The Mido World Timer Ref. 5200 is a distinctive expression of late 20th-century Swiss design — a timepiece that captures the spirit of global travel and cosmopolitan life. At a time when mechanical complications were giving way to precision quartz technology, this model combined the accuracy of the Swiss ETA quartz movement with the sophistication of a traditional world-time complication, resulting in a truly unique hybrid of form and function.
The standout feature is its rotating gold-tone bezel, engraved with 24 major cities across the world — from Paris to Tokyo — allowing the wearer to track multiple time zones with a simple twist. This, paired with a black dial featuring a world map motif, makes it not just a functional instrument but a conversation piece for travelers and collectors alike. The gold and black color contrast is elegant yet bold, reflecting Mido’s knack for creating watches that balance timeless design with technical charm.
Built with a stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal, and 30m water resistance, the Ref. 5200 embodies the brand’s philosophy of reliable, everyday luxury. The watch’s minimalism and balance reflect Mido’s long-standing design ethos — one that has consistently favored clean lines and purposeful elegance over flashiness.
The World Timer series represents a fascinating moment in Mido’s history — when the brand began embracing quartz innovation without losing its Swiss watchmaking heritage. Today, these watches have become increasingly collectible, admired for their distinctive styling, durable build, and nostalgic link to an era when the world was becoming more connected than ever.
Key Features
Reference: 5200
Movement: Swiss ETA Quartz
Case Size: 42mm (stainless steel)
Dial: Black with gold world map motif and gold hands
Bezel: Rotating world-time bezel engraved with 24 major cities
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap: Black leather with red stitching (aftermarket)
Period: Late 1980s – Early 1990s
Provenance: Swiss-made travel complication from Mido’s modernist design era