Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium Ref. M038.436.11.031.00

On 11 November 1918, the same day as the armistice that put an end to World War I, Georges Schaeren founded the Mido Watch Company, then known as Mido G. Scaheren & Co. Schaeren was a highly competent watchmaker, obtaining his diploma in a watchmaking school in Solothurn and worked at various watchmakers up till the founding of his own company. The word mido translates to “to measure” in Spanish - a fitting name for a famed watchmaker. After all, it is the measurement of time that has fascinated men for centuries.

Mido Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium Ref. M038.436.11.031.00

The Multifort was the watch that propelled Mido to global acclamation. Launched in 1934, the Multifort was one of the first antimagnetic watches with an automatic movement and built-in water and shock resistance. It was an instant hit with consumers, and the Mido Multifort became the best selling Mido watch from the 1930s all the way to the 1950s. 

Today, the Multifort line is still one of the brand’s best selling collections. Armed with charming good looks and a robust build, it is not hard to see why. This latest release that we are taking a look at today is no exception, drawing inspiration from the bold aesthetics of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mido's gorgeous skeletonised dial

With a solid 316L stainless steel construction, the Mido Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium comes in at 42mm in diameter and a thickness of a mere 10.6mm. The case is almost entirely finely brushed, apart from the thin polished bezel that adds a touch of refinement to the otherwise sporty case. 42mm might seem like a step towards a larger watch, and it is a larger contemporary watch. However, with the thickness being under 11mm and the skeletonised dial breaking up the size of the dial, the watch would actually wear and look smaller on wrist - more like a 40mm case. 

As the name suggests, the Mido Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium features a gorgeous skeletonised dial, showcasing a skeletonised version of the Calibre 80 movement - more on that later. Skeleton-dial watches tend to make it difficult to tell the time. To circumvent this, Mido only skeletonised the central portion of the dial and finished the outer dial with Geneva striping - something that we have gotten accustomed to and love about the Multifort range. Applied rectangular indices can be found throughout while the minute track is moved inwards around the see-through part of the dial. Mido decided to do without a date wheel here, a choice that we agree with as a date wheel on a skeleton dial would be too much stylistically and mess up the proportions as well. Besides, I bet you’d be too mesmerised by the intricate movement and would not even look at the date if there was one. 

Caliber 80 based on the ETA C07.631

Protecting the dial from the elements is a piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The crystal has anti-reflective treatment on both sides, ensuring that legibility would not be a problem even in harsh lighting conditions. To further prove that the watch is not just a show pony, it is certified to 100m of water resistance - you can safely wear it for a pool party! There is no lume on the Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium, but that is not a problem with dressier pieces like this one. 

Flipping the watch over reveals that the movement is visible both front and back - thanks to an exhibition caseback. The rotor is decorated with Geneva stripes and the name of the movement is proudly etched on it - the Calibre 80. Based on the ETA C07.631, the Mido Calibre 80 has 25 jewels, beats at 21,600 BPH and has an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. The movement also features the Nivachron™ balance spring which has better magnetic resistance than silicone and offers excellent shock resistance. It is also very effective against temperature variations in wearing conditions, ensuring that the movement will work reliably and accurately in changing weather. It is an excellent movement and one that is unmatched especially when considering the price point.

Movement is visible for both front and back

To round off the watch, Mido pairs it on a 22mm Oyster-style bracelet. The bracelet gently tapers to a signed push-button folding clasp. The bracelet adds a sporty look to an elegant timepiece, making the watch a good companion for any occasion. 

The Mido Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium is an all-rounded timepiece featuring a beautiful skeletonised dial and a superb movement. On top of that, it is excellent value for money. I’m not quite sure how Mido has managed to keep the price consistent with its other Multifort watches while still giving us more goodies. This watch is an exceptional daily driver that will go well with a t-shirt/beach shorts combo and in the boardroom. Mido’s very own Silver Surfer is one not to be missed.