The Mido Multifort collection traces its origins back to the 1930s, an era defined by rapid industrial advancement and architectural shifts toward function and geometry. While the earliest models were celebrated for their resistance to water, shock, and magnetism, the modern iteration of the line continues to evolve, adapting to contemporary tastes while maintaining the foundational utility that established the brand. The release of the Multifort 8 Two Crowns Rose Gold PVD marks a specific point in this evolution, merging the robust, industrial aesthetic of the Multifort DNA with a warmer, more luxurious color palette and a distinctive dual-crown operating system. It represents a deviation from the standard steel sports watch format, offering a configuration that blends the utility of a compressor-style diver with the refinement of a dressier, gold-toned daily wearer.
The immediate visual impact of this reference comes from the case architecture. Measuring 40mm in diameter, the stainless steel housing has been treated with a rose gold-colored PVD coating that completely transforms the character of the watch. This is not the bright, sometimes harsh yellow gold of vintage plating, but a deeper, warmer rose tone that absorbs light differently. The finishing on the case is a deliberate mix of satin-brushed surfaces and polished chamfers. The bezel, in particular, draws the eye with its octagonal shape. This geometric choice moves away from the traditional round bezel found on many field watches, adding a layer of architectural complexity. The flat upper surface of the bezel is brushed to reduce glare and hide potential hairline scratches from daily wear, while the sloped edges are polished to catch the light and define the boundary between the crystal and the case body.
Courtesy of MIDO
Functionality is split between two distinct crowns located on the right flank of the case. This "Two Crowns" layout is where the model derives its name and much of its operational personality. The crown positioned at 4 o'clock is the primary interface for standard timekeeping duties, used to wind the movement and set the hours and minutes. Its placement is slightly recessed and protected by the case geometry, keeping it out of the way of the wrist during movement. The second crown, situated at 2 o'clock, controls the internal rotating flange. This feature allows the wearer to measure elapsed time or track a countdown without the external bulk of a traditional diver's bezel. Both crowns are screw-down, a critical feature that contributes to the watch's 100-meter water resistance rating, ensuring that the internal mechanisms remain sealed against moisture and dust.
Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial presents a study in texture and depth. The surface is finished in a matte black that serves as a high-contrast backdrop for the rose gold-colored elements. Dominating the dial is a series of horizontal lines, a trademark motif of the Multifort collection that evokes the Geneva stripes often found on watch movements. These grooves catch the light at different angles, breaking up the flat surface and adding a sense of industrial rigidity to the face. The interplay between the matte ridges and the shadows in the grooves creates a dynamic visual effect that changes as the watch is rotated. The indices are not merely printed on the surface but are recessed into the dial, carved out to create negative space filled with luminescent material. This "sandwich" style construction adds a three-dimensional quality to the time-telling elements, giving the dial a sense of architectural structure rather than just graphic design.
The handset continues the theme of rose gold against black. The hour and minute hands are tri-faceted, featuring a satin-finished groove running down the center which helps to distinguish them against the dark dial. They are treated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring that readability is maintained in low-light conditions. The seconds hand is a slender needle, diamond-cut and finished in the same rose gold tone, sweeping smoothly around the dial. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, but unlike many designs that disrupt the flow of the dial with a stark white wheel, this model employs a black date disc with white numerals. This thoughtful integration allows the date function to remain legible when needed while fading into the background when the user is simply checking the time, maintaining the visual integrity of the horizontal striping.
Surrounding the central dial area is the rotating flange, controlled by the upper crown. This internal bezel features a minute track printed in white on a matte black ring. The ability to rotate this ring allows for practical timing functions without disrupting the streamlined profile of the case. Because the bezel is internal, it is protected from the accidental bumps and knocks that can misalign an external bezel. The visual connection between the flange and the main dial is seamless, creating a continuous slope from the crystal edge down to the center. The use of white markings on both the flange and the indices creates a cohesive color scheme that prioritizes legibility without sacrificing the moody, sophisticated aesthetic established by the rose gold and black pairing.
Courtesy of MIDO
Powering this assembly is the Mido Caliber 72, an automatic movement based on the ETA A31.111. This mechanism is a significant step up from standard entry-level calibers, offering a power reserve of up to 72 hours. This extended autonomy is particularly practical for modern collectors who may rotate between several watches during the week. A wearer can take this watch off on a Friday evening and pick it up again on Monday morning without needing to reset the time or wind it. The movement beats at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, a rate that balances precision with energy efficiency. Visible through the transparent case back, the movement is not left in a raw state; it features an oscillating weight decorated with Geneva stripes and the Mido logo, demonstrating an attention to detail that extends to the internal components.
