Mido’s $1,150 Royal Oak Alternative Looks Better Than Ever in All Black

Mido kicked off 2026 by introducing a pared-down, sleeker version of the Multifort 8 integrated sports watch. Fittingly named the One Crown, it deleted the second crown and the corresponding internal rotating bezel from the Multifort 8 Two Crown.

While it removed the diving aspect of the design, the overall look fit perfectly into the integrated sports watch mold established by the Royal Oak and Nautilus. Six months later, the Multifort 8 One Crown debuts in a suave all-black revamp that multiplies its luxurious appearance.

Mido

I’ll be the first to admit that the watch industry is drowning in integrated sports watches, even in the sub-$1,500 price range. The novelty appeal from 2020 has long since worn off, and it is increasingly difficult for brands to stand out in the crowded genre.

Upon its release, the Multifort 8 One Crown blended in with that crowd, despite its generous price and impressive movement. Which is why I’m so impressed by how alluring it became by, as Mick Jagger requested, simply painting it black.

Mido

It is otherwise the same watch, featuring a 40mm faceted stainless steel case, topped with an eight-sided fixed steel bezel and fitted with a matching bolt-shaped octagonal crown.

Even the black dial, accented with the Multifort collection’s signature 3D horizontal lines, and fitted black rubber strap are recycled from the original lineup. This update is all about the case.

Black vapor

One small difference can separate good design from great design, and in this case, it is a black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating on the stainless steel case, bezel, crown, endlinks and caseback. The finishing touch achieves a uniform black aesthetic that has looked ridiculously cool on watches since Porsche Design first did it in 1972.

Mido

Even the contrasting satin-brushed flat surfaces and polished chamfers remain intact from the original design, creating a shadowing effect with the black PVD coating.

The solid-black background emphasizes the brushed-steel handset and applied faceted indices, as well as the black-on-white date disc, thereby enhancing legibility. Super-LumiNova inlays in the hour hand, minute hand and indices carry that legibility into the dark.

Going 80

As with most Mido watches, the secret weapon of the Multifort 8 One Crown is its movement. The criminally overlooked member of the Swatch Group uses ETA-produced movements.

This shadowy sports watch is packing the Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement, a derivative of the Powermatic 80, which uses a Nivachron balance spring, beats at 3Hz and provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

Mido

The modestly finished movement, sporting a signed rotor, is visible through a sapphire caseback. The screw-down frame helps ensure 100m water resistance.

Availability and pricing

Sporty often implies flashy colors, but as Porsche Design proved long ago, and any football fan will tell you, all black is often the coolest look for sports watches and uniforms. With a 10mm thick case, 100m water resistance and an integrated rubber strap, the Multifort 8 One Crown is a true sports watch.

The Mido Multifort 8 One Crown with a black PVD coating is available now for $1,150. The only issue is that Mido does not operate its own webstore, and, at the time of publishing, none of its American online retailers (including Macy’s and Amazon) are offering this new reference yet. However, it should be readily available soon.

Mido

Mido Multifort 8 One Crown Black

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Mido Caliber 80 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

• $1,150 at Mido

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