The Integrated Sports Watch Reimagined: Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns Review

Mido on the Chopping Block

Today, we're diving deep into a recent release that has certainly captured my attention in the bustling world of integrated sports watches: the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns. This watch isn't just another contender; it's a testament to Mido's renewed strategic focus, offering a compelling package that deserves serious consideration from seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

Design and Aesthetics: A Bold Statement

The first thing that strikes you about the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns is its distinct aesthetic, a fresh take on the integrated sports watch genre that Mido has embraced. The watch features a slim profile, measuring just 39.8mm in diameter (though Mido quotes 38.4mm) and a remarkably thin 9.8mm in thickness, with a compact lug-to-lug of 44.9mm. Other sources consistently note its 40mm diameter and 9.5mm thickness, along with a sub-45mm lug-to-lug, making it a "golden ratio" for a sports watch. This slender build contributes significantly to its wearability and premium feel, much like the satisfying heft and thinness of a high-quality smartphone in your hand.

The case showcases an intricate interplay of finishes, with satin-brushed surfaces contrasted by high-polish flanks, especially on the raised octagonal bezel. This angular design isn't just for show; it creates a "spectacular effect" with light play, an attribute that is even more pronounced on the full bracelet version. The watch lives up to its name with dual crowns, both screw-down, positioned at 2 and 4 o'clock. These octagonal crowns, often color-matched to the dial (like the blue PVD-coated crowns on the blue dial variant), are a "double nice touch" that adds to the watch's distinctive character and functionality. Even the case back mirrors the octagonal shape of the bezel, a thoughtful detail that elevates the watch's overall fit and finish.

The dial itself is a visual treat, featuring a noticeable horizontal striping or texture that adds depth. It boasts a "sandwich dial" effect, where wedge-shaped indices at 12, 6, and 9, and circular indices elsewhere, sit on a lower portion beneath the main dial surface, creating a "nice, modern 3D effect". An angled internal bezel/chapter ring with a 60-minute scale adds further dimension and functionality. This meticulous attention to design makes the Multifort 8 Two Crowns a visually captivating piece that balances sportiness with a touch of glamour.

Functionality and Performance: A Robust Heart

Beneath its attractive exterior, the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns is powered by the Mido Caliber 72, an automatic movement based on the ETA A31.111. This caliber is an evolution of the slimmer ETA 2892-2, considered a step up from movements like the Powermatic 80 found in some competitors. A key highlight of the Caliber 72 is its "healthy" 72-hour power reserve, a highly practical feature for daily wear that means you can take it off for a weekend and it's still ticking on Monday.

The movement operates at 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5Hz), offering a smoother sweep of the second hand compared to lower beat rates. Notably, it features a Nivachron balance spring, providing improved resistance to magnetism and shocks, ensuring greater accuracy and durability. While not a dedicated dive watch, the Multifort 8 Two Crowns offers a robust

100 meters of water resistance, thanks to its two screw-down crowns. The crown at 4 o'clock controls the movement, while the one at 2 o'clock operates the inner rotating bezel, allowing for simple 60-minute timing.

The watch comes with either an integrated steel bracelet or a rubber strap, both equipped with quick-release spring bars for easy swapping. The rubber strap is particularly praised for its comfort, softness, and effective taper, molding well to the wrist. This versatility further enhances the watch's appeal as a "do-anything and go-anywhere" sports watch.

Pros and Cons for the Buyer: Weighing Your Options

When considering the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns, several factors stand out, both positive and areas for consideration.

Pros:

• Sleek and Wearable Design: Its compact dimensions (40mm diameter, 9.5mm thickness, sub-45mm lug-to-lug) make it incredibly comfortable for a wide range of wrist sizes, wearing "very nicely".
• Superior Movement: The Mido Caliber 72, with its 72-hour power reserve and Nivachron balance spring, is a reliable and accurate performer, considered a step above some common movements in its price bracket.
• Versatile Aesthetic: The combination of brushed and polished surfaces, the octagonal bezel, and the choice of strap or bracelet allow it to transition "seamlessly from casual to formal settings".

Cons:

• Legibility: While the high-polish silver hands can work to its advantage in certain light, the dial is "fairly small for a 40 mil" due to the fixed external bezel and internal rotating bezel, which may impact readability for some. The unpainted, recessed minute markers on the inner rotating bezel are "fairly indistinct".
• Lume Performance: This is not a "tool watch" or a "dive watch" in the strict sense. Reviews indicate that the lume fades relatively quickly, and there is no lume on the inner rotating bezel markings or a traditional lume pip, limiting its utility in dark conditions.
• Integrated Strap Limitation: While quick-release pins are convenient, the integrated design means you are largely limited to Mido's proprietary strap and bracelet options, though rubber straps can be ordered separately.
• Bracelet Taper: Some reviewers expressed a desire for a more pronounced taper on the steel bracelet to enhance its refined feel, noting that the rubber strap has a better taper.

Wrapping Things Up

The Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns stands out as a genuine "game-changer" in the competitive landscape of affordable integrated sports watches. It successfully blends a modern geometric design with classic integrated sports watch cues, offering a unique proposition.

Mido has undeniably "opened a new chapter" with this release, demonstrating a commitment to compelling offerings and a strong price-to-feature ratio. If you're in the market for an integrated sports watch that offers exceptional value through its striking design, robust Caliber 72 movement, and versatile wearability, the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns deserves your serious attention. While it has a few minor trade-offs, they are far outweighed by its many strengths. Don't just take my word for it; if you have the opportunity, try one on your wrist. You might just find your next favorite timepiece.

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