History

Discover the brand's heritage

1918

1918

Mr. Georges Schaeren, an experienced and ingenious Swiss watchmaker, founded MIDO G. Schaeren & Co. on 11 November. From the start, the name MIDO - from Spanish «Yo mido» (i.e. «I measure») - became synonymous with technical innovation and timeless designs.
1920

1920

Extremely elegant women’s watches with coloured enamelled shaped cases and modern straps as well as visually attractive timepieces for gentlemen rapidly achieved the image required for the new brand name. MIDO found a market in the flourishing automotive market. MIDO produced watches in the shape of radiator grills of a wide range of brands such as Buick, Bugatti, Fiat, Ford, Excelsior or Hispano-Suiza so that automotive fans were able to express their passion in places where they couldn't take their four wheels.
1930

1930

MIDO very successfully concentrated on the production of scroll-free, functional and very resistant watches. In particular, the invention of the cork-crown sealing system (later known as "Aquadura") was pioneering for absolute water tightness; a rare feature in those days.
1934

1934

The launching of the MULTIFORT line marked another 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.
1939

1939

This year, for the first time ever, MIDO used the MIDO Robot as an ambassador and symbol of progress and robustness. The "Robi" is still a well-known feature today in many markets.
1954

1954

Development of the POWERWIND winding system which increased running reserve and reliability by reducing the watch components from 17 to 7 pieces.
1959

1959

The MIDO OCEAN STAR marked the introduction of the revolutionary single-shell case, eliminating any water-resistance problems from the back of the watch case. The combination of this technology with the AQUADURA crown sealing system makes MIDO watches withstand even the most severe conditions. Today, this tradition of OCEAN STAR continues to live on in the famous Commander watch Collection.
1967

1967

In the Spirit of Innovation, MIDO broke yet another barrier by launching the smallest ladies automatic watch ever manufactured in an assembly line.
1981

1981

World-Champion in Tennis - Björn Borg- became official spokes-person for MIDO Swiss Watches.
1996

1996

Release of two high-tech models: BODYGUARD acted as a personal security assistant by providing the user with an integrated security alarm (over 100 decibels). WORLDTIMER was the first analog watch which indicated the local time-zone anywhere in the world instantly with almost play-like ease of use.
2000

2000

MIDO strives to create automatic watches of TIMELESS VALUE.
2002

2002

"Reflecting on Time" is no mere slogan at MIDO – such reflections have played a vital role in the development of the latest MIDO collection. Inspired by one of the most impressive buildings of the Roman era, the Coliseum in Rome, MIDO has developed its new All Dial watch line.
2006

2006

MIDO launched its first Baroncelli model 30 years ago. To mark this anniversary, the Swiss watch brand presented a new collection which perpetuates the spirit of the line. A pure classical interpretation, inspired by the sublime and timeless aesthetic of stringed instruments.
2008

2008

MIDO's 90th anniversary. MIDO innovates with the creation of a new line, Belluna watches. This collection, an alliance of style and quality, embodies with true respect the spirit and culture of Swiss watchmaking, asserted as a mark of true design. The Belluna draws its inspiration from the timeless forms of Art Deco architecture and displays the most typical technical features to attract today's well-informed male clientele.
2012

2012

Launch of the "Great Wall" collection, directly inspired by one of the most grandiose constructions in the world, the Great Wall of China.
2014

2014

MIDO enters into a partnership with the UIA - International Union of Architects, whose membership includes over 1.3 million architects worldwide.
2015

2015

MIDO Watch Design Contest. MIDO selected three professional watch designers to go head-to-head in a challenge to design and develop a limited edition MIDO watch inspired by Big Ben in London. The winning designer, Mr. Sébastien Perret, was chosen by a panel of judges made up of Esa Mohamed, President of the International Union of Architects, Franz Linder, President of MIDO, and the general public (online vote).
2016

2016

Baroncelli 40th Anniversary. Mido confirmed its ambition to be at the cutting-edge of technological innovation in its price segment with the launch of its first chronometer-certified movement with a silicon balance-spring, a component that had until then only been used in luxury watchmaking. This innovation was incorporated into the Baroncelli watch collection, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary.
2017

2017

Inspired by Architecture As a logical consequence of its attachment to architecture, the next slogan to be adopted by Mido was "Inspired by Architecture". Mido launched the #BeInspiredByArchitecture interactive campaign, a 12-week around-the-world trip to discover 12 cities and visit 60 iconic monuments in order to single out the one that would inspire the design of its new timepiece. Ultimately, it was New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum that was chosen as the source of inspiration for the watch, which was launched in October 2017 at exclusive event in New York City.
2018

2018

The Big Date In 2018, the brand is marking its 100th anniversary by celebrating the values that have forged its identity for a century: timeless design, high quality materials and technical innovation. To inaugurate its 100th anniversary celebrations and pay homage to the visionary spirit of its founder, Georges Schaeren, Mido is launching the Commander Big Date. This unique timepiece is designed to commemorate an exceptional date with a series of innovative models presenting a large date aperture at 6 o'clock. For these models, Mido has developed an exclusive movement with a large date aperture based on its Caliber 80.
2019

2019

MIDO is the Official Performance Partner of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series since 2019, the most prestigious international cliff diving competition. Through its aquatic collection Ocean Star, the Swiss watchmaking brand and the sporting event share the same passion and the same ambitions: to surpass themselves and innovate continually to achieve perfection.
2020

2020

The limited-edition Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is as successful as the historic timepiece it honours, and one of the most sought-after collector's pieces, with all 1961 models selling in just a few weeks.
2021

2021

Kim Soo Hyun, the celebrated and critically acclaimed South Korean actor, became the first ambassador for MIDO Asia in 2021 and has presented various new collections throughout these past years, reflecting continuously the same spirit of excelling performance.
2023

2023

In a revival of a cult classic shape, created 50 years ago by MIDO, the TV-shaped case makes a long-awaited comeback, this time honouring the Multifort collection. Precision, strength and boldness, the Multifort TV Big Date embodies MIDO's historic watchmaking expertise and pays tribute to its rich heritage.