Mido Multifort Watch

Mido  
Multifort
Extra flat
Stainless steel  
1940's  
15 jewels  
Movement cal. Mido 1200 A
Made in Switzerland
Ø 34.5 mm 
Sold

Mido introduced the first Multifort in 1934. The Multifort marked a turning point for the brand, combining three important innovations in a single watch: waterproof, antimagnetic, and shock-resistant. These features helped establish Mido's reputation as a serious watchmaker. The case back of the Mido Multifort is engraved with several of its key features: Switzerland, Waterproof Impermeable, Antimagnetic, Anti-Choc, and Rustless Steel. These inscriptions proudly highlighted the watch's technical innovations. The inside of the case back is stamped ‘Brit. Pat.’, referring to British Patent No. 385509, granted in 1932. It is also marked ‘Mido Limited’,  indicating the company's brand name for the English-speaking and international markets. This patent protected Mido's innovative crown-sealing system, which used a cork gasket to prevent water and dust from entering the watch. The patented case was manufactured by Taubert & Fils (formerly François Borgel), the renowned Geneva-based case maker that supplied cases to Mido. Although these cases were produced by the same manufacturer, they do not bear the famous François Borgel ‘FB’ key hallmark. The cork gasket later became known as Mido's signature Aquadura sealing system, which remained one of the brand's defining innovations for decades. The Multifort went on to become Mido's most successful and iconic watch, earning a reputation for its durability, reliability, and pioneering approach to water-resistant watchmaking.
Powering this beautiful watch is the Mido Multifort manual-wind Swiss caliber 1200A. It’s a stunning movement with a refined finishing, such as beveled edges, and its own unique Geneva striping. Interestingly, the Mido 1200A is essentially the same movement as the A. Michel 390, sharing the same architecture with only minor differences.
Check out the anti-shock system. It features a spring shaped like an arrow at one end and a pivot point at the other. This ingenious design helps absorb shocks and protect the movement from impact. The black dial is signed Mido Multifort, Extra Flat, and Made in Switzerland in a warm brown-orange print extended to the index ring and, the sub-second scale.
The most charming feature of this Mido Multifort are the luminous Arabic numeral’s which rotate around the dial. The hands are metal; the hour and minute hands are luminous filled. The stainless-steel case has a glossy finish, contrasted by brushed sides. It features a screw-down case back, while the crown is recessed into the case, giving the watch a clean, streamlined appearance and offering additional protection against knocks.