MIDO Multifort Skeleton Chronograph

Swiss watch manufacturer MIDO has recently expanded its robust Multifort collection with the introduction of two compelling Multifort Skeleton Chronograph models. These timepieces merge the sporty character inherent to the Multifort line with the visual intrigue of an openworked movement, showcasing the brand's technical capabilities and design evolution. Offering distinct personalities through color and strap variations, these watches aim to capture attention with their intricate mechanics and performance-driven features.

Founded in 1918 by the visionary Swiss watchmaker Georges Schaeren, MIDO established its roots in Le Locle, a town nestled in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains, widely recognized as a hub of watchmaking excellence. The brand's name itself, derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido," meaning "I measure," encapsulates its foundational principle: a profound dedication to the precise measurement of time. This initial vision continues to guide the company over a century later.



MIDO's philosophy is built upon several key pillars: leveraging cutting-edge technology, utilizing movements celebrated for their accuracy, selecting high-quality materials, and crafting designs that are both original and enduring. The brand prides itself on integrating watchmaking expertise with innovation, functionality, and appealing aesthetics, making Swiss-made quality accessible to a broader audience. As part of the Swatch Group, the global leader in watchmaking, MIDO benefits from extensive resources and expertise while maintaining its unique identity.

The Multifort collection, a long-standing pillar within MIDO's offerings, is historically associated with durability and reliability, often drawing inspiration from feats of engineering and architecture. While specific design cues evolve, the core identity of Multifort remains centered on robustness and performance. The introduction of the Skeleton Chronograph models represents a significant development within this family, bringing a contemporary and mechanically expressive dimension to the collection's sporty foundation.

These new chronographs signal a bold step for MIDO, particularly in their showcasing of the Caliber 60 automatic chronograph movement through extensive skeletonization. This isn't merely cutting away material; it's a deliberate redesign to expose the intricate workings of the mechanism while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic balance. It allows wearers a direct view into the heart of the watch, transforming the functional components into key design elements.

Taking a closer look at the dial reveals a complex and engaging landscape. The openworked design, available in either a deep anthracite grey or a vibrant blue, immediately draws the eye towards the mechanical intricacies beneath. An X-shaped structure provides a framework, anchoring the three chronograph sub-dials which track running seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour intervals. This architectural approach adds depth and visual structure to the skeletonized display.



The interplay of finishes across the visible surfaces enhances the visual appeal. Vertical and circular satin brushing contrasts with meticulous circular-graining, creating a dynamic play of light that highlights different components of the dial and movement. Visible brass gears add warm, golden accents against the cooler tones of the anthracite or blue dials, animating the display as the movement operates. Legibility, often a challenge in skeleton watches, is addressed through applied indexes and well-defined hands, all treated with Super-LumiNova® that appears white in daylight and emits a blue-green glow in low light conditions.

The chronograph function is central to the watch's identity and capabilities. Activated and controlled by two polished push-buttons flanking the crown, the mechanism allows for the precise measurement of elapsed time intervals. The central chronograph seconds hand sweeps across the dial when started, while the sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock register the minutes and hours. Adding another layer of functionality is the tachymeter scale inscribed on the matching flange, enabling the calculation of speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance.

Powering these intricate displays is the MIDO Caliber 60, based on an ETA automatic chronograph movement but significantly enhanced by MIDO. This self-winding caliber represents the brand's commitment to incorporating advanced watchmaking technology. Its development into a skeletonized form, specifically for these Multifort models, was undertaken by MIDO, marking a first for the brand and showcasing their technical prowess in movement modification and finishing.

Beyond its openworked architecture, the Caliber 60 boasts impressive technical specifications. It offers a substantial power reserve of up to 60 hours when fully wound, a notable increase compared to the standard 48 hours often found in comparable chronograph movements. This extended autonomy means the watch can be set aside for over two days without needing to be rewound, enhancing convenience for the wearer.



A key technological advancement integrated into the Caliber 60 is the Nivachron™ balance spring. This component, critical for the watch's timekeeping accuracy, is crafted from a titanium-based metal alloy. The primary benefit of Nivachron™ lies in its exceptional resistance to magnetic fields, a common source of timekeeping disruption in modern environments filled with electronic devices. Furthermore, this alloy is highly resistant to shocks and temperature variations, contributing significantly to the watch's overall precision and long-term durability.

The intricate movement is housed within a robust stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and 14.4mm in thickness. This size gives the watch a substantial presence on the wrist, appropriate for a sports chronograph. The case material provides excellent resistance to corrosion and shocks. Practicality is enhanced by a screw-down crown, which helps secure the watch against water ingress and contributes to its water resistance rating.

Protecting the complex dial is a sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance, second only to diamond. MIDO enhances visibility further by applying an anti-reflective treatment to both sides of the crystal, minimizing glare and ensuring a clear view of the skeletonized movement and time display under various lighting conditions. The exhibition case back also features a sapphire crystal window, offering an unobstructed view of the Caliber 60 from the rear.

