Mondaine and Swiss Rail challenge electronics giant Apple

Federal Swiss Railways operator SBB has contacted Apple regarding its use of a clock design that bears a striking resemblance to Mondaine’s Swiss Railways Clock, for which it holds the copyright.

Created by Hans Hilfiker on behalf of SBB in 1944, the design has been used by Mondaine as part of an exclusive worldwide licence since 1986.

Co-owner of Mondaine Andre Bernheim said: “The app is pretty much identical to the Mondaine watches and clocks, a design for which we hold the worldwide and exclusive licence from the Federal Swiss Railway authorities, SBB. The Mondaine brand has made this design internationally accessible and desirable to consumers, raising awareness through its global marketing campaigns and championing its heritage with clock installations around the world; from London’s Design Museum to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, in Japan and even central Seville, Spain.

“On the one hand we are incredibly proud that Apple has selected this very specific design and hope on the other hand, that the copyright and our licence issue will be settled soon so that Apple, SBB and Mondaine can work together in the future.

“The brand’s association with Apple is certainly a great opportunity for us to communicate with global consumers who would want to purchase the physical watch and clock as featured on their iPad.”