MIDO has introduced a new, high-energy model to its long-running Multifort collection, drawing direct inspiration from the world of competitive motorsports. The Multifort Chronometer1 Racer is a special edition timepiece that pairs a high-performance, certified movement with a distinct and assertive color scheme. The watch immediately signals its automotive theme through a striking combination of black, bright blue, and vivid orange, all housed within a robust, dark-coated case. This model is more than a simple cosmetic update; its racing-inspired exterior is backed by a formidable automatic caliber.
This new release, model M038.431.36.051.00, channels the spirit of speed and precision, starting with its bold visual presentation. It leans heavily on colors that are legendary in automotive racing, applying them to a watch designed for durability and high-accuracy timekeeping. The package is completed with two different strap options, allowing the owner to switch between a full-color racing look and a more subdued, perforated rally style.
Courtesy of MIDO
MIDO itself was founded in 1918 by Georges Schaeren in Switzerland. The brand's name is derived from the Spanish phrase "yo mido," which translates to "I measure." This concept of precise measurement has remained a core part of the brand's identity. Today, MIDO operates from the watchmaking hub of Le Locle, within the Swiss Jura mountains, as part of the Swatch Group. Its philosophy often centers on making high-quality, automatic Swiss watchmaking accessible, frequently incorporating features like advanced movements and chronometer certification.
The Multifort collection, which this Racer model joins, has its own established identity. It is characterized by strong, often sporty designs, and one of its most recognizable features is the use of vertical Côtes de Genève, or Geneva Stripes, on the dial. This decorative finish, typically reserved for movements, gives the Multifort line a distinct texture and mechanical feel, which is fully present in this new watch.
The case of the Multifort Chronometer1 Racer is crafted from stainless steel but has been given a stealthy, modern look with a black PVD coating. Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a process that coats the steel with a solid layer of pure material, making the surface more resistant to corrosion and scratches while providing the deep black color. The case measures 42mm in diameter and has a thickness of just 12mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 48.96mm, suggesting a strong presence that should still be wearable for a wide range of wrist sizes.
The case finishing is a mix of satin-finished and polished surfaces, creating a dynamic look as light hits the black PVD. The bezel is polished, contrasting slightly with the brushed elements. For practical use, the case is water-resistant to 10 bar, which is 100 meters or 330 feet. This level of water resistance is supported by a screw-down crown, also finished in black PVD, which helps ensure the watch's integrity against water ingress.
Courtesy of MIDO
The dial is where the "Racer" theme is most explicitly expressed. The base of the dial is black and features the signature Multifort vertical Geneva Stripes. This textured background makes the other elements pop. Encircling the dial is a flange with a multi-colored minute track. It features a prominent ring of light, sky blue, a band of bright orange, and a crisp white track for the minutes. Orange numerals are placed at five-minute intervals, a design choice that strongly evokes the look of a dashboard rev counter.
Readability is a key focus. The watch features individually applied indexes that are satin-finished, polished, and faceted. Both the indexes and the diamond-cut, faceted hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring they are visible in low-light conditions. A flat, diamond-cut large seconds hand is lacquered in bright orange, providing a sharp contrast against the black dial and making it easy to track at a glance.
A practical day and date complication is included, appearing in an aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The display uses white text on a black background, which allows it to blend seamlessly with the black dial, maintaining the watch's cohesive design.
Protecting this detailed dial is a domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire is extremely scratch-resistant, and this crystal has been treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This double-sided treatment is a premium feature that significantly reduces glare and improves the clarity of the dial, making it easy to read from any angle.
Turning the watch over reveals a see-through case back, which is also screwed down and finished in black PVD-coated stainless steel. This transparent window allows a clear view of the automatic movement inside. The case back is engraved with the watch's serial number and technical details, framing the decorated caliber at the center.
