Inspired By Architecture: A Closer Look at Mido Watches

Mido is one of the best-selling mid-price luxury Swiss watch brands. It was founded by Georges Schaeren in 1918. In the 1970s, Mido joined ASUAG, one of the principal founding entities of today’s Swatch group. The brand is now popular for its architecture-inspired wristwatch collections like All Dial, Baroncelli, Ocean Star, Multifort, Commander and Rainflower. In 2018, the Le Locle based watchmaker celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The first architecture-inspired Mido timepiece was born in 2002. A short time ago, the company has announced the release of commemorative timepieces to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this alliance.

Mido Ocean Star

The Ocean Star range derives its inspiration from the Europa Point Lighthouse, located on the southeastern tip of the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. As the name suggests, this series is comprised of water-sports watches. The notable models are the Ocean Star 200, the Mido Ocean Star GMT, the Ocean Star 600 Diver, the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer, the Ocean Star Chronograph and the Mido Ocean Star Tribute.

Just like the iconic lighthouse, these nautical sports/tool watches are robust and powerful to handle the challenges of maritime adventures. The dominant hour-markers filled with Super-LumiNova® offer exceptional dial readability like the powerful beam of the Europa Point Lighthouse. Depending upon the model, the water-resistance ratings vary from 200m to 600m. Equipped with high-performance Swiss automatic movements, Mido Ocean Star watches are available in several material choices: stainless steel, black DLC steel, titanium, gold PVD and dual-tone. All contemporary models are fitted with unidirectional rotating bezels and ceramic-bezel inserts. This collection also offers COSC certified chronometers.

The estimated retail price range of Mido Ocean Star in Hong Kong is HK$6,000 to HK$20,000.

Mido Commander

The source of inspiration of Mido Commander is the Eiffel Tower. The round-shaped case with a slender bezel evokes the graceful arches of this Parisian monument. The rectangular indexes and hands are designed after the iron lattice of the iconic tower. This dress watch collection for men offers Date, Day-Date, Big Date and Chronograph versions.

This series offers automatic watches in stainless steel or PVD (anthracite, black or gold) coated steel. The popular case sizes are 37mm, 40mm and 42mm. The water resistance rating of these Mido watches is 5 atm (50 meters). The modern generation of self-winding movements like Mido Caliber 80 offers an enhanced power reserve of up to 80 hours. The approximate retail price range is HK$5,000 to HK$16,000.

Mido All Dial

The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most iconic architectural wonders from ancient times. Introduced in 2002, the Mido All Dial collection has drawn its design inspiration from this historic Roman monument. The multi-level dial design evokes various levels and shapes of the awe-inspiring amphitheater. Mido has recently revived this series to mark its 20th anniversary.

The present generation of All Dial watch features a 42mm diameter stainless steel case and chronometer-certified automatic movement. The Mido HK retail price range of this contemporary dress watch for men is from HK$10,500 to HK$11,500.

Mido Multifort

The Mido Multifort is an outstanding collection of automatic wristwatches inspired by the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Opened in 1932, this legendary architectural wonder stands out with its unique style, functionality, eternal design and impressive aesthetics. With its origins dating back to the 1930s, Multifort is one of the most established watch collections from Mido.

The Geneva pattern dials of the modern Multifort watches recall the suspension cables of the bridge. The prominent models from the collection are the Multifort Skeleton Vertigo, the Multifort Power Reserve and the Multifort Day Date. These timepieces are equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical self-winding movements developed by ETA. The brand is presently offering 42mm watches in the collection. Depending upon the version, the case is available in stainless steel, or PVD (in black or gold) coated steel. Earlier, the company also produced a Mido Multifort titanium watch in limited editions.

The selling price range is HK$7,000 to HK$17,000.

Mido Belluna

Introduced in 2008, Mido Belluna was designed after the London’s Royal Albert Hall. Opened in 1871, this concert hall is one of the most distinctive and treasured architectural monuments in the United Kingdom. The meticulously crafted, sun-ray guilloche dials of Belluna watches are inspired by the beautiful glass dome of the Royal Albert Hall.

Blending harmonious forms with classic elegance, the collection offers ladies and gents wristwatches. The present line-up includes automatic models with date or day-date function. Gent’s Belluna versions feature a 42.5mm diameter round case whereas the Belluna Royal Lady automatic watch comes with a 33.4mm cushion-shaped case. The new generation Belluna watches are equipped with the Mido Caliber 80 series movements.

The collection includes stainless steel, PVD (in gold or black) and dual-toned versions. The water resistance is 50 meters. The approximate selling price range of Mido Belluna is HK$7,300 to HK$8,500.

Mido Baroncelli

This Mido watch collection has drawn its design inspiration the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II of Milan. For the Baroncelli timepiece, Mido has utilized the Italian architectural style. The line-up proudly reflects the timeless style and the refined rounded forms of this splendid neoclassical building.

This extensive range includes offers models like Big Date, Chronometer, Donna, Heritage, Lady Diamonds, Lady Day, Lady Mini, Power Reserve, Signature, Smiling Moon, Tradition, Tonneau and Wild Stone. Available in various case sizes, finishing and dial styles, All Baroncelli watches are equipped with automatic movements. The retail price range is HK$6,000 to HK$12,000.

Mido Rainflower 

Launched in 2019, this glamorous ladies’ wristwatch series pays tribute to the eye-catching ArtScience Museum in Singapore. Opened in 2017, this architectural marvel was designed after the lotus flower. The Rainflower watch evokes the sublime beauty of this iconic building. The interlaced petal pattern on the dial and case sides proudly reflect the beauty of the ArtScience Museum. Just like its source of inspiration, this timepiece spotlights delicate lines, gentle curves and grandeur.

Mido Rainflower watch is equipped with Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.611). Displaying the hour, minutes, seconds and date (at 6 o’clock), it has a power reserve of 80 hours. Inspired by the pillars at the heart of the ArtScience Museum, the oscillating weight of the movement is engraved with the rainflower pattern.

Available in steel and gold PVD iterations, the case measures 34mm diameter. Depending upon the version, the dial features gem-set indexes or Roman numerals. In some models, gem-set markers in combination with the baton or Roman indices are used. These feminine timekeepers are water-resistant up to 30 meters.

The suggested retail price range of Mido Rainflower is HK$7,500 to HK$11,000.