Mido Watch holds a solid position in the affordable luxury segment.
If you're considering purchasing one of their models, this introductory guide will help you make an informed decision.
Are you familiar with the Ocean Star, Multifort, or Baroncelli models? These are popular watches from the international Swiss brand Mido.
If you are passionate about collecting and studying watches, the Mido brand is likely known to you. You may be at a stage where your taste in luxury watch collecting is becoming bolder and more original.
If your wrist is missing something unique and slightly unusual, Mido watches may be just what you need.
Founded in Le Locle, the company has been around for over 100 years and has achieved numerous significant accomplishments. In this article, I will detail what you need to know before purchasing a Mido watch. But first, let's briefly look at the brand's history and philosophy.
Brief History of Mido Watch
Since its inception, Mido has been associated with technical innovations and original design solutions. The Swiss brand was founded in 1918, and just three years later, it began actively developing colored enamel technologies.
Early models gained popularity in the automotive market, with some inspired by the radiator grilles of Ford and Bugatti cars.
In the 1930s, Mido became famous for its innovative waterproof sealing system with a cork screw - "Aquadura".
In the same decade, the Mido Multifort model appeared, featuring anti-magnetic, waterproof, and shock-resistant properties with an automatic movement.
In 1959, the Ocean Star model was released with a single-shell case for maximum water resistance. Combined with the Aquadura crown, the watch withstood extreme external conditions.
Less than a decade later, Mido set a record by releasing the world's smallest women's automatic watch produced on a conveyor.
In the 1980s, the brand began collaborating with the sports sphere. Björn Borg became an ambassador, symbolizing the connection between watchmaking and tennis.
In the late 1990s, attention was drawn to the Bodyguard watch with a security alarm and the Worldtimer model for travelers.
Over the past twenty years, the company has focused on designs inspired by architecture and music. Among them are watches referencing the Great Wall of China and the famous Colosseum in Rome.
Since 2016, the brand has specialized in COSC-certified movements and silicon balance springs. For the centenary anniversary, the Big Date model was released, and later Mido became a partner of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
What to Know About Mido Watches
Before buying a Mido watch, it's important to understand what the brand offers, including pricing.
In the lower price segment are models like the Commander 1959 - simple watches with time and date functions and an automatic movement. They range from $500 to $750. Mid-range models - Baroncelli and Multifort - are priced around $1300-1500.
In the upper price segment are the Ocean Star watches, costing up to $1500-1700.
Mido uses reliable ETA movements for their watches. All the brand's chronometers undergo testing and COSC certification, ensuring high accuracy and reliability. A five-year warranty is provided on the movements.
Additionally, Mido watches are available in various styles. Below are the key collections for you to evaluate the options.
Mido Ocean Star Collection
Mido Ocean Star 39
The Ocean Star collection includes chronometer diver's watches inspired by the Europa Point lighthouse. One notable model is the Ocean Star 39 with a two-tone dial featuring a wave pattern.
The southern blue and northern black hemispheres align with the two-tone 60-minute diving scale.
Another example is the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer with a gradient blue-black dial and water resistance up to 600 meters for professional divers.
The Ocean Star GMT stands out with a red-blue 24-hour scale for tracking a second time zone. It has a power reserve of 80 hours and water resistance of 200 meters.
Particularly attention-grabbing is the technically styled Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer with pastel rainbow decompression scales inside the 24-hour scale and world city designations around the dial's edge.
These watches feature a sapphire glass with a glass dome effect, creating a vintage feel.
Mido Commander Collection
The Commander collection models are inspired by the Eiffel Tower. They are characterized by elegance and minimalism with a date and day function at the "3 o'clock" mark or a chronograph.
Baton-style hour markers and straight hands maintain a clean and concise dial design. A special model is the Commander Gradient with a denim-like fabric strap.
The transparent dial allows viewing of the date ring beneath the surface, and the automatic movement is visible through the sapphire glass case back.
Mido Multifort Collection
The design of the Multifort collection is inspired by the Sydney Harbour Bridge - an architectural symbol with global recognition.
The collection emerged in the 1930s and is characterized by a sporty style and a robust case resistant to magnetic fields and shocks.
One of the most recognizable models is the Multifort Big TV Date with a dynamic retro design, a striped effect dial, and a square case with rounded corners.
The watch is equipped with a modern movement featuring a Nivachron balance spring.
Another interesting model is the Multifort Chronometer 1 with a black PVD-coated case, a chronometer movement, and an 80-hour power reserve. The dial is adorned with vertical stripes.
Mido Dive Watches Collection
For diving enthusiasts, the Ocean Star series is an excellent choice. These are among the first waterproof watches of their time.
Some models are equipped with certified chronometer movements for ensuring high precision.
The single-shell case and crown with cork sealing provide water resistance up to 600 meters.
The Ocean Star 600 is designed for professional divers and is equipped with a helium release valve to prevent pressure damage.
Luminous markers and sapphire glass enhance readability in challenging conditions.
Classic Mido Watches
On the official Mido website, you can choose classic models suitable for various occasions.
Examples include the Commander Big Date with a large double date window at 6 o'clock and the elegant Baroncelli Signature Gent with a 3D effect dial, refined hour markers, and tapered hands.
The collection also features more complex models, such as the Baroncelli Chronograph Moonphase with a chronograph and moon phases. They are available in steel or rose PVD coating, as well as in a sporty version with a blue and yellow striped textile strap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mido Watches
Are Mido watches good?
Mido watches are a good choice for those who want the reliability of a Swiss movement paired with classic aesthetics.
Is Mido a good brand?
Mido is a reliable brand with clear values, offering quality at an affordable price. The price range is from $750 to $1700.
Do Mido watches hold their value?
Like many mid-range manufacturers, Mido watches do not retain high value in the secondary market. This allows for purchasing them at an attractive price. In fact, the value of a watch is determined by a buyer's willingness to pay for it.
Are Mido watches a luxury item?
The quality of Mido watches meets many luxury standards. While they are not the most expensive, collectors consider them affordable luxury.
Conclusion
Mido produces quality and affordable watches, some of which stand out for their originality. The brand draws inspiration from architecture and music, creating unique designs.
The range is diverse - from chronometer diver's watches to classic models for formal occasions. Thus, there is something for everyone in the catalog.
If you own or plan to purchase Mido watches, we'd love to hear your opinion. Share in the comments which model you like the most!