MIDO has just presented its updated Baroncelli III Lady Chronometer (Ref. M010.208.16.053.20). Although some bloggers take MIDO’s recent press release too literally and call this new model the brand’s “first” entry into the world of ladies’ chronometer watches, it is not exactly so. Here’s why.
This is just another version of the original 2011 Baroncelli III Lady.
However, being released in a 33 mm case of the same shape (but 6 mm smaller in diameter than the original,) the new watch has several styling differences that make it even more interesting than the first version that we have first seen about eight months ago.
First of all, it is made of steel. While the rose gold of the first version looks more elegant and, well, grand, the model in steel is more affordable and, at this time of countless waves of the world crisis hitting our shores like one tsunami after another, doesn’t look as daring in the eyes of your coworkers struggling to pay their mortgages and car loans.
The second difference is, of course, its revised chapter ring with finely executed Roman numerals. Slightly larger than before, they look more proportionate to the dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands and allow dividing the dial more logically.
Previously, the date window at 3 o’clock was positioned on the inner part of the dial. Still, now, thanks to a noticeable reduction in the size of the body, it stays in a more classical position inside the chapter ring.
I guess MIDO’s designers were actually forced to do so in both cases, since the ETA 2836-2 self-winding ebauche that powers the model is almost 26 millimeters in diameter: the movement was too small for the 39 mm version, but seems to be an almost ideal “powerplant” for the new model with the latter’s tiny 33-millimeter body.
As you have gathered from the timekeeper’s name, this is a top-grade, COSC-certified chronometer movement. There is still no info on recommended pricing, but I don’t think that the Baroncelli III Lady Chronometer will be terribly expensive.
See also: Raymond Weil Jasmine in Rose Gold PVD (2935 PCS 00659)
WWR Verdict
Originality 3/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Versatility: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Photos: MIDO
MIDO Baroncelli III Lady Chronometer in Steel M010.208.16.053.20 specification
Movement: Caliber ETA 2836-2, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, 25.60 mm x 5.05 mm, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Blued screws, decorated and branded oscillating weight with Cotes de Geneve motif
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 33.00 mm
Dial: Black, engine-turned
Numerals: Roman, painted
Hour markers: Gray
Hands: Dauphine-shaped
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Genuine calf leather strap with a Crocodile finish and stainless steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Transparent