A notable reintroduction to the modern watch landscape comes from
Mido with its Multifort TV Big Date, now presented in a striking black PVD-treated case. This model channels a distinctive aesthetic from the 1970s, a period when television screens began to shape popular culture and, consequently, design trends. The revival of this specific "TV-shaped" case is not merely an exercise in nostalgia; it is a deliberate fusion of historical design cues with contemporary watchmaking technology, creating a timepiece that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. The watch asserts a bold presence on the wrist, moving beyond simple time-telling to make a clear statement about its wearer's appreciation for distinctive design and robust mechanical engineering.
The history of MIDO is rooted in a philosophy of functional innovation and enduring design. Founded in 1918 by Georges Schaeren in Switzerland, the name "MIDO" was derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido," meaning "I measure." This name underscored the brand's core mission from the outset: to produce reliable and precise timekeeping instruments. Throughout its history, MIDO has been responsible for several significant advancements, including the development of the Aquadura cork-crown sealing system for enhanced water resistance. The Multifort collection, introduced in the 1930s, was one of the first to feature a self-winding automatic movement combined with water resistance, shock resistance, and anti-magnetic properties, cementing the brand's reputation for creating durable and dependable watches for everyday life. The re-emergence of the TV-shaped case within this historic collection is a nod to a specific era of creative exploration for the brand, bringing a piece of its varied design history into the 21st century.
Courtesy of MIDO
Visually, the Multifort TV Big Date with its black PVD coating is immediately captivating. The case, which measures 40mm in width and 39.2mm in length, presents a softened rectangular or "TV screen" silhouette that distinguishes it from the sea of round watches. The physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating gives the stainless steel a deep, satin-finished black appearance that is both assertive and sophisticated. This dark frame serves to accentuate the brilliance of the dial within. The case surfaces are a mix of satin brushing and polished accents, creating a subtle play of light that highlights its unique geometry. A sand-blasted dot on the bezel at the 12 o'clock position acts as a subtle yet deliberate marker, aligning perfectly with the Big Date window below it.
The dial is arguably the centerpiece of this model's design. It features a mesmerizing gradient effect, transitioning from a vibrant electric blue at its center to an intense, deep black at its periphery. This color shift is further animated by a pronounced horizontal brushing that stretches across the dial's surface, catching and reflecting light in a dynamic, scintillating fashion. This finish gives the watch a sense of depth and texture that is constantly changing depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. This carefully executed dial serves as the backdrop for the watch's primary functions, ensuring they are presented with maximum clarity and visual impact.
A defining feature, and one that lends the watch part of its name, is the "Big Date" complication prominently displayed in a large, double aperture at the 12 o’clock position. This is not a standard date window. The numerals are significantly larger, nearly three times the size of those on a conventional date display, achieved through the use of two separate, rotating discs. This design greatly enhances legibility, making a quick glance to check the date an effortless act. For this particular model, MIDO has rendered the date numerals in its signature bright orange, a bold choice that creates a striking contrast against the blue and black dial and firmly establishes the brand's identity.
Courtesy of MIDO
Readability is a paramount concern in the watch's design, extending beyond the Big Date. The applied hour markers and the faceted hour and minute hands are generously filled with orange Super-LumiNova®, a phosphorescent material that ensures excellent visibility in low-light conditions. During the day, the bright orange provides a sporty, high-contrast element against the cool tones of the dial. At night, these elements glow brightly, ensuring that the time can be read with ease. A slim, flat diamond-cut seconds hand sweeps across the dial, providing a constant sense of motion, while a detailed minute track is printed on the flange, or outer ring of the dial, for precise time-reading.
Turning the watch over reveals another facet of its character. A see-through case back, crafted from sapphire crystal, offers an unobstructed view of the mechanical heart that powers the watch. This transparent window allows the owner to appreciate the intricate workings of the movement, including its decorated components. The case back itself is screwed down, a feature that, along with the screw-down crown, contributes to the watch's substantial water resistance rating of 10 bar, equivalent to 100 meters or 330 feet. This level of protection ensures the watch is more than capable of handling daily encounters with water, from handwashing to swimming, making it a practical choice for an active lifestyle.
At the core of the Multifort TV Big Date beats the MIDO Caliber 80, an automatic movement based on the reliable ETA C07.651. The "80" in its name refers to its impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours. This extended autonomy means the watch can be taken off for a full weekend and will still be running accurately when put back on Monday morning, a significant convenience compared to standard movements that typically offer between 38 and 42 hours of power. This is a practical benefit that enhances the user experience, reducing the need for frequent winding or resetting.
