The Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph watch hands-on

We’re so used to associating Mido watches with diving that we often forget the innovations and timepieces the Swiss brand delivered up-front. Multi Chrono and Multi–center Chrono are milestones of the industry, ensuring uncommon performances, and at your fingertips, we expect options from “wearable tech” today, like tachymeter and telemeter scales. Despite the new Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph drawing inspiration from models of the past like, as an example, the 1937 Multifort Multi Chrono, the new Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph collection is a class of its own and a contemporary product sharing the original style and layout to offer a two-register Chronograph with mushroom Chrono buttons.

While the original products were ahead of their time – the Multi-center Chrono was, for example, the first-ever central chronograph – the modern iteration incorporates features like the tachymeter scale but not the telemetric one. Also, it’s hard to think of the 1930s model as a 42 mm large timepiece like its contemporary counterpart, which measures too much for a chronograph whose golden ratio is 40 mm. I think this would disappoint those eager to add the new model to their vintage collection.

A 15.2 mm thickness, amplified by the big glass box sapphire crystal, confirms designers’ mission to preserve a contemporary look, either in form or function. Furthermore, you’ll notice that the extra-thin bezel extends the dial to make it as wide and legible as possible, with the two snailed-finished counters standing out.

The red second’s scale is a nice touch and helps the two-tone steel option look and feel a bit sporty; it’s the only one given the other two Gold-PVD treated variants. While virtually increasing the overall thickness, the glass box-shaped sapphire crystal provides that hint of a long-gone vintage feel.

Via the see-through case back, you’ll enjoy a full view of the mechanical movement, proof positive of the excellent job carried out by Mido to make their calibres rugged and performing. The watch is powered by caliber 60, a re-engineered Valjoux calibre, coded as ETA A05.H31; hence a reliable 4 Hertz movement with a Côtes de Genève decorated winding mass, featuring the Mido logo on top. It is a sturdy movement, with acceptable service costs, in line with the brand’s average price point, with nice aesthetic touches like blued screws. It is housed in a 50-meter waterproof case, more than enough on a chronograph this classic.

Mido pairs the case with a modern and clever pin buckle as far as I’m concerned. I’ll never stop praising the brand for not adding the ubiquitous and uncomfortable folding clasp whose first adjustment’s operation is a nightmare.

The Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph retails for 1850 Euros, which sits above the average selling price for a Mido watch, yet in line with a chronograph’s layout, specs, and pleasing design. The only letdown is the case’s size; I think 40 mm would dramatically extend the audience, and I hardly understand why Mido didn’t take this way from day one.

(Photo credit: Marco Antinori per Horbiter®)