New Old Stock Mido Multi Star

The History

Mido, which gets its name from the Spanish “to measure”, was founded by Georges Schaeren on November 11th, 1918. That day also happens to be the exact day on which Germany formally surrendered and ended World War I and the birthdate of Leonardo Dicaprio but that’s less important. Interestingly enough, Mido began life as a maker of more novelty watches or what we would consider today, fashion watches. They even produced a line of watches in the shape of famous car radiators of the day such as  Bugatti, Excelsior, and Peugeot. In 1934 the brand made a hard pivot with the introduction of the Mido Multifort. The Multifort was a true technological innovation that brought together waterproofing, anti magnetism and impact resistance all in one watch. The multifort would clearly establish Mido as a serious watch manufacturer and that would be reinforced by the introduction of the automatic Multifort in 1935. Over the subsequent decades Mido would continue to innovate with the Powerwind winding system and Ocean Star range and its Aquadura waterproofing system. Like many brands the 70s were trying from Mido and the brand would join the Swatch group in the mid 80s.

The Reference

Mido launched the Multi Star line of watches in the early 70s as the brand was beginning to struggle. The line had a bit of everything and no real clear direction but that lack of direction is probably what allowed the watch seen here to be produced. Beyond the new old stock condition which still features its original red case stickers, original case back sticker, and is paired on its original integrated bracelet, is a design that is outrageous. Massive brushed bezels, green to grey ombre dial, large applied hour markers, integrated bracelet, and so much more. It’s like Mido picked all of the in style design features and threw them all on one watch. What’s amazing is the quality with which this watch was executed though. The finishing is lovely and continues through to the bracelet as well. The question now is whether to keep this watch as is or take the stickers off and give it some wrist time.

The Case and Bracelet

The 36mm stainless steel case is in excellent new old stock (NOS) condition with no flaws to note on the case, acrylic crystal, caseback, or crown. As mentioned above the watch wears its original red case stickers that protect all of the high polish areas of the case and its original case back sticker. The integrated bracelet is in matching excellent and new old stock condition with no flaws to note. The bracelet retains all of its links and will fit an 8 inch wrist.

The Dial and Hands

The green to grey ombre dial is in excellent and matching new old stock condition to the case. Even on NOS watches, dials can oftentimes show the effects of age due to UV damage but that is not the case with this watch. The colors are vibrant and the finishing on the hands and applied hour markers is as it was when it left the factory.

The Movement

This watch features a Mido signed automatic ETA 2789-1 movement with a Spanish and English day wheel. The watch is running and the service history is unknown.

PHOTO GALLERY