Mido Multi-Centerchrono - Borgel Case

The legendary Mido Multi-Centerchrono from the 1940s was the first chronograph with a centrally placed chronograph minute hand. All 4 hands, i.e. the regular hour and minute hands as well as the chronograph seconds and minutes hands, are centrally located and not on sub-dials at 3, 6 or 9 o'clock - hence the name "Multi-Centerchrono". This gives the dial a calm symmetrical look and good readability.

This Mido becomes a real eye-catcher because of its unusual dial. The copper-colored inner surface offers different shades of brown, depending on the viewing angle. The white minute ring and the black outer ring with brown tachymeter scale provide a great contrast. Produced in the 1940s, the Mido Multi-Center Chrono came in a number of dial variations, with the design offered here being one of the most striking.

A real distinctive feature of this watch is the stainless steel case made by Taubert et Fils, better known as Francois Borgel case. Some of the most sought-after chronographs of the era were housed in a Borgel case, including the Patek Philippe reference 1463. The decagonal Borgel case is easily recognizable by its 10-cornered back and distinctive lugs. Not to be overlooked are the characteristic ribbed pushers, which were also used on Patek Philippe's first water-resistant chronograph ref. 1463.

The vintage timepiece is powered by the Mido caliber 1300. The manual-wound movement is based on the robust Valjoux VZ 1300 caliber, which Mido has modified. A light metal cover protects the movement not only from dust, but also from magnetic fields.

Condition report
Dial: perfect condition - the brown finish is immaculately preserved - original radium luminous material - matching colors in hands and hour numerals - signed "Made In Switzerland".

Case: Borgel case in excellent condition - lugs with intact lines and bevels - deep engravings on back - original pushers, original crown.

Movement: manual winding caliber Mido 1300 (Valjoux VZ 1300) - timegrapher: rate: +23s/day, amplitude: 321, beat error: 0.3.

Summing-Up
This Mido Multi-Centerchrono is 80 years old. We cannot say when and if we will get another specimen of this timepiece in the future. A truly exceptional vintage chronograph with stunning design and reliable mechanics.

Serial number: 814xxx (ca. 1943)

Int.Exe.: 53227