Here we have an early 1930s Mimo Mimolux duo dial doctor’s watch reference 265. It is a lovely Art Deco design with the facetted rectangular case. The case is formed of chromium plated nickel. The dial is the uncommon black variation with the white signing, split into the hour and minutes to the top square and the seconds to the bottom. To the right is the thin coin edge crown. It has the fixed bar lugs with the period leather strap sewn on to them. The movement is the manually wound Cortebert calibre 401 which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.
It is known as a Duo-dial layout with the upper square displaying the hours and minutes, with the lower square having the separate seconds dial. This was a configuration started to be produced in the 1920s, with the most famous example being the Rolex Prince, which was released in 1928. The dial layout was favoured by Doctors, hence the name ‘doctors watch’, as it allowed them to accurately measure patients pulse rate and other vital signs to the second.
The Mimolux range was produced by Mimo Watch Company. The Mimo (Manufacture Internationale de montres en Or) company origins date back to 1913, when the German watchmaker Otto Graef registered the Mimo brand name. In 1919 the brand was formally reorganised as Graef et Cie, Fabrique Mimo. Graef purchased a controlling stake in the renown Swiss watch giant, Girard-Perreguax in 1928. The two firms were merged, with Girard-Perregaux becoming established in the North American market, with Mimo focusing on Europe.
The 1930s was an era of innovation for Mimo, with them being the pioneers of multiple complications. They produced the Mimo-Meter (the first wrist watch with a calendar), the Octo-Metre (an 8-day watch), and the Mimorex (a double faced watch similar to the Reverso). In 1941 the company releases the Mimo-Loga which featured the first slide rule bezel on a wristwatch.
Despite these innovations and much success, after Otto Graef’s death in 1948, the Graef family focused on growing Girard-Perregaux, restoring them to their global dominance. Subsequently this led to the phasing out of the Mimo brand, with the factory fully absorbed into Girard-Perregaux by 1962.
The Mimolux is one such example of Mimo’s innovative approach during the Art Deco period, both aesthetically and practically.
The dial is an uncommon black variation with the white painted tracks. It has the rectangular form with the top square consisting of the radial railroad minute track, with the Arabic numerals. These are in line with the dash markers which tie the numerals in with the square design to the centre. To the bottom of the dial is the seconds track with the square surround. It has the inner circular track with the railroad layout with single second graduations and 10 second Arabic markers. Between the two sectors of the dial is the ‘Mimolux’ design name.
The hour and minute hands are of plume style and were original thermally blued, with the aged white painted finish which helps differentiate them from the black base tone of the dial. The sub-second hand is of lollipop design and has the same thermally blued tone with aged white paint on top.
The case has a width of 19mm with a length of 33mm. The lugs increase the presence of the case with the 40mm total length.
It is formed of Nickel with the Chromium plated finish on top. For the age, the chrome is in decent condition. It is a rectangular form with the faceted design, with either end of the case angling down towards the wrist. This angular design offers a range of faces with reflect the light against the chrome finish. To each end are the fixed bar lugs which are sturdy. The crystal is a beautiful fit with the complex curve. To the right-hand side is the neat crown which has the coin edge finish. The case back is hinged and has the chrome plated finish, which has typically pitted with age. Inside it is marked as ‘Nickel Chromium’ with the reference number 265.
The movement is a Cortebert calibre 401, with is a manually wound Swiss lever calibre, with a jewel count of 15. It catches the eye with its striped finishing.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 1 minute per day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and beat error of 0.2 m/s.
The watch comes on its period leather strap which is sewn on to the watch. It is a beautiful tone of dark brown which compliments the black face. It will fit up to a 17.8cm wrist diameter.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial
The dial is original and is in decent condition. It has a black base tone with the white printed signing. The black base tone has wear where the dial meets the case. The edges of the white printed tracks have some losses too. The Mimolux signing is clear.
Hands
The hands are original and are in good condition with no bending. The white painted finish has aged and flaked. This can be re-done if desired.
Crystal
The crystal appears original and is in good condition with some light marking associated with age.
Crown
The crown is appears original and is in good condition with light scratching associated with age.
Case
The case is Nickel plated chrome. It is in strong condition for the age to the front, with scratching associated with age, but no noticeable pitting. The case back has classic pitting associated with wear against the wrist.
Strap:
The watch comes on its period leather strap which is sewn on to the watch. It is in good, supple condition. It will fit up to a 17.8cm wrist diameter.
Movement:
The movement is a Cortebert calibre 401, with is a manually wound Swiss lever calibre, with a jewel count of 15.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 1 minute per day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and beat error of 0.2 m/s.
Case dimensions
Case width: 19mm
Case width with crown: 20.5mm
Case length: 33mm
Case length lug to lug: 40mm
Case depth: 9mm
Lug width: 13mm