If there is a true connoisseur’s thrill to be had in contemporary Swiss watchmaking, it’s discovering a piece in which superior horology meets decisively modern design. In this light, the MIDO Multifort Chronometer Racer asserts itself with both visual vigour and technical prowess, a study in ultra-precision, tightly woven with aesthetic cues drawn from the feverish world of motor racing.
The dial of the Multifort Chronometer Racer is all vitality and contrast, an invitation that immediately makes an impression. Vertical Côtes de Genève decorates its black expanse, lending texture and dynamism to the racing-inspired colourway. Encircling the dial, the interplay between sky blue and vivid orange calls to mind those mechanical dashboard rev counters where adrenaline and accuracy always coexist. Orange, in particular, is used with discernment, highlighting the minute track and animating the large lacquered seconds hand, pushing visual tempo forward. The polished indexes, each individually applied and treated with Super-LumiNova®, offer confident readability in all lighting conditions, while the domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, amplifies clarity. At three o’clock, the day and date ride demurely in a window with white text against black: functional, harmonious, and contributing to the overall sporting utility. Every detail, from the coloured rings to the faceted hands with centre grooves filled with luminous material, pays respect to both legibility and high-contrast style.
Beneath this energetic façade, the movement is nothing short of impressive. MIDO fitted the Multifort Chronometer Racer with the Caliber 80 Si, a COSC-certified automatic chronometer aligned to the ETA C07.821 base, yet elevated with thoughtful specifics. With its silicon balance spring, the movement is resolutely resistant to magnetism and shock. The silicon’s “Si” logo is engraved into the balance bridge, a subtle flourish that speaks to modernity. The escapement runs at a stately 21,600 vibrations per hour and incorporates 25 jewels, using ELINFLEX for the balance spring. One’s appreciation is amplified by the sight of blued screws and an oscillating weight graced with further Côtes de Genève, each detail visible through the exhibition case back. Its power reserve, stretching to 80 hours, conveys a concrete assurance of reliability, while the chronometer regulation across five positions ensures stability and accuracy for every cadence.
The case flows with the same attention to tactile satisfaction. Crafted from both satin-finished and polished stainless steel, capped with a black PVD-coated bezel, the visual layers continue their persuasive dialogue of shadow and sheen. Measuring 42 millimetres across and almost 49 millimetres lug-to-lug, the proportions are assertive yet balanced. Water resistance is certified to 10 bar (100 metres), with a screw-down crown and protective black PVD applications lending confidence for daily wear. The transparent screw-on case back allows for uninterrupted admiration of the rotor’s decoration and the calibre’s bright details, tying the piece’s technical core back to the visual spirit of the dial.
The experience that completes the Racer’s identity comes with its pair of interchangeable leather straps, both engineered for swift changing. The primary strap exudes dynamism with blue leather and orange lines, secured by a black PVD folding clasp that is engraved with the MIDO logo. The alternative, a perforated black leather variant with subtle stitching in orange and blue, provides an everyday versatility that remains unmistakably sporty. There is an unmistakable tactile pleasure in such options, underscoring how well MIDO understands the intersection of comfort and customisation in contemporary watch culture.
Drawing from over a century of horological tradition, MIDO has advanced its name through a commitment to mechanical performance and aesthetic rigour. The Multifort Chronometer Racer fits seamlessly into this legacy, standing out as a piece deeply rooted in precision and the energetic spirit of motorsport, yet resolutely modern in execution. The sensation is one of unmistakable achievement, where every glance at the wrist reaffirms that symmetrical fusion of high technology, robust engineering, and bold, joyful style. For those drawn to the leading edge, it is a watch to be enjoyed, appreciated and worn with conviction.