Courtesy of MIDO
The movement is not just a workhorse; it also features aesthetic refinements. The oscillating weight, the component that winds the mainspring through the motion of the wearer's wrist, is adorned with classic Côtes de Genève stripes and engraved with the MIDO logo. This decoration, visible through the case back, adds a layer of traditional Swiss watchmaking artistry to a thoroughly modern timepiece. The movement is adjusted in three positions to ensure a high degree of accuracy, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Enhancing the performance and durability of the Caliber 80 is the inclusion of a Nivachron™ balance spring. This component is the regulating organ of the watch, and its stability is crucial for accurate timekeeping. The Nivachron™ alloy, which is based on titanium, offers exceptional resistance to the negative effects of magnetic fields, a common issue in our modern environment filled with electronics. Furthermore, it is highly resistant to shocks and the effects of temperature variation, ensuring that the watch maintains its precision over time and through the rigors of daily wear. The use of this high-tech material is a significant value proposition, bringing technology typically found in higher-priced watches to a more accessible level.
The case of the Multifort TV Big Date is constructed from high-grade stainless steel, chosen for its durability and corrosion resistance. The application of a black PVD coating not only provides the assertive aesthetic but also adds a layer of scratch resistance to the surface. The case measures 11.5mm in thickness, a relatively slim profile for an automatic watch with this level of water resistance and a large date complication. The lug-to-lug distance, a critical measurement for how a watch wears on the wrist, is a comfortable 46.85mm, while the lug width is a standard 22mm, allowing for versatility in strap choices.
Courtesy of MIDO
The watch is secured to the wrist with a custom-designed blue textile strap. This strap is crafted to perfectly complement the dial, featuring orange stitching along its edges that picks up on the vibrant accents of the date, hands, and indexes. The front of the strap is a durable textile, while the backing is a comfortable synthetic material. This combination offers both robustness and comfort for daily wear. The strap is fitted with a stainless steel pin buckle that has also been treated with a black PVD coating to match the case, and it is engraved with the MIDO logo.
A particularly user-friendly feature of the strap is the inclusion of quick-change lug bars. This system allows the owner to easily remove and replace the strap without the need for any special tools. This simple yet thoughtful detail encourages personalization, allowing the wearer to effortlessly swap out the strap to suit different occasions or moods, further enhancing the watch's versatility. It’s a practical touch that acknowledges the modern consumer's desire for customization and ease of use.
The material choices throughout the watch speak to a commitment to quality and longevity. The crystal protecting the dial is made of sapphire, a material second only to diamond in hardness, making it virtually scratch-proof. Furthermore, it has been treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This double-sided treatment is a premium feature that significantly reduces glare and reflections, ensuring that the intricate details of the dial are crystal clear from almost any angle.
Courtesy of MIDO
The combination of the sporty black case, the vibrant blue and orange dial, and the integrated textile strap creates a cohesive and compelling package. It is a watch that feels purposefully designed, with each element carefully considered to contribute to the overall aesthetic and functional goal. It balances a retro-inspired shape with a distinctly modern and sporty color palette, resulting in a timepiece that is both unique and wearable. It avoids being a simple homage to a past design by incorporating the very best of MIDO's current technical capabilities.
With the release of this model, MIDO continues to solidify its position as a brand that offers exceptional value within the Swiss watch industry. The combination of a unique design, high-quality materials, and an advanced mechanical movement is presented at a price point that is highly competitive. The MIDO Multifort TV Big Date, reference M049.526.37.041.00, is priced at CHF 1,170.00. It is available through MIDO's network of official retailers in 70 countries as well as the brand's online platforms. This model represents a compelling choice for anyone seeking a Swiss-made automatic watch that breaks from convention without compromising on quality or performance.
Case: Black PVD-treated stainless steel, rectangular "TV" shape, 39.2mm x 40mm x 11.5mm. Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. See-through case back, screw-down crown, water-resistant to 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft).
Movement: MIDO Automatic Caliber 80 (ETA C07.651 base), 25 jewels, 21,600 Vib/h. Features a Nivachron™ balance spring and an oscillating weight with Côtes de Genève decoration. Power reserve of up to 80 hours.
Dial: Blue to black gradient with a pronounced horizontal brushed finish. Indexes and hands feature orange Super-LumiNova®. Instantaneous big date window at 12 o'clock.
Strap: Blue textile strap with orange stitching and synthetic backing. Black PVD-treated stainless steel pin buckle. Features lug bars for quick strap changes.
Price: CHF 1,170.00
Reference Number: M049.526.37.041.00
Notes: The watch features a distinctive retro "TV-shaped" case. The prominent feature is the oversized "Big Date" window at 12 o'clock, which uses two discs for enhanced legibility. The Caliber 80 movement provides an extended 80-hour power reserve.