A key technical feature of the Caliber 72 is the inclusion of a Nivachron balance spring. This component addresses one of the most common issues in modern mechanical watchmaking: magnetism. In an environment saturated with magnetic fields from smartphones, laptops, and speakers, a traditional hairspring can easily become magnetized, leading to erratic timekeeping. The Nivachron alloy is titanium-based and significantly more resistant to magnetic interference than standard ferromagnetic springs. It is also highly resistant to shock and temperature variations, ensuring that the watch maintains its accuracy across a wide range of conditions. This focus on reliability aligns with the brand's historical reputation for producing robust instruments capable of withstanding the rigors of daily life.
The case dimensions dictate how the watch wears on the wrist. While the 40mm diameter is a widely accepted standard for modern sports watches, the lug-to-lug length of 44.86mm is notably compact. This shorter vertical dimension ensures that the watch sits securely on the wrist without overhanging, making it wearable for a diverse range of wrist sizes. The lugs themselves are sharply angled and integrated into the case design, curving downwards to hug the wrist. The rose gold PVD finish extends to these lugs, maintaining the uniform appearance of the housing. The total thickness of the watch is managed well, with the movement coming in at just 3.85mm thick, allowing the overall case profile to slide easily under a shirt cuff despite the sporty nature of the design.
To secure the watch, Mido has paired the head with a black rubber strap that echoes the design language of the dial. The strap features a relief motif on the central band that mimics the horizontal lines of the watch face, creating a visual continuity from the dial through the case and onto the wrist. Rubber is a pragmatic choice for a watch with 100 meters of water resistance, as it is impervious to moisture and easy to clean. The material is pliable and comfortable, requiring no break-in period compared to leather. The strap is attached via lug bars designed for quick changes, allowing the owner to swap out the strap without tools if they wish to alter the look of the watch, although the integrated look of the stock rubber is clearly designed to be the primary configuration.
Courtesy of MIDO
The buckle is a standard pin style, finished in the same satin-brushed rose gold PVD as the case. It features the engraved brand logo and offers a secure fit that is easy to adjust on the fly. The choice of a pin buckle over a bulky deployant clasp contributes to the comfort of the strap, reducing the amount of metal sitting against the underside of the wrist. This configuration reinforces the watch's identity as a "daily driver"—an item meant to be worn for long periods without causing fatigue or discomfort. The black rubber against the rose gold case creates a striking contrast that feels modern and urban, moving away from the traditional leather strap pairings often seen with gold-tone watches.
The brand behind this creation, Mido, was established in 1918 by Georges Schaeren. The name is derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido," which translates to "I measure." This etymology reflects the company's long-standing dedication to the precise measurement of time. Throughout its history, the brand has focused on producing watches that combine technical innovation with a distinct aesthetic often inspired by architecture. The Multifort line, in particular, was one of the first to offer a combination of water resistance, shock resistance, and anti-magnetic properties in a single package back in the 1930s. The modern Multifort 8 Two Crowns honors this heritage by incorporating advanced materials like the Nivachron spring while updating the visual presentation for a 21st-century audience.
The visual experience of the watch is dominated by the way light interacts with the faceted surfaces. The rose gold PVD is not a flat, uniform color but rather a dynamic surface that shifts in tone depending on the environment. Under direct sunlight, the brushed surfaces of the bezel and case sides diffuse the light, creating a soft, glowing aura. In dimmer, indoor lighting, the polished edges of the bezel and the crowns catch reflections, adding a sparkle that highlights the geometric complexity of the octagonal shape. The black dial absorbs light, preventing glare and ensuring that the rose gold hands and indices appear to float above the surface. This high-contrast legibility is a hallmark of a well-designed tool watch, even one that leans into a more luxurious color palette.
The "Two Crowns" configuration also changes the silhouette of the watch. A standard watch with a single crown at 3 o'clock has a very symmetrical, predictable outline. By moving the crowns to 2 and 4, the right side of the case takes on a more technical, instrument-like appearance. It suggests complexity and capability. The crowns themselves are substantial enough to be gripped easily but are not so large as to be obtrusive. The screw-down mechanism provides a tactile reassurance of the watch's security; the user can feel the crowns locking into place, sealing the internal environment from the elements. This physical interaction with the watch—unscrewing the crown to wind it or adjust the internal flange—connects the user to the mechanical nature of the object.
