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Tony C.
··Ωf Jury memberI won't go into much depth on the history of the Mido Multi-Centerchrono, but most seasoned collectors would agree that they represent a historically important chronograph design (i.e. no sub-registers), and one that was executed extremely well. There was a time, years ago, when they flew under the radar, but these days there is no doubt that good examples are both highly desirable, and not easy to find in the marketplace.
The cases were outstanding, as they were produced by Taubert, and based on a François Borgel design (see my avatar!). Borgel/Taubert cases were among the very best in the industry during this mid-century period, and, to underscore the point, were also employed by Patek Philippe. In fact, the same striking "turbine" pushers found on the Multi-Centrechrono were also used by Patek on some of their exceptionally fine and now wildly valuable chronographs.
Those interested in the Patek connection to the Mido cases and pushers can find more detail through these links:
https://revolutionwatch.com/mido-multi-centerchrono-case-similarities/
https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/borgel-casemaker
What makes this particular Multi-Centerchrono rare is that it is housed in an early case variation. As some readers will know, in the early days (i.e. late '40s/early '50s) Mido produced the Multichrono, a more traditional two register chronograph, powered by a Minerva-based movement. They were often housed in what is, to my eye, an elegant case, with more subtle details than the one that is associated with the Multi-Centerchrono. There are no gaps between the lugs and case, and the lugs are smoother, and less angular. There are small chamfers on the tips of the lugs, which I find to be a superb and subtle touch.
I infer from decades of observation that the earliest Multichrono were mostly produced in this style case, but around the time that the Multi-Centerchrono began to be produced, a different style case was in production, and it is the one that is now almost exclusively associated with the model, as it was used on the vast majority of examples. This is the common style:
Over ~20 years of collecting, I have only seen a small handful housed in the earlier case style, and they are very rarely seen on the market. In fact, I would venture to guess that few collectors are even aware that this early style was used!
Interestingly, I have seen some of the Multichrono in the later cases that are typically associated with the Multi-Centerchrono, so there was clearly a period of overlap. Further supporting the likely originality of the subject watch is that the serial number (the two case numbers, one between the lugs, and one on the inside of the caseback, which should match) is quite close to a few Multichrono that I found online, with both styles of cases being represented.
Another reason that I am certain that a small number were produced in these cases is that there is supportive, early advertising material. For example:
And finally, Mido itself has an example on their website (thanks Dan!):
https://www.midowatches.com/id/mido-universe-collectors/mido-multicenterchrono.html
While I have always liked the typical Multi-Centerchrono cases, I must say that I do prefer prefer this earlier style in terms of aesthetics, while their rarity is, of course, a very nice bonus.
I purchased this watch at a Swiss watch fair in La Chaux-de-Fonds several years ago. The watch is conservatively in very good to excellent condition. Normal traces of use can be found on the unpolished, 35mm case, but no serious flaws. The vertical brushing of the mid-case is a very nice, contrasting signature detail.
In my opinion, the Mido dials were among the most attractive radium dials of the period, across all manufacturers. The dial on this example is relatively uncommon, and the most simple and clean of the many variations. To my eye, it also has the effect of providing the illusion of a slightly larger watch, in contrast with the more common, relatively busy and compressed dial designs. It is my favorite variation (I've owned two of them), due in large part to its simplicity.
There are a few minor spots on the dial, notably around the 3 and 4 indices, but I find them to be trivial to the naked eye while worn. Note that the different color of the radium in the hands and on the dial is not uncommon on the Multi-Centerchrono, and I am confident that this handset and dial are original. They react correctly and consistently to a black light test, and test positive for radium.
The red enamel minute counter, another Multi-Centerchrono signature, provides really nice contrast to the dial.
The dial definitely looks better in person, and a bit warmer. I don't like to process photos significantly, and some of these came out a bit cool looking, so please take into account that the dial is more cream colored than white.
The Multi-Centrechrono movement was based on the Valjoux VZ ebauche, which was also the base for some Patek chronographs, and coveted time-only watches produced in tiny numbers by PP, Audemars (VZSS), and Gubelin. The movement in this example shows a few small scratches. It was serviced about three years ago, and is working well. The chrono hands do reset properly.
One final note, and bonus: while not original to the watch, the buckle is a rare, early Mido signed example! Like the case, it is elegant, and with subtle details. The prong shows some corrosion, but should not be difficult to replace. The buckle itself is in excellent condition. The strap is very high-quality Horween, though a short size, as my wrist is small.
This particular watch is not easy to price, and the reason is simple: the public record of sales of Multi-Centerchronos with this case variation is almost non-existent, so there is no reliable guide. Also, typical of the most sought-after vintage models across manufacturers, a high percentage of the best of the Multi-Centerchronos are now in "strong hands", so finding really good, original examples of even the more common variation is becoming increasingly difficult. When a very good, original one does appear on the market, it can fetch 4-5k. To my mind, there should be a real premium for this rare variation, but I am discounting it somewhat due to the minor condition issues, and also because I have no interest in trying to squeeze every last dollar out of it.
