Swiss watch brand Mido led by president Franz Linder was in Bangkok recently for the exclusive "Mido 2016 Novelties Presentation" held at the Tables Grill of the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok.
"Mido's philosophy combines aesthetics, authenticity and functionality," said Mr Linder. "Beyond fashion and passing trends, Mido shares these essential values with iconic and historic architectural glories. Cutting‑edge technical innovations, mechanical movements known for their excellence and high‑quality materials are the three pillars on which the brand's expertise rests."
Five collections representing the design from Baselworld 2016 were presented -- Baroncelli Heritage, Baroncelli Caliber 80 Chronometer Si, Multifort Chronograph Adventure, Big Ben Limited Edition and Ocean Star Captain Titanium.
The Baroque-influenced, neoclassical style of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its refined, rounded forms had inspired Mido to create the Baroncelli collection. This year, the brand is celebrating the collection's 40th anniversary with the Baroncelli Heritage, the thinnest watch in the Mido collection. Featuring a grained black dial enclosed by a round polished steel case, its exceptionally slim case (6.95mm) makes the Baroncelli Heritage one of the thinnest timepieces on the market. Inside its polished 316L stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter, the Baroncelli Heritage is fitted with a latest-generation automatic movement.
Mido president Franz Linder, right, with Mido brand manager Panuwat Thongpoom, at the Mido 2016 presentation in Bangkok.
Mido is also launching the elegant Baroncelli Caliber 80 Chronometer Si to mark the anniversary occasion. The timepiece is fitted with the new COSC-certified chronometer movement featuring a silicon balance-spring, an essential compartment in luxury watchmaking which offers greater long-term accuracy than a standard balance-spring and better shock resistance. The Caliber 80 also provides this cutting-edge technology model with up to 80 hours of power reserve.
Inspired by the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, the sport-chic Multifort Chronograph Adventure is a new addition to the Multifort collection. Designed for those who love the great outdoors and unknown territory, the watch is resistant to all kinds of impact with its 44mm case made from anthracite PVD-treated steel. It protects an anthracite dial decorated with vertical Geneva stripes evoking the suspension cables of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The watch is powered by the Caliber 60, a latest-generation automatic chronograph movement that guarantees up to 60 hours of power reserve. The strap is integrated into the case and features a new, highly-ergonomic folding clasp with two safety pushers that secure its opening.
Inspired by the slender silhouette of London's famous four-dial clock tower, the Big Ben Limited Edition is the result of the Mido watch design contest, a watchmaking challenge launched at the 2015 BaselWorld fair that was won by Neuchâtel-based designer Sébastien Perret. The case in stainless steel with satin-finished rose PVD treatment and the polished bezel are inspired by the shape of the Westminster clock: the circle is symbolised by the bezel, while the square-shaped case recalls the four corners of the clock and monument. The circle, an essential part of the Mido DNA, has been incorporated into the square. The Big Ben Limited Edition is released in a limited edition of 500 pieces and is presented in a special case, also designed by Perret.
Mido created the Ocean Star collection in 1944, inspired by the Europa Point, a lighthouse that watches over the Gibraltar Strait guiding mankind in its conquest of the seas. This year, the brand has added to the collection, the new incredibly light and robust Ocean Star Captain Titanium, designed to accompany underwater explorers wherever they go. Measuring 42.5mm in diameter, the robust case and bracelet are made of satin-finished and polished titanium. Its dial is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal treated on both sides. The case back is adorned with a starfish, the symbol of the Ocean Star collection. Water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bars (200m), this model is fitted with the Caliber 80 automatic movement.
Founded in Switzerland in 1918 by Georges Schaeren, Mido is today based in the city of Le Locle, in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains. The name Mido comes from the Spanish "Yo mido", meaning "I measure". Today, Mido watches are available from 2,700 official retailers in 70 countries. The brand is part of the Swatch Group.
The Big Ben Limited Edition.