Courtesy of MIDO
The decision to use PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) for the gold coloration is a practical one. Solid gold is soft, heavy, and significantly more expensive. PVD coating deposits a thin, extremely hard layer of material onto the stainless steel substrate. This coating is far more durable than traditional gold plating, resisting scratches, corrosion, and wear over time. It allows the watch to maintain the aesthetic appeal of gold while retaining the structural integrity and lightness of steel. For a watch intended to be worn actively, PVD is often the superior choice, as it does not carry the worry of denting a soft precious metal case during daily tasks.
The rotating inner flange adds a layer of utility that is often missing from dressier watches. While a dedicated dive watch uses an external bezel for safety reasons (to prevent accidental knocking that would suggest less time has passed), the internal bezel of the Multifort 8 is bidirectional and protected by the crystal. It can be used to time a parking meter, a cooking duration, or a commute. Because it is controlled by a crown, it cannot be bumped out of position. This makes it a highly reliable tool for everyday timing needs. The integration of this feature into the dial layout keeps the watch looking streamlined; there is no bulky external ring to snag on cuffs or add height to the case.
The specific shade of "Rose Gold" used here leans towards a copper or bronze hue, rather than a pinkish tone. This gives the watch a warmer, more masculine presence. It pairs exceptionally well with the matte black components, creating a look that is aggressive yet sophisticated. It avoids the flashiness of yellow gold, which can sometimes feel ostentatious. This color combination allows the watch to bridge the gap between casual and formal wear. It would look appropriate with a t-shirt and jeans, where the rubber strap and sporty dial fit right in, but the gold tones also allow it to work with a darker suit or business casual attire.
Courtesy of MIDO
Inside the case, the Caliber 72 is adjusted in four different positions. This level of adjustment is indicative of the effort put into ensuring accuracy. A mechanical watch behaves differently depending on its orientation relative to gravity (crown up, dial up, etc.). By adjusting the movement in multiple positions, watchmakers average out the gravitational errors, resulting in a more consistent timekeeping rate on the wrist. Combined with the 25,200 vph frequency, this setup offers a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and reliable performance that owners can trust.
The Multifort 8 Two Crowns Rose Gold PVD, with reference number M047.507.37.051.00, is positioned competitively in the market with a price of $1,520. It is available through Mido's network of authorized retailers and select digital platforms. This price point represents a significant value proposition given the feature set: a Swiss automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve, a Nivachron balance spring, intricate case finishing, and a unique internal bezel complication. For those seeking a timepiece that breaks away from the conventional dive or field watch mold while offering genuine mechanical pedigree and a distinctive aesthetic, this release stands as a compelling option.
Case: Satin-finished and polished stainless steel treated with rose gold-coloured PVD, Ø 40 mm diameter, lug-to-lug length 44.86 mm. Features a 3-part construction with an octagonal bezel, anti-reflective sapphire crystal treated on both sides, and a transparent case back. Equipped with two screw-down crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock and water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m/330 ft).
Movement: MIDO automatic Caliber 72 (base ETA A31.111), 11 ’’’, Ø 25.60 mm, thickness 3.85 mm, 21 jewels, operating at 25,200 Vib/h. Features a Nivachron™ balance spring, adjusted in 4 different positions, and offers a power reserve of up to 72 hours. Elaborate and decorated movement featuring the MIDO logo with HMSD functions.
Dial: Matt black with horizontal lines decoration and recessed indexes containing Super-LumiNova®. Includes a matt black rotating flange with minute track and a date window at 3 o'clock. Hands are rose gold-coloured PVD with white Super-LumiNova® and a diamond-cut small second hand.
Strap: Black rubber with relief motifs echoing the dial design. Secured by a pin buckle in satin-finished stainless steel treated with rose gold-coloured PVD and engraved MIDO logo. Features lug bars for quick changes.
Price: $1,520
Reference Number: M047.507.37.051.00
Notes: Features a dual-crown design where the 2 o'clock crown controls the internal rotating flange and the 4 o'clock crown sets the time. The movement utilizes a Nivachron™ balance spring for enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.