex clocks…
And miniaturization on the other end of the spectrum…
Art doesn’t only come in the form of metal cogs and wheels but also in wood…
The museum even has a mechanical Turk 🙌🏻
And a full coverage of the historical developments of time keeping…
…chronographs and stopwatches…
Some famous historical pieces…
A portrait of ‘the man’…
…world timers 🌏…
Including some Otsuka Lotec pieces, as recently posted by Gorgav…
There’s one from Atelier Wen…
…Takano…
And some Behrens ones…
Including this rotary homage to the work of Felix Wankel…
No time museum should be complete without a memento mori exhibit 💀
Some exhibits are on permanent loan from people such as Paul Gerber…
There is a section on various watch types and complications that will cover quite some aspects of horology.
And while the WPS members have probably seen it all, there was the odd surprise even for me - including the Omega take on the Reverso…
There is a good section on the development and progression of electronic watches and quartz…
The MiH watch on display but sadly no longer for sale 🤷🏻♂️
And while there’s really no brand or luxury focus to the whole place, you will of course find many a known name in the collection…
There’s a coverage of tourbillons…
Anyone still remembers Kelek, the complication maker from back in the day?
There’s alarms - actually I think JML might have loaned some of his for the display 😉⏰
Case protection methods…
…water proofing…
…skeletonization…
And many other topics…
Including design and fashion…
As stated in the beginning, the building design has been well chosen IMHO, really putting the collection first and foremost and not overshadowing it.
But I can well imagine it was reasonably forward thinking back in the day…
Irrespective of that it is truly a wonderful experience and highly recommended to anyone who’s not yet been. Well worth the little detour and a place where you can easily immerse yourself for hours on end. And where your family will not look at you askance for having had to join in. In addition to the exhibits there are several workshops with watchmakers, movies and other activities (treasure hunts for children) that round out the offering.
Hope you enjoyed the little journey 👋🏻
