"Multifort, the lionheart of Mido since the 1930s…"
Mido Watches has a century their own in producing many, if not, all their Swiss-made watches with dexterity and prowess. All of their timepieces, even until today, unveil such essential traits without merely putting out their brand name without many credentials. Skilled watchmaking has seen from the production of artisanal enameled dials ladies timing pieces to the auction-worthy Bughatti's "egg-shaped grill" watches since 1925. Another high strength of Mido derives from their pioneering of durable tool watches like their Ocean Star Commander, and the Multifort collections since 80 years ago. Focusing on the latter, we would like to introduce the Mido Multifort Patrimony Anthracite 40mm Ref. M040.407.16.060.00.
| Mido Multifort Patrimony Anthracite 40mm Ref. M040.407.16.060.00 |
The Multifort line came about during the time where the world is facing the Great Depression. During this chaos period in 1930, Mido stomped out and revealed the Multifort that what has made them established and known for until this day, as we believe.
In the early 1930s was where the great depression hit, the financial crisis did result in the watchmaker's center of activity and headquarters being moved to Biel, resulting in its first centralization. Further, Mido forcefully changed its segment to more practical and timeless watches with protection and excellent craftsmanship they're most relevant. Therefore, in 1934, when the whole centralized team worked on this particular path, the Multifort is born with its distinct characteristics that later benchmarked its reputation: being impervious to water, dust, and rust, shock-resistant and antimagnetic. This is the first time Mido combines the four aspects that made them successful, primarily their water-resistant system is later known as "aquadura" in 1959.
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Pulso-meter Scale on its periphery |
The Mido Multifort Patrimony Anthracite 40mm Ref. M040.429.16.060.00 unveils what the Multifort is all about, featuring a new retro design that sums up being a real value proposition for us enthusiasts. Measuring a modest 40mm wide and 11.95mm tall, the stainless steel case gets a full polishing finished, landing the Patrimony on the dressier side. The case has a distinctive shape, where the short lugs are "twisted" inwards, creating its retro charm instead of those cookie-cutter round elegant case. The bezel is thin here, making it an all-dial type, even with a box-shaped sapphire crystal, the watch looks svelte and wears gracefully on most wrist sizings. The knurled push/pull crown signed with "Mido" in raised letters, gains the Patrimony a reasonable 50m water resistant which is ample enough for some quick splash (not submerging) and everyday wear.
| Caliber 80 based on the ETA C07.621 |
Up till now are the looks and vibes of what a 30s dress model should be like, the movement shifts things to the modern side — the caliber 80 of MIDO based on the ETA C07.621 with a full 80-hour power reserve. The Caliber 80 is considered in-house as MIDO is part of the Swatch group family, and the modified 25 jewels ETA CO7.621 features a Nivachoc spring with its frequency reduced to 21,600 Hz for and an improved mainspring capacity. The caliber 80 inside the Multifort makes it so value-driven as it hoods one of the highest-quality movements today at an exceptional price point.
| SuperLuminova for Superb Glow In Dark |
In completion of the retro package, the Mido Multifort Patrimony Anthracite 40mm Ref. M040.429.16.060.00 comes on a black patina leather strap with the old-school "whipped stitchings" on each side.
Altogether, the Mido Multifort Patrimony Anthracite 40mm Ref. M040.429.16.060.00 packs many tangible retro visuals with the inclusion of a functional pulsometer complication, including a pleasing design. If you're looking for a quality dressier Swiss piece with a fresh design of yesteryears, some added functionality, and just a bit of exclusivity, all without breaking the bank, the Mido Multifort Patrimony should be at the top of your list.