MIDO Multifort 8 Two Crowns

MIDO, established in 1918 by Swiss watchmaker Georges Schaeren, has long held a commitment to the art of time measurement. The very name, derived from the Spanish "yo mido" ("I measure"), reflects this dedication. The brand's philosophy, born from Schaeren's vision, seamlessly blends watchmaking tradition, technological innovation, practical functionality, and striking aesthetics.



MIDO's latest offering, the Multifort 8 Two Crowns, embodies this philosophy. These watches are not merely instruments for telling time; they are a bold exploration of what Mido calls "Technometry" – a harmonious fusion of technology and geometry. The Multifort 8 Two Crowns series presents a compelling reinterpretation of a distinctive MIDO function: a rotating internal bezel, controlled by a secondary crown.



The design language of the Multifort 8 Two Crowns is decidedly modern and assertive. A 40mm stainless steel case, with its blend of satin-finished and polished surfaces, provides a robust yet refined foundation. The standout feature is the octagonal bezel. This eight-sided design element, with its polished facets contrasting against the satin-finished case, adds a layer of visual complexity and sophistication. The number eight subtly hints at the concept of infinity, a recurring theme in the watch's design.



Two distinct versions of the Multifort 8 Two Crowns are available. One features a deep, matte blue dial paired with a matching blue rubber strap (M047.507.17.041.00), while the other presents a matte black dial complemented by a stainless steel bracelet (M047.507.11.051.00). Both dials showcase a horizontal line motif, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The applied hour markers, a mix of round and trapezoidal shapes, further enhance the three-dimensional effect, almost appearing to float above the dial surface.



White Super-LumiNova coats the hour markers and the uniquely designed, tri-faceted hands, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions. A date window, discreetly positioned at 3 o'clock, adds a practical touch. The internal rotating bezel, a nod to classic diver's watches, is calibrated with a 60-minute scale. This feature, controlled by the crown at 2 o'clock, allows for precise timing of events. This internal bezel design protects the timing bezel from any unwanted adjustments during activity.



The color coordination on each model contributes to a unified aesthetic. On the blue dial version, the two crowns are treated with blue PVD, echoing the dial's hue, and the blue rubber strap features textured center sections. On the black dial version, the crowns sport a black PVD treatment. The stainless steel bracelet, with its geometrically patterned links, provides visual consistency with the watch case.



Beneath the surface, both Multifort 8 Two Crowns models are powered by the MIDO Caliber 72, a self-winding Swiss movement based on the ETA A31.111. This movement, visible through the transparent case back, is meticulously decorated and adjusted in four positions for optimal accuracy. The movement, remarkably slim for a 72 hour power reserve automatic, has a thickness of 3.85 mm. It boasts a substantial 72-hour power reserve, providing nearly three full days of running time when fully wound. Additionally, the Caliber 72 incorporates a Nivachron™ balance spring, offering improved resistance to magnetic fields and shocks, ensuring reliable performance in everyday wear.



The use of high-quality materials extends throughout the watch. The sapphire crystal, protecting the dial, is treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, maximizing readability from various angles. Both the case back and the crowns are screw-down, contributing to the watch's water resistance of 10 bar (100 meters/330 feet). Quick-change lug bars allow for easy strap or bracelet swapping.



The attention to detail is evident in the execution of every component. The MIDO logo is subtly engraved on both the movement and the clasp of the strap or bracelet. The hands, with their satin-finished grooves and diamond-cut small seconds hand, exhibit a level of refinement expected from a watch of this caliber.



The Multifort 8 Two Crowns collection is characterized by its strong design cues, innovative functionality, and solid technical specifications. The resurgence of the internal rotating bezel, a feature previously seen in MIDO's All Dial Diver and Multifort Two Crowns models from the early 2000s, adds a unique element to this contemporary sports watch.



The 44.86 mm lug-to-lug length helps the 40mm watch wear more comfortably on larger wrists, and also contributes to a good fit on smaller ones, as the watch has some presence to it. This size watch can often times be a good choice for many different sized wrists. The 25,200 vibrations per hour of the movement create a fluid sweep of the seconds hand around the dial. The 21 jewels inside the movement help reduce friction and wear, increasing its durability.



The intricate detail of the movement, visible through the back, is appreciated even more with the display case back. The blue and black PVD coating on the crowns give the watch a modern and unique look. The stainless steel case will ensure the watch can be used for most any occasion, and the 10 bar water resistance provides a good seal for the recreational diver.



MIDO's commitment to providing high-quality watchmaking at an accessible price point is reflected in the Multifort 8 Two Crowns. The blue dial version with the rubber strap (M047.507.17.041.00) is priced at CHF 1,120, while the black dial version with the stainless steel bracelet (M047.507.11.051.00) is priced at CHF 1,150. These watches are available through MIDO's network of authorized retailers and their online platforms.



Case: Satin-finished and polished stainless steel. 40mm diameter, 3-part construction. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal, treated on both sides. Screw-down back and crowns. Blue or Black PVD-treated crowns. Crown at 2 o'clock for setting the rotating flange, crown at 4 o'clock for time-setting and winding. Transparent case back, engraved serial number. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft). Lug-to-lug: 44.86 mm.



Movement: Automatic MIDO Caliber 72 (ETA A31.111 base). 11 ''' (25.60 mm diameter), 3.85 mm thickness. 21 jewels, 25,200 Vph. Nivachron™ balance spring. Elaborate and decorated, featuring the MIDO logo. HMSD functions. Adjusted in 4 positions. Power reserve up to 72 hours.



Dial: Matt blue (M047.507.17.041.00) or Matt black (M047.507.11.051.00). Horizontal line pattern. Super-LumiNova® on indexes. Date at 3 o'clock. Matt blue or black rotating flange with minute track. Tri-faceted hour and minute hands with satin-finished groove, white Super-LumiNova®. Diamond-cut small second hand.



Strap: M047.507.17.041.00: Blue rubber, relief motifs. Satin-finished stainless steel pin buckle, engraved MIDO logo. Quick-change lug bars. M047.507.11.051.00: Satin-finished stainless steel bracelet. Folding clasp, 2 push-buttons, engraved MIDO logo. Quick-change lug bars.



Price: M047.507.17.041.00 (Blue): CHF 1,120. M047.507.11.051.00 (Black): CHF 1,150.



Reference Number: M047.507.17.041.00 (Blue) and M047.507.11.051.00 (Black)



Notes: Features a unique internal rotating bezel, operated by a second crown at 2 o'clock, a feature inspired by diver's watches. Octagonal bezel design. "Technometry" concept: the blend of technology and geometry.