The Mido Multifort TV Big Date Tunes into a More Luxurious Channel

Mido’s decision to revisit some of its vintage models and update them with contemporary specs has resulted in some very attractive yet affordable pieces. Models like the 1960s-inspired Ocean Star Decompression Timer with its colourful dial, the 1930s-styled Patrimony Chronograph and the more recent Multifort TV Big Date are winning combinations of retro details and modern mechanics. Introduced in 2023, the sporty yet chic Multifort TV Big Date exudes a strