MIDO Multifort TV Big Date Titanium

Swiss watchmaking has a long tradition of balancing classical forms with forward-thinking technology. Within this landscape, the brand Mido has carved out a distinct identity since its founding by Georges Schaeren in 1918. The name, derived from the Spanish phrase "yo mido" ("I measure"), reflects a core mission: to create functional, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing timepieces. Based in Le Locle, in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains, MIDO has consistently focused on producing high-quality mechanical watches that offer substantial value, a philosophy that continues under its parent company, the Swatch Group.



The brand's reputation is built on pillars of durable materials, precise movements, and distinctive designs that endure beyond fleeting trends. MIDO has a history of pioneering features like the Aquadura cork crown sealing system for water resistance and developing robust automatic movements. This legacy of practical innovation is perhaps best embodied by the Multifort collection, a line known for its ruggedness and reliability since its inception. The Multifort has long been a canvas for MIDO to showcase its commitment to building watches ready for the rigors of daily life.



In a bold move that connects its past with its present, MIDO has reintroduced a distinctive silhouette to the Multifort family: the TV-shaped case. This rectangular form with rounded corners, reminiscent of television screens from the 1970s, made a significant comeback in 2023. Now, the collection evolves further with the Multifort TV Big Date Titanium. This new model takes the popular retro-futuristic design and renders it in a thoroughly modern material, creating a piece that feels both familiar and entirely new. It's a direct nod to a specific era of design, yet its execution is firmly planted in 21st-century watchmaking.



At the heart of this watch's character is its case. Measuring 40mm wide and 39.2mm long, its proportions are contemporary and designed to have a strong presence on the wrist without being overwhelming. The "TV" shape is a departure from the round cases that dominate the market, offering a unique visual identity. The case construction features a mix of finishes that play with light and add a sense of depth. The top surfaces are satin-brushed, creating a soft, matte effect that minimizes reflections, while the bezel's edges are polished to a high shine, providing a sharp, contrasting outline that frames the dial.



The choice of titanium for both the case and bracelet is a defining feature of this model. Titanium is a high-performance metal celebrated for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio; it is significantly lighter than stainless steel but also remarkably durable and corrosion-resistant. This makes the watch incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, weighing in at just 100 grams. The inherent greyish hue of titanium gives the timepiece a modern, technical appearance, a monochrome aesthetic that feels purposeful and sophisticated. This material is not just a practical choice for comfort and durability but also a stylistic one that perfectly complements the watch's design.



The dial is a masterclass in texture and legibility. It presents a grey gradient that darkens towards the edges, drawing the eye inward. A prominent horizontal brushing pattern is pressed into the dial's surface, creating a series of fine lines that add considerable visual interest and reinforce the rectangular shape of the case. This textured surface interacts with light dynamically, shifting in appearance as the wrist moves. The result is a dial that is far from static, offering a different look from every angle.



Readability is paramount in the design. Applied, hollowed-out rectangular indices mark the hours. These are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, a phosphorescent material that ensures the time is visible in low-light conditions. The hands are similarly treated for nocturnal legibility. The hour and minute hands are diamond-cut and faceted, with black nickel plating that provides a strong contrast against the grey dial. The flat, diamond-cut seconds hand sweeps smoothly around the dial, tracked by a minute chapter ring on the steeply angled flange.



The signature complication, and the one that gives the watch its name, is the "Big Date" located prominently at the 12 o'clock position. Instead of a single, small window, MIDO employs a system of two separate, rotating discs to display the date in large, clear numerals. This feature makes the date nearly three times larger than on a conventional watch, offering exceptional legibility at a glance. The numerals are printed in white on a black background, maximizing contrast and ensuring the date is immediately readable. Just above this aperture, a sand-blasted dot on the bezel serves as a subtle yet effective 12 o’clock marker.



The integrated bracelet flows seamlessly from the 22mm lugs, enhancing the watch's cohesive design. Constructed entirely from titanium, it continues the theme of lightweight durability. The bracelet features a three-link design, with broad, satin-brushed outer links and narrower, polished central links. This interplay of finishes mirrors the treatment on the case, creating a unified and refined look. The bracelet secures to the wrist with a folding clasp operated by two push-buttons, ensuring a secure fit while maintaining a clean profile.



Visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition case back is the engine powering the watch: the MIDO Caliber 80. Based on the robust ETA C07.651 movement, this automatic caliber is a testament to modern Swiss mechanical engineering. Its most significant feature is an extended power reserve of up to 80 hours. This allows the watch to be taken off for a full weekend and still be running accurately on Monday morning, a practical convenience for the modern wearer.



The Caliber 80's performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of a high-tech Nivachron™ balance spring. This advanced alloy offers superior resistance to the negative effects of magnetic fields, shocks, and temperature variations—three of the biggest enemies of mechanical watch accuracy. By mitigating these influences, the Nivachron™ balance spring ensures that the watch maintains more consistent and reliable timekeeping over the long term.



While the movement is a workhorse, it is not without its decorative flourishes. The oscillating weight, which winds the mainspring with the motion of the wearer's arm, is adorned with classic Côtes de Genève stripes and features an engraved MIDO logo. These finishing touches are a nod to the traditions of Swiss watchmaking and are proudly displayed through the transparent case back. The movement is adjusted in three different positions to ensure a high degree of accuracy from the factory.



This timepiece is built not just for looks but for genuine daily utility. The case is water-resistant to 10 bar, or 100 meters (330 feet), a rating made possible by the inclusion of a screw-down crown and a screw-on case back. This level of water resistance is more than sufficient for swimming and snorkeling, making the watch a versatile companion for a wide range of activities. The dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal that has been treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, drastically reducing glare and ensuring the textured dial is clear and visible under any lighting condition.



MIDO has carefully balanced the vintage inspiration with modern execution. The TV shape might come from the past, but the sharp lines, crisp finishing, and advanced materials are entirely contemporary. The horizontal texture of the dial and the large, functional date display further cement its identity as a watch designed for today, appealing to those who appreciate horological history but demand modern performance.



Priced at $1,460.00, the MIDO Multifort TV Big Date Titanium offers a significant amount of watch for the money. Considering the full titanium construction, the advanced Caliber 80 movement with its 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron™ balance spring, the Big Date complication, and the overall quality of finishing, it presents a compelling value proposition. The watch is available through MIDO's network of 2,400 official retailers across 70 countries and on the brand's digital sales platforms.



Case: Satin-finished and polished titanium, 40mm x 39.2mm rectangular case, 11.5mm thick. Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. See-through case back and a screw-down crown providing 10 bar (100m / 330ft) of water resistance.

Movement: MIDO Automatic Caliber 80 (ETA C07.651 base). 80-hour power reserve, Nivachron™ balance spring, 25 jewels, 21,600 Vib/h. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, and an instantaneous Big Date window.

Dial: Sunray satin-finished grey gradient with horizontal lines in relief. Applied indices and black nickel-coated hands, both filled with white Super-LumiNova®. Big Date display at 12 o'clock.

Strap: Integrated titanium bracelet with satin-finished outer links and polished center links. 22mm lug width. Folding clasp with push buttons.

Price: $1,460.00

Reference Number: M049.526.44.081.00

Notes: The watch features a distinctive TV-shaped case inspired by 1970s designs. The full titanium construction makes the watch very lightweight at 100g. The signature complication is the oversized, highly legible Big Date window at 12 o'clock.