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Founded in Switzerland in 1918 by George Schaeren, Mido is now based in Le Locle.  Situated in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains, Mido is currently owned by the Swatch Group. 

The Mido Multifort PVD is a special edition version of their most popular collection.  It has a 44 mm x 14.5 mm 316L stainless steel treated case that is PVD treated (PVD gives the watch a black finish, as well as protecting it from scratches and corrosion).  Inside is a reliable and accurate ETA/Valjoux 7750 chronograph (Swatch owns ETA/Valjoux).  

What really sets this watch apart, is the use of Geneva stripes on the black steel dial.  And the use of cut-out holes for the hour indices, instead of the traditional applied or painting hour markers.  Inside the cut-out is filled with orange Superluminova for easy nighttime viewing.  

This watch features a Valjoux 7750 which runs at the standard rate of 28,800 vph (vibrations per hour), but instead of a "base" or "elaborate" grade movement, it features the "top" grade 7750 movement ("top" grade - is the same as a COSC certified, minus the certification).   The "top" grade movements have better finishing and features such as an INCABLOC and NIVACOURBE shock-absorber system that is used for improved protection against shocks.  A gilt GLUCYDUR balance, ANACHRON balance-spring and NIVAFLEX NM mainspring are used to improve the movement's performance. 

Functions include: hours, minutes, seconds, chrono, day and date.  Power reserve is 42 hours.  THe seconds can be hacked and the movement can be manually wound with the crown.  

The sapphire crystal protecting the dial has anit-reflective treatment on both sides of the crystal.  The caseback and crown are screwed-in.  The caseback features an open back, for viewing of the decorated movement, that includes blued screws, circular graining and an oscillating weight with Geneva stripes and engraved Mido logo.  The watch has been adjusted on 5 different positions for chronometer level accuracy.  

The strap is black rubber with a stainless steel folding clasp with 2 push-pieces and end-pieces with a black PVD treatment.  Water-resistance is 100 meters.

The Multifort Chronograph is an excellent timepiece within the crowded market of 7750 powered chronographs.  It is available in both stainless or PVD coated stainless, features a robust upgraded 7750 caliber movement, a beautiful steel dial with unique cut-outs and a great color scheme.  I highly recommend it, especially considering the price.

Retail $1,830 (steel $1,690)

Source: Mido

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In addition to the Admiral's Cup collection that is already celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, the Admiral's Cup Black Chronograph 40 already has the makings of greatness. Loyal to the aesthetic design that has forged the collection's admirable reputation, it proudly bears the identity codes of its siblings: a 12- sided case and nautical pennant hour-markers. Featuring a 40 mm diameter, well suited to ladies' wrists, the newcomer clearly tops the bill right from its first appearance. It is equipped with a chronograph that asserts its sporting nature, while clothed in intense black and diamonds that proclaim its feminine spirit.

Having earned international recognition as Corum's sports watch collection, the Admiral's Cup has been pay- ing tribute to the world of sailing for half a century. The bold aesthetics of its 12-sided case have made it an iconic model that is one of the four brand pillars alongside the Corum Bridges, Romvlvs and Artisans lines.

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Celebrities are known for wearing Rolex watches, but this is the first one that I have spotted wearing a black Rolex. Jennifer Aniston is wearing a black Rolex Milgauss. It is either a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) version. You can actually buy either one, here, for $7,990 to $9,500.

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Over the past couple months, I have worn and photographed a beautiful Maurice de Mauriac DLC Modern Chronograph timepiece. (Please click the image above to view a lightbox photo gallery of a custom made Maurice de Mauriac chronograph.) During a recent visit to the Maurice de Maurice, Zurich based boutique, workshop and headquarters. I was so impressed by the styling, value and quality of Maurice de Mauriac timepieces, that I had to have one. So, I ordered one, with my exact dial, bezel, case and strap preferences. Two weeks later, my watch arrived at my house in Denver, Colorado.

It has a Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement that was sourced from the Swatch division's ETA movement factory, like so many other brands. But, not many brands allow you to decide so many different elements that effect how your watch looks and feels, instead you pick from a few different models and color variations? That's it. And even in the rare case that you can select more than just the strap or the case of a watch, you are going to pay a substantial premium. Not under $5,000, though.

What I'm talking about is customization. Like you can do with most German luxury sedans. You can select colors, materials and additional elements. And like Audi, who offers customization even on their entry-level A4, you can select these elements, even at the price range of an entry-level luxury mechanical timepiece. The end result, is a great core product, that has elements which you pick to make it unique to you.

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Victorinox has recently introduced two new timepieces within their Dive Master collection. The Dive Master 500 Chrono and the Dive Master 500 Mecha. The chronograph is powered by a swiss quartz movement and the mechanical is powered by a swiss made ETA 2892-A2. The Dive Master Mecha was introduced last year, but they have added this deep blue version, which consists of a blue dial and strap. Both watches feature the black ice PVD finish that was introduced on last year's model (black ice PVD looks a shade lighter than most PVD). The quartz chronograph is all new, although the case is 43 mm and essentially the same as the three hand mechanical model. The two big differences in the cases, are two places for pushers on the chronograph and a clear caseback, which allows a nice view of the swiss automatic movement, on the mechanical model. Currently the chronograph is only available in orange, although more colors will most likely be available over the next 12-months. The mechanical model is available in numerous, previously introduced, colors (orange, red, black).

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Introduced at Baselworld 2010, this watch is like the original Blancpain Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph watch introduced at Baselworld 2009, except for a few changes. The case is polished titanium, instead of DLC treated steel. It biggest change is the addition of a carbon fiber dial and lugs. The in-house flyback chronograph is unchanged, as is the layout of the dial. An Alcantara strap is still included, as is an additional leather strap. Overall, I like the new look, however, I do wonder how durable the lugs will be. If the lugs were made of forged carbon, like what Audemars Piguet uses, I wouldn't worry too much. But considering it is non-forged carbon fiber, there is definitely a chance it may crack in the future, as carbon fiber can crack or bend if there is a lot of pressure on it.

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April 20, 2010 -- Following the success of RM 011 special editions created exclusively for North and South America in 2009, Richard Mille introduces the first limited edition of 2010 for the hemisphere: RM 011 DLC Titanium ORANGE.

The new timepiece features the flyback chronograph functions that are essential to athletes and sports fans alike. Felipe Massa, private test driver for Richard Mille, Le Mans Classic and the Olympics have been sources of inspiration for previous models of the RM 011. This new limited edition, which is available at Richard Mille retail locations beginning this month, debuts in time for the start of another world class sporting event. When the 2010 World Cup commences in June, eight national teams from North and South America will be among the world's 32 best soccer teams vying for the championship trophy.

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One of Gucci's most important introductions at Baselworld this year, was the Classic Chronograph Watch. It comes in a stainless steel case, that is 44 mm in diameter and coated with a scratch-resistant black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). The dial features Gucci's signature red and green scheme on the hands and on a shiny monogram at a 3 o'clock. Powering the chronograph is a quartz ETA G10.211 H1 movement. The bracelet comes in black or military green and features a black PVD buckle. Overall, this is a nice looking watch, and it has the signature Gucci look.

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