So, given the above, I ask €4900, which will include fully insured FedEx or UPS express delivery worldwide.
Feel free to ask any questions!
The cases were outstanding, as they were produced by Taubert, and based on a François Borgel design (see my avatar!). Borgel/Taubert cases were among the very best in the industry during this mid-century period, and, to underscore the point, were also employed by Patek Philippe. In fact, the same striking "turbine" pushers found on the Multi-Centrechrono were also used by Patek on some of their exceptionally fine and now wildly valuable chronographs.
Those interested in the Patek connection to the Mido cases and pushers can find more detail through these links:
https://revolutionwatch.com/mido-multi-centerchrono-case-similarities/
https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/borgel-casemaker
What makes this particular Multi-Centerchrono rare is that it is housed in an early case variation. As some readers will know, in the early days (i.e. late '40s/early '50s) Mido produced the Multichrono, a more traditional two register chronograph, powered by a Minerva-based movement. They were often housed in what is, to my eye, an elegant case, with more subtle details than the one that is associated with the Multi-Centerchrono. There are no gaps between the lugs and case, and the lugs are smoother, and less angular. There are small chamfers on the tips of the lugs, which I find to be a superb and subtle touch.
I infer from decades of observation that the earliest Multichrono were mostly produced in this style case, but around the time that the Multi-Centerchrono began to be produced, a different style case was in production, and it is the one that is now almost exclusively associated with the model, as it was used on the vast majority of examples. This is the common style:
Over ~20 years of collecting, I have only seen a small handful housed in the earlier case style, and they are very rarely seen on the market. In fact, I would venture to guess that few collectors are even aware that this early style was used!
Interestingly, I have seen some of the Multichrono in the later cases that are typically associated with the Multi-Centerchrono, so there was clearly a period of overlap. Further supporting the likely originality of the subject watch is that the serial number (the two case numbers, one between the lugs, and one on the inside of the caseback, which should match) is quite close to a few Multichrono that I found online, with both styles of cases being represented.
Another reason that I am certain that a small number were produced in these cases is that there is supportive, early advertising material. For example:
And finally, Mido itself has an example on their website (thanks Dan!):
https://www.midowatches.com/id/mido-universe-collectors/mido-multicenterchrono.html
While I have always liked the typical Multi-Centerchrono cases, I must say that I do prefer prefer this earlier style in terms of aesthetics, while their rarity is, of course, a very nice bonus.
I purchased this watch at a Swiss watch fair in La Chaux-de-Fonds several years ago. The watch is conservatively in very good to excellent condition. Normal traces of use can be found on the unpolished, 35mm case, but no serious flaws. The vertical brushing of the mid-case is a very nice, contrasting signature detail.
In my opinion, the Mido dials were among the most attractive radium dials of the period, across all manufacturers. The dial on this example is relatively uncommon, and the most simple and clean of the many variations. To my eye, it also has the effect of providing the illusion of a slightly larger watch, in contrast with the more common, relatively busy and compressed dial designs. It is my favorite variation (I've owned two of them), due in large part to its simplicity.
There are a few minor spots on the dial, notably around the 3 and 4 indices, but I find them to be trivial to the naked eye while worn. Note that the different color of the radium in the hands and on the dial is not uncommon on the Multi-Centerchrono, and I am confident that this handset and dial are original. They react correctly and consistently to a black light test, and test positive for radium.
The red enamel minute counter, another Multi-Centerchrono signature, provides really nice contrast to the dial.
The dial definitely looks better in person, and a bit warmer. I don't like to process photos significantly, and some of these came out a bit cool looking, so please take into account that the dial is more cream colored than white.
The Multi-Centrechrono movement was based on the Valjoux VZ ebauche, which was also the base for some Patek chronographs, and coveted time-only watches produced in tiny numbers by PP, Audemars (VZSS), and Gubelin. The movement in this example shows a few small scratches. It was serviced about three years ago, and is working well. The chrono hands do reset properly.
One final note, and bonus: while not original to the watch, the buckle is a rare, early Mido signed example! Like the case, it is elegant, and with subtle details. The prong shows some corrosion, but should not be difficult to replace. The buckle itself is in excellent condition. The strap is very high-quality Horween, though a short size, as my wrist is small.
This particular watch is not easy to price, and the reason is simple: the public record of sales of Multi-Centerchronos with this case variation is almost non-existent, so there is no reliable guide. Also, typical of the most sought-after vintage models across manufacturers, a high percentage of the best of the Multi-Centerchronos are now in "strong hands", so finding really good, original examples of even the more common variation is becoming increasingly difficult. When a very good, original one does appear on the market, it can fetch 4-5k. To my mind, there should be a real premium for this rare variation, but I am discounting it somewhat due to the minor condition issues, and also because I have no interest in trying to squeeze every last dollar out of it.
So, given the above, I ask €4900, which will include fully insured FedEx or UPS express delivery worldwide.
Feel free to ask any questions!
Edited:
