Mido Colosseum of Rome Review – Colossally majestic

Tags: Review | Mido | Men's | Classic | Elegance

18.11.2022 | 5 MIN

You wouldn't find a more majestic and dignified landmark than the renowned amphitheatre, the Colosseum of Rome. When Mido decided to honour this sight in 2002 with its first watch inspired by architecture, Mido did so with due charm and grace. And the result was amazing. That's why we're more than thrilled that now, exactly after 20 years, we can celebrate this anniversary with this limited edition: Mido All Dial Coloseum of Rome. What are your thoughts on it?

Even though watch-making brands can get their inspiration from any source, even unexpected ones, they usually don't go far in their fantasy way as we can usually see them drawing from their own history, sports, or nature. However, Mido chose a different approach in 2002. Approach of cultural legends which have been with us since many years ago.

Mido dedicated a whole part of its collection to watches inspired by architectured, and this year, to celebrate its already mention anniversary, Mido decided to introduce several limited editions. Each of these is tied with a different architectural landmark, and the number of pieces is limited to 2022. The watches come with their own special boxes and with a collectable medallion.

The All Dial, Baroncelli, Ocean Star, Multifort, and Commander made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 'Inspired by Architecture.'

25.1.2022
The story of the Mido brand – Mechanical gems inspired by architecture

Mido All Dial COSC 20th Anniversary Inspired by Architecture Coloseum of Rome

Of all the limited editions, the first to released was the watch from the All Dial line inspired by the Colosseum. It is no coincidence as it was this very sight which is the oldest of these landmarks, and it is also viewed as the most important one.

"As long as the Coliseum stands, Rome shall stand; when the Coliseum falls, Rome will fall; when Rome falls, the whole world will fall," these are the words of a medieval writer. Anyone subconsciously feels the importance of the Colosseum of Rome, no matter what time period they live in or whether they had the chance to admire it up close or vicariously through some medium. That's the brand's idea behind it.

Mido is usually bought by men who are looking for a classic style, precise manufacturing and mechanics. Also timelessness, which will last forever just like these iconic landmarks which are the inspiration of the watches. Mido recreated the architectonic idea in its own, conservative way, pointing at the sighs only by decent details and inconspicuous hints...

I think that noone would expect a Mido watch to scream the idea behind it at first sight, "I am the Colosseum inspired watch!", right? And noone would probably even want it like that, I think.

That being said, you can still understand the idea behind the interior after examining it. The watch shows you the Colosseum from the bird's-eye view, the cascading inner circles around the dial should remind you of the seating of the amphitheatre. Grainy texture in the middle of the dials is a tribute to the stones of this building which are thousands of years old, the indices are meant to represent the arcaded openings of the Colosseum (arcs supported by two pilars).

A detailed engraving on the case back shows a beatiful view of the landmark itself. It will make your day any time you look at the back of the watch.

Mido thought out probably every single detail, even the smallest ones. Not only the dial and case back, but also the steel bracelet with atypical attachment to the housing with distinct geometrical shapes – elongated rectangles which fit together like all the floors of the Colosseum.

How is the watch built?

What you can't find out from the photos is how the watch feels when you hold them in your hand. What feeling it gives you when you put it on your wrist. I actually fell in love with it only after seeing it in real life. Robust, yet elegant. Inconspicuous, yet incredibly interesting. I really couldn't get enough of it.

The watch is in the category of dress watches thanks to the muted colours, overall minimalistic design, and decent size of 42 mm / 1.65" (which should probably fit every man's wrist). But you don't have to wear this watch only to formal events. It goes well with a more casual outfit and will accompany you anywhere you decide to go in every day life.

Screwed case back and water resistance up to 100M / 328 ft will protect your watch from water damage even if you took your watch swimming – it's really not a trinket made of sugar.

The glass is sapphire, so you shouldn't be afraid of getting any scratches or grazes. However, since Mido used anti-reflective layer on both sides of the glass, I would not call it scratch-resistant. But it did get rid of almost all reflections.

Sapphire glass tends to reflect light very strongly, which lowers the legibility of the watch in certain light conditions. This is the reason why producers often decide to use anti-reflective layer on one side of the glass (inner) or both sides for it to have maximum successs. However, as the layers are not scratch-resistant, some grazes might appear after some time. So, if you've ever wondered why your sapphire was scratches, the problem was probably not in the glass, but the anti-reflective layer on the outer side of the glass.

On the other hand, it is these anti-reflective layers that make your view on that detailed dial crystal clear. And that was Mido's main aim.

Inside, we can find the Swiss automatic chronometer (COSC – certified accuracy and precision) ETA 2836-2 with the power reserve of up to 38 hours and 25 jewels. The watch allows hacking and has the day-date function.

When it comes to mechanical watches, it is important not to change the date when the hands are situated in the upper half of the dial (it is not recommended to change the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.). The gear shifting the date would clash with gear of the hands and get blocked. It is therefore recommended to adjust the hands to the lower part of the dial.

Overall, this Mido Colosseum of Rome watch is really well made. I can openly admit that I think it is a beautiful, well-built watch, and you would enjoy exploring every single detail. It is a watch that truly honors the majestic nature of the Colosseum. What do you think about it?