Hot Take: Mido Multifort Patrimony
We take a first look at the new Mido Multifort Patrimony, an affordable vintage-inspired automatic.
Well, we’re clearly seeing the Swatch Group’s strategy on display now that they’ve exited from Baselworld. With new models coming weekly, if not even more frequently, we’re not exactly sure of what we’ll find in our mailboxes when we awaken. This morning, for example, I received news of the new Mido Multifort Patrimony from the USA and some additional information later in the day from Germany. This follows the attractive Rado Golden Horse Collection that we showed you yesterday. It’s a lot of fun to see new things everyday with the only concerns a lack of hands-on pictures and, therefore, not being able to actually hold these models like in the Basel days. So, we’ll make do with more stock photos until we see them in person.
Mido Multifort Patrimony – 3 Variants
With the Mido Multifort Patrimony, we’re treated to three variants of the same watch from a brand that’s truly been on the rise over the past several years. And while Mido makes it known that they’re retro inspired (the Multifort line was introduced in 1934), I don’t find them annoyingly so. Yes, one glance at these watches reveals the use of the old script “Mido” logo on the dials, but I simply look at that as good design – and one that I personally like better than the current, capital font used on their other models.
The Former Logo Returns
With the Mido Multifort Patrimony, the domed dials, whether in grey, blue or chocolate, exhibit a fumé pattern with a sunray that gets lighter towards the center of the dial. That could also be considered as a retro touch, yet modern brands such as Moser use it without this accusation. Aside from the dial colors, there’s white printing in abundance including an outer ring pulsometer, Arabic numerals at 3/6/9/12, and an inner ring for the minutes/seconds that creates a sector look. A date window is well integrated at 6:00 and doesn’t impede on the Arabic 6 below it. The hour and minutes hands are luminous syringes (non vintage SuperLuminova, thank you very much) and the sweep hand is case-colored (stainless steel or Rose Gold PVD) with a spade shape on its short end.
With Great 40mm Sizing
Perhaps the best news regarding the Mido Multifort Patrimony is its size and that’s thankfully 40mm in diameter. A closer look shows nicely twisted lugs and a bottle cap-shaped crown; two characteristics of older Mido models.
Powering the watches are the Powermatic 80 automatic with its 80 hours of power reserve; this movement is now truly pervasive! The crystal is sapphire and water resistance is 50 meters. And finally, the watches come on two stitch straps with pin buckles.
Final Thoughts and Pricing
I really like what I see with the new Mido Multifort Patrimony. In fact, the Swatch Group is starting to make it very difficult in the 800 – 1,750 Euro range with some really strong pieces at brands that I’ve never truly considered. This is a watch I’d definitely wear and, as stated, it definitely has some retro touches, but it’s classic enough not to look old. The 40mm size is perfect as are the lug width and length (I’ll guess a 20mm width, but it looks a little slimmer in a retro way) to case size proportions. I also like that it’s a quality alternative to the scores of me-too three-hand dress watches that are out there in this price range from so many brands. And, perhaps most significantly, I think it’s Mido’s most compelling watch. At $890 in steel and $1,000 in the rose gold PVD (sorry, I don’t have Euro prices at the moment), they’re definitely on the more affordable side. I’d assume availability in the June 2019 timeframe. Nicely done, Mido…
Head to the official Mido site for more information.
