On 11 November 1918, the same day as the armistice that put an end to World War I, Georges Schaeren founded the Mido Watch Company, then known as Mido G. Scaheren & Co. Schaeren was a highly competent watchmaker, obtaining his diploma in a watchmaking school in Solothurn and worked at various watchmakers up till the founding of his own company. The word mido translates to “to measure” in Spanish - a fitting name for a famed watchmaker. After all, it is the measurement of time that has fascinated men for centuries.

The Baroncelli watch was first introduced in 1976, celebrating the timeless beauty of the Rennes Opera House. Mido drew inspiration from the Opera House’s rounded architecture as well as the statues of the Muses of Antiquity placed on top of the facade. In 2006, to mark the 30th anniversary of the collection, Mido reintroduced the Baroncelli lineup into their collection. The new watches continue to perpetuate the spirit of the line and are inspired by the sublime and timeless aesthetic of stringed instruments.

This year, in 2022, Mido unveiled a brand new model to the Baroncelli lineup. Introducing the Baroncelli Smiling Moon, the timepiece that we are proudly showing off today. The watch that we are looking at today is the white-dialled variant, and you can find the other versions on our website too. Made of entirely high polished 316L stainless steel, the Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White comes in at 39mm in diameter, 44mm lug-to-lug and a mere thickness of 7.3mm. The under 40mm diameter and short lug-to-lug make the watch wear extremely well. In addition, the lugs curve gently to ensure that the watch sits perfectly on the wrist. The impressive thinness also ensures that it can slip under shirt cuffs easily, which is exactly like how a dress watch is meant to do so.

The dial is where the Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White really (moon)shines. Apart from the applied Roman numeral found at 12 o’clock, the other indices are thin baton-styled and exude a sense of elegance. Dauphine hands are utilised here too, further showcasing the refinement of the gorgeous timepiece. Moonphase watches are a dime a dozen in the watchmaking world. The complication helps to relay the 29.5-day lunar cycle by exhibiting the current moonphase in an aperture on the dial, with the disc advancing once per day.

What sets the Baroncelli Smiling Moon apart from the rest is the unique display of the moonphase via a wide smile on the dial. A rotating disc reveals the eight main phases of the Earth’s satellite in a star-studded sky. The dial of the watch further features a white grained dial that is perfectly juxtaposed with the radiant polished steel of the case and bracelet. There is no date complication here, as a date window would just completely throw off the proportions of the dial and spoil the stylish look of the timepiece. A signed push-pull crown gives the dress watch 30m of water resistance - which befits the overall theme of the watch. A piece of flat sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating sits atop the stunning dial, ensuring maximum scratch resistance and legibility in even the harshest lighting conditions. The lack of luminescent material on the watch is also not of concern. After all, who needs lume on a dress watch? 

The Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White features an exhibition case back showcasing the Mido Calibre 72. It is based on the ETA A31.111 movement and has an added moon phase complication. It has 21 jewels, beats at 21,600 BPH and has 72 hours of power reserve. Put the watch down on a Friday evening and it will still be running by Monday morning when you put it on again to head to the office. The movement is also decorated with blued screws and Geneva striping on the rotor - both of which are in full view thanks to the display case back.

Completing the watch is a high polished 20mm 7-link stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet features a butterfly deployant clasp which is double-signed Mido and Baroncelli. The bracelet offers unparalleled comfort due to the small individual links and conforms greatly to the wearer’s wrist. It also further refines the watch, making it a more compelling package overall. 

To sum things up, this latest addition to the Mido Baroncelli line is a superb timepiece that oozes class and elegance. The fact that Mido can keep a watch with an automatic moonphase movement so thin is incredible. Add the fact that the Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White is also very reasonably priced and you have a winning package. It is a dress watch with great proportions, amazing specifications and the unique way the moonphase is displayed has definitely left a smile on our faces.