The Mido Multifort Escape showcases the brand’s expertise in offering watches at competitive prices. The Swatch Group’s extensive vertical integration and the ability to produce their own movements (ETA) enable brands like Mido to strike a perfect balance between affordability and design. Within the Swatch Group’s portfolio, encompassing esteemed names such as Hamilton, Certina, Rado, Tissot, and Longines, the creation of captivating mechanical timepieces priced below $1,000 has become a reality. In the past, sub $1,000 prices were considered “street prices” that offered a discount from the retail value. However, as brands work towards minimizing the gap between retail and street prices, we now witness more realistic retail pricing that aligns with the expectations of the market.
The Mido Multifort Escape offers a blend of remarkable features that cater to a younger demographic. Boasting an automatic Swiss movement, skillfully crafted dial design, and intricate detailing, this timepiece exudes a touch of nostalgia with its weathered PVD-coated steel case. Not only does it come with a reasonable price tag, but it also showcases the positive direction Mido is heading.
Within the Swatch Group, we often witness certain products that exhibit a perfect fusion of design, technical prowess, and affordability. It’s as if the product team has found the winning formula, and the Multifort Escape serves as an experimental testament to this notion. However, what remains lacking is the development of a compelling narrative around the watch. Mido, along with its fellow brands, still relies on retail staff to convey these stories, a practice that has become increasingly rare in today’s world. Therefore, for the time being, we can only speculate together on the sentiments and themes Mido aims to evoke with the four current iterations of the Multifort Escape watch.
The Mido Multifort Escape Horween, priced approximately $200 higher than its counterparts, derives its name from the inclusion of two straps. When observing its black and orange color scheme and considering the proximity to October 31st, one might associate it with the Multifort Escape Halloween. While each of the four models within this collection caters to specific preferences, the watches share similarities beyond their dials and straps.
With a width of 44mm, the Multifort Escape Horween stands as one of the larger three-hand watches in the Multifort lineup. However, its predominantly vintage aesthetic imbues the larger case size with a sense of enjoyment and style, rather than being considered “excessively large.” Mido has deliberately crafted a case finish reminiscent of gun-metal, albeit with a touch of uniqueness. The intention was to capture an aged appearance, capitalizing on the notion that certain classic watch designs retain their appeal when presented with a vintage-inspired flair. Although this pursuit is purely fashion-driven, the watches possess a captivating charm of traditional timepieces, effortlessly blending with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Measuring 11.88mm in thickness, the 44mm wide case features 23mm wide lugs. Consequently, the straps themselves bear an unconventional size, deviating from the more commonly encountered widths of 22mm or 24mm. This information is particularly useful for individuals who frequently swap out straps on their watches. Furthermore, the case boasts water resistance up to 100m and boasts a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating applied to both sides. However, it is important to note that the curved nature of the crystal still allows for a certain level of glare.
The Multifort watches exhibit an alluring design feature that sets them apart—the dial adorned with vertical stripes in the distinguished Côtes de Genève style. While Geneva stripes are commonly found on mechanical movement surfaces, it is a rarity to encounter them on watch dials. Mido made the decision to incorporate vertical Geneva-style stripes on the dials of Multifort watches, a choice that has proven to be successful. This, coupled with the clearly visible luminescent Arabic hour numerals and hands, enhances the attractiveness and legibility of the dial. Additionally, I appreciate the subtle distinction between the hour hand and the minute hand, which further enhances readability.
Powering the watch is the Swiss ETA caliber C07.611 4Hz automatic movement, boasting an impressive power reserve of approximately two days. While many still associate ETA movements with the 28XX series, the C series was introduced a few years ago, albeit with limited usage in watches. These newer generation movements are larger in size, catering to the preferences of contemporary watch dimensions. One advantageous aspect of utilizing the C07.611 movement is that, when glimpsed through the sapphire crystal caseback window, it does not appear diminutive within the generously proportioned case.
The Mido Multifort Escape collection combines classic and contemporary design elements, making it a compelling choice for watch enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. This Swiss timepiece excels in both ergonomic functionality and precise movement, ensuring a satisfying experience for the wearer. What sets it apart is its ability to avoid the trappings of outdated aesthetics, embracing a youthful and refreshing appeal.
With a retail price of $890 USD, the Mido Multifort Escape watch offers excellent value for those seeking a timepiece that harmoniously blends the best of classic and modern design. Additionally, for those desiring a touch of luxury, the Multifort Escape Horween is available at a retail price of $1,090 USD, providing an elevated experience for discerning watch enthusiasts.