Courtesy of MIDO
The engine powering the Multifort Chronometer1 Racer is the MIDO Automatic Caliber 80 COSC Si. This movement is based on the ETA C07.821 platform and represents a significant step up in performance. Its name breaks down its key attributes: "Caliber 80" refers to its impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours. This allows a user to take the watch off on a Friday, and it will still be running on Monday morning, a convenience not found in standard movements.
The "COSC" part of the name confirms that the movement is a certified chronometer. This means each movement has been individually tested and certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). This independent body tests the caliber's precision in five different positions and at various temperatures, ensuring it performs within strict accuracy standards.
MIDO backs this certified performance with an extended 5-year international warranty, a significant increase from the standard two years, offering considerable peace of mind. The movement itself is finely decorated, with blued screws and an oscillating weight (rotor) adorned with Geneva stripes and the engraved MIDO logo, making the view through the case back worthwhile.
The "Si" designation is also critical, as it indicates the movement is equipped with a silicon balance spring. Silicon is a high-tech material that offers substantial benefits in a watch movement. It is non-magnetic, meaning it is virtually immune to the magnetic fields from everyday devices like phones, laptops, and speakers, which are a common cause of watch inaccuracy.
Courtesy of MIDO
Furthermore, a silicon balance spring is more resistant to shock and temperature variations than a traditional metal spring. This inherent stability and durability contribute directly to the movement's ability to maintain its high precision over time. The movement runs at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, has 25 jewels, and features an ELINFLEX spring.
As a special edition, this model comes with two straps. The first strap is the most visually striking: a light blue leather strap that features two printed orange lines running down its length, perfectly matching the dial's racing livery. This strap has tone-on-tone stitching to keep the focus on the colors.
The second strap included in the box offers a different, but still sporty, aesthetic. It is a smooth black leather strap with small perforations, a style often referred to as a "rally strap." This strap features white stitching, with accents of orange and blue stitching near the lugs, tying it back to the watch's color palette.
Both straps are fitted with a lug bar system for quick changes, allowing the owner to swap them easily without tools. Each strap connects to a black PVD-coated stainless steel folding clasp, which is engraved with the MIDO logo and matches the watch case perfectly. The straps are 22mm wide at the lugs.
Courtesy of MIDO
The complete watch weighs 90 grams, making it substantial but not overly heavy, thanks in part to the leather straps. It combines its robust specifications and certified high-performance movement with a design that is unapologetically sporty and automotive-themed.
The MIDO Multifort Chronometer1 Racer, reference M038.431.36.051.00, is offered as a special edition set that includes the watch with both the light blue/orange strap and the additional black perforated strap. This package, which includes the COSC-certified, silicon-equipped movement and the extended 5-year warranty, has a retail price of $1,660.00.
Case: 42mm satin-finished and polished stainless steel with black PVD coating. 12mm thickness, 48.96mm lug-to-lug, 22mm lug width. Domed sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. See-through screw-on case back. Screw-down crown. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft).
Movement: MIDO automatic Caliber 80 COSC Si (ETA C07.821 base). COSC-certified chronometer with silicon balance spring. Power reserve up to 80 hours. 25 jewels, 21,600 Vib/h. Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day, Date. Finely decorated with blued screws and oscillating weight with Côtes de Genève.
Dial: Black with vertical Côtes de Genève finish. Minute track with blue and orange rings. Applied satin-finished and polished indexes with white Super-LumiNova. Diamond-cut hands with Super-LumiNova, orange lacquered seconds hand. Day and date at 3 o'clock.
Strap: Comes with two straps. 1) Light blue leather with orange printed lines and black PVD folding clasp. 2) Additional black perforated leather strap with white/orange/blue stitching and black PVD folding clasp. Both feature a quick-change lug bar.
Price: $1,660.00
Reference Number: M038.431.36.051.00
Notes: Special edition model with a racing-inspired colorway and two included straps. Features an extended 5-year warranty due to its COSC-certified chronometer movement with an 80-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring.