1950s Mido Multifort Francois Borgel 9409 Manually Wound
Ref: 9409

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Mido box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a nice-fitting leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1950s and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but overall this is in fantastic, original condition for its age as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Mido was founded by Mr. Georges Schaeren in Switzerland in 1918. His first watches represented car radiators in shape and were advertised as motorist's watches. One made in Platinum was given to the King of Spain in 1927. In 1934 we saw the launching of the MULTIFORT line which marked a milestone in the history of MIDO watches. It was one of the first antimagnetic watches with a self-winding movement and built-in water- and shock resistance. The Multifort was the best-selling MIDO watch from the 1930s to the 1950s. In 1954 Mido introduced the Powerwind Automatic which reduced the winding components from 17 to 7 a true feat of engineering.

Here we have a 1950s Mido Multifort with a 33mm round stainless steel case made by Francois Borgel. Genevan François Borgel started the company in 1891, it was at this time he patented a Swiss waterproof case that was used by IWC and Longines during World War 1. In 1924 they sold the company to the Taubert family creating Taubert & Fils (Taubert and Sons) company. It was through the use of the Borgel screw-in case that the Rolex Oyster case was inspired and developed in 1926. They would go on to produce cases for many brands such as Mido, Movado, and West End Watch Co. This case was designed by Taubert Frères SA, Mido were early adopters of the Taubert Decagonal case, its name is due to the 10 flats on the case-back. Others soon took supply of these cases including West End, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe. Between the lugs, you can find the case number stamped. Tapering curved lugs with a lug to lug length of 40mm and a thickness of just 10mm ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. On the right side, is a large crown. A thin bezel holds a domed crystal. The dial has an even patina. Applied Arabic numeral indexes mark the hours. At 6 o’clock a sub-seconds register. Slender syringe hands have lume infill. On the reverse is a screw-down case back. Inside a Manually Wound 15 Jewel Felsa movement. The watch comes fitted on a 16mm leather strap.

Personal Note

It's no secret I am a huge fan and advocate of vintage Mido, especially from the 50s and 60s! This is the perfect example of why I am, just take a look at the design, the case being FB, the dial patina... Everything is just so perfect to me personally, I have no doubt many would agree this is one good-looking vintage timepiece.