The Mido Multicenterchrono
Mido Multicenterchrono / Credit: Shuck the Oyster
Mido is a brand we haven’t shined nearly enough light on, and that’s a big mistake on our part. I think we’ve all seen the beautiful Mido chronographs on Instagram, but this one is one of the most peculiar; not only for its aesthetics but more so for its multi-functionality. Hence the name, the Multicenterchrono.
The Mido Multicenterchrono was released in 1941 (most sources cite 1945 but that’s incorrect) and was the world’s first centrally-read chronograph – something it does not get enough credit for. Mido had only just released its first chrono in 1937, based on the Minerva 13-20, and created this piece for professionals who wanted a good looking but functional timepiece. It looks like a split-seconds chronograph because of the fourth hand but part of what makes it such a beautiful, symmetrical watch is that it doesn’t have the subdials that most chronographs usually do. In their stead, the fourth hand performs the function of the minutes subdial, counting the minutes when the chronograph is activated by the pushers. The case and pushers are also of note, as they were manufactured by Taubert & Fils, a well-known Swiss casemaker renowned for making the first waterproof cases out of Geneva. Taubert was founded in 1924 through the takeover of Borgel (founded in 1891), today they’re remembered for making cases for the likes of Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, including the first octagonal case. Taubert/Borgel also had a hand in manufacturing the Multifort and Ocean Star cases, working with Mido until the 1960s (it reportedly went under in 1972).
Mido Multicenterchrono Chronograph
The Mido Multicenterchrono is also notable for its dial, which includes internal 24-hour markings, a tachymeter, and a telemeter – adding to the ‘multi’ aspect of the watch. In addition, it used a Mido 1300, a modified version of the highly regarded Valjoux 23 VZ, a manually-wound column wheel chronograph movement with a 48-hour power reserve and 18,000 bph. This movement was also used in Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet chronographs produced in the mid-20th century, only adding to how desirable this timepiece really is.
The Multicenterchrono is truly a special vintage watch, and vintage Mido doesn’t get enough recognition for the quality and beauty of their mid-century timepieces. Vintage chronographs, along with other tool watches of the era, often are an excellent example of the best horology had to offer at the time. And this is definitely a watch to look out for.
By: Eric Mulder
A 1950s Mido Multicenterchrono