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Mido Multifort, Superautomatic Powerwind, Francois Borgel Case, circa 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Mido Multifort, Superautomatic Powerwind, Francois Borgel Case, circa 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Mido (maker)
Date
c. 1950s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
VWS3142
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (VWS3142)
Catalogue title (original)
Mido Multifort - Superautomatic Powerwind - Francois Borgel Case - c.1950s (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number VWS3142), this is a wristwatch by Mido, dated c. 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Beautiful Mido Multifort Superautomatic Powerwind Watch with a François Borgel Case in Superb Vintage Condition, c.1950s Celebrating its centennial in 2018, Mido has solidified its place in the annals of watchmaking history. This significant milestone was not merely a reflection on a century of innovation and excellence but also a springboard into the future. Mido commemorated this landmark occasion by releasing the Commander Big Date, a timepiece that encapsulates the brand's commitment to precision, durability, and timeless design. The Mido Multifort watch was waterproof, antimagnetic and impact-resistant, one of the very first watches with these features. In 1935 the Mido Multifort Automatic was introduced, bringing together for the first time the four features of self-winding, watertight, antimagnetic and impact resistant. What's on Offer This Mido Multifort is in exemplary condition especially since we estimate it is over 70 years old! Just look at that stunning dial with applied gilt arrowhead quarter-hour markers and elegant Dauphine hands! The dial has aged to a nice warm ivory colour which looks beautiful and it is encapsulated underneath an acrylic crystal which is then encased in a polished stainless steel case. The case is something to note as it was produced by Genevan, François Borgel who came to fame in the horology industry when he filed a Swiss patent CH4001 for a waterproof pocket watch mechanism, whereby the movement was screwed-in through the front of a one-part case and then sealed-off with a tightly-fitting bezel and crystal — this mechanism also meant the movement was dust-proof, another important innovation of the time. You will note that the case back reveals that the watch is marked as waterproof, shock-protected and antimagnetic. (We would not guarantee waterproofing due to the watch's age). This watch is a real treat and we would suggest it is rather rare. The watch is in superb shape, at 35mm, is fairly sized, and wears beautifully on the wrist. It is paired with a tan leather strap which brings out the warmth of the dial perfectly. A very wearable watch with plenty of character - we love it!

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

  • A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
  • 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
  • A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

  • Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
  • Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
  • Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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