In the development of wrist chronographs in the 1930s and 1940s, models such as Mido's Multichrono and Multicenterchrono played an important part. The Multichrono of 1937 was a bi-compax chronograph, with its characteristic scales on the dial capable of performing the most varied calculations, which claimed to be the first waterproof chrono. Among its features, defined a few years earlier by the Multifort line, was the fact that it was antimagnetic and, another avant-garde element for those years, the balance was protected from shocks by a special spring device. From 1941, Mido then started production of the Multicenterchrono, which indicated intermediate times not with classic sub-dials but with two central hands. In this case, too, the dial could feature the different scales: pulsometric, tachometric and telemetric.
These are the reference models of the new-generation Multifort Patrimony Chronograph, which blends retro elements with contemporary aesthetics. The 42 mm steel case is well balanced by a slender bezel and tapered lugs and features pump pushers and a sapphire "glassbox" crystal. The dial, which echoes the two-counter layout of the '37 Multichrono, is large and legible and the tachymeter scale runs thin on the flange.
While the historical chronographs were equipped with a Lemania movement, the Multifort Patrimony adopts a contemporary mechanism: the self-winding Calibre 60, based on the Swatch Group-exclusive ETA A05.H31, itself a readaptation of the Valjoux 7753, with the added value of a power reserve increased to 60 hours.
The new chronograph represents a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and interesting, reliable mechanics at an affordable, competitive price: a fine evolution of a historic lineage of design and functionality that deserves to be revived.
Price1,850 euro.