Turning the watch over reveals the continuation of the mechanical artistry. The see-through case back proudly displays the Caliber 60 A05.951. Here, the oscillating weight (rotor), responsible for automatically winding the watch via the wearer's motion, has also been skeletonized and engraved with the MIDO logo. It sweeps over bridges decorated with circular-graining, adding another layer of visual refinement and demonstrating MIDO's attention to detail in finishing, even on components not visible from the dial side.

Engineered for versatility, the Multifort Skeleton Chronograph features a water resistance rating of 10 bar, equivalent to 100 meters or 330 feet. Coupled with the security of the screw-down crown, this ensures the watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, although it's not intended for deep-sea diving. This level of water resistance adds a practical dimension to its sporty character, making it a capable companion for various activities.



The first variant, reference M038.662.11.060.00, presents a sophisticated monochromatic look dominated by shades of grey and silver. The anthracite openworked dial features silver-toned hands and minute track markings, contrasted by the white numerals on the hour circle and tachymeter scale. This model is fitted with a solid stainless steel bracelet (reference M605019467) featuring a folding clasp, contributing to its heavier weight of 196 grams and giving it a more integrated, metallic aesthetic suitable for both sporty and slightly more formal settings.

The second variant, reference M038.662.17.040.00, offers a distinctly sportier and more colorful appeal. The primary dial elements, including the openworked sections, sub-dials, tachymeter flange, and hour circle, are rendered in a striking blue. This version is paired with a textured blue rubber strap (reference M603019468) made from synthetic materials, fastened with a traditional pin buckle. This combination significantly reduces the weight to 119 grams, enhancing comfort during active wear. A convenient quick-change system allows the strap to be easily swapped without tools, offering versatility.

These two models cater to slightly different tastes within the sports watch category. The anthracite version on the steel bracelet offers a more classic, albeit modern, tool-watch feel with its heft and metallic presence. The blue version on the rubber strap leans into a more contemporary, casual, and overtly sporty vibe, emphasized by its lighter weight and vibrant color. Both share the same case dimensions, ensuring a consistent wrist presence defined by the 43mm diameter and 14.4mm thickness.

The creation of the Multifort Skeleton Chronograph underscores MIDO's commitment to producing high-quality Swiss timepieces that balance technical innovation with considered design. The use of premium materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal, combined with advanced components like the Nivachron™ balance spring and the intricacies of the skeletonized Caliber 60 movement, reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and performance that aligns with the brand's historical focus.



These watches are likely to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical watchmaking and desire a view into the movement's operation, but who also seek the functionality of a chronograph within a robust, sporty package. The skeletonization adds a layer of visual complexity and modernity, setting these models apart from more traditional chronograph designs, while the choice between the steel bracelet and rubber strap allows for personalization based on style preference and intended use.

Regarding availability and pricing, the MIDO Multifort Skeleton Chronograph M038.662.11.060.00 (Anthracite dial, steel bracelet) is priced at CHF 2,300.00. The M038.662.17.040.00 (Blue dial, rubber strap) is priced slightly lower at CHF 2,270.00. These watches are available internationally through MIDO's extensive network, which includes 2,400 official retailers across 70 countries, major online watch platforms, and the brand's own physical boutiques and e-commerce websites. Each watch comes with a standard two-year international warranty, providing assurance of MIDO's confidence in its product quality.

M038.662.11.060.00

Case: Stainless steel, round, 43mm diameter, 14.4mm thickness, 22mm lug width. Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. See-through case back, screw-down crown. Water resistance 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft).

Movement: Mido Automatic ETA (Caliber 60 / A05.951). Skeletonized automatic chronograph. Nivachron™ balance spring. Power reserve up to 60 hours. Functions: Chronograph, Small Second.

Dial: Anthracite, skeletonized. Applied indexes. Super-LumiNova® on hands and indexes. Three counters (60s, 30m, 12h). Tachymeter scale.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet (Ref M605019467). Folding clasp. Total watch weight 196g.

Price: CHF 2,300.00

Reference Number: M038.662.11.060.00

Notes: Features MIDO's first implementation of the skeletonized Caliber 60 automatic chronograph movement. Incorporates advanced Nivachron™ technology for improved resistance and precision.



M038.662.17.040.00

Case: Stainless steel, round, 43mm diameter, 14.4mm thickness, 22mm lug width. Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. See-through case back, screw-down crown. Water resistance 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft).

Movement: Mido Automatic ETA (Caliber 60 / A05.951). Skeletonized automatic chronograph. Nivachron™ balance spring. Power reserve up to 60 hours. Functions: Chronograph, Small Second.

Dial: Blue, skeletonized. Applied indexes. Super-LumiNova® on hands and indexes. Three counters (60s, 30m, 12h). Tachymeter scale.

Strap: Blue rubber strap (Ref M603019468), textured. Synthetic front/back. Pin buckle. Quick-change system. Total watch weight 119g.

Price: CHF 2,270.00

Reference Number: M038.662.17.040.00

Notes: Features MIDO's first implementation of the skeletonized Caliber 60 automatic chronograph movement. Incorporates advanced Nivachron™ technology and a convenient quick-change strap system. Lighter than the bracelet version.