With more than a century of history behind it, Mido watches remain some of the best in the business thanks to their timeless design, accurate movements and approachable price point. For the Le Locle-based brand’s latest release, the Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer takes a step back in time and draws inspiration from the middle of the 1950s, delivering a value-packed everyday timepiece that gets the details right.
The specific source of inspiration for the Multifort Powerwind Chronometer is a collection of watches released in 1954, which received their name from the collection of Mido “Powerwind” movements inside them. The Powerwind movements were a breakthrough at the time, as simply designed automatic calibres that contained just seven components instead of the standard 16-component alternatives, making them easier to service, more durable and more accurate.
While the Powerwind has been dormant for a few decades now, the Mido team faithfully interpreted the original design into the current moment, leaning on the depths of the brand archives to deliver a timepiece that toes the line between past and present. While it’s a little bigger than the modestly proportioned examples from history, it still manages to capture the spirit of the original design, boasting triangular hour markets, alpha-shaped hands and a heritage-inspired beads-of-rice bracelet.
The Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer features a 40mm stainless steel case, which is just 11.95mm thick and immediately catches the eye thanks to its cleanly tapered lugs. The three-piece case construction also stands out thanks to the combination of vertically brushed and mirror polished surfaces, which create a set of razor-sharp case lines.
In a nod to the heritage of the Powerwind, the dial is protected by a sapphire “glassbox” crystal that is a more robust and legible interpretation of the original mineral glass or acrylic examples of the past. On the rear, the case is secured by a solid steel caseback that helps guarantee the timepiece to 50m of water resistance and also displays the limited edition number of the watch.
While there’s a lot to love about this watch, the jewel in the crown has to be the stunning sunburst navy blue dial, which has an injection of warmth thanks to the rose gold-tone hour markers and hands. The dial has been kept quite clean, featuring the vintage Mido logo and the same “Multifort” and “Powerwind” text as the historical timepieces did. The only other feature of the dial is a practical day and date aperture with a white background, making it all the easier to read.
Another extremely compelling element of the Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer is the stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet. If you’ve ever worn a watch bracelet with this design before, you’ll know just how comfortable they are on the wrist, while they also look great thanks to the polished centre links and satin brushed outer links. The bracelet is secured via a folding clasp opened by a double-button mechanism.
The exterior and design of the watch have a lot going for them, but the movement inside is equally impressive. As the original Powerwind watches were celebrated for their accuracy and robustness, Mido has equipped this modern reference with a COSC-certified chronometer calibre (the ETA 2836-2 to be specific), guaranteeing an accuracy range of -4/+6 seconds per day.
In addition to being more accurate thanks to delicate adjustment of the movement, it has also been finely finished beneath the caseback with Côte de Genève striping and blued screws. Ticking away at 28,800vph, it delivers 38 hours of power reserve.
All considered, the Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer is a great package, from the articulately executed vintage inspiration across the dial and case to the comfortable bracelet and quality movement. If you’re after a watch to wear every day, or even as a watch for more formal occasions, the new Multifort Powerwind Chronometer is an eye-catching piece that is sure to tick away for decades to come.
Arriving at the price, we’re met with another pleasant surprise. When you consider the quality of the case and bracelet, as well as the high-grade movement, an RRP of $1,925 is quite enticing. The Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer is a limited edition of 1954 pieces and is currently available.
This article is sponsored by Mido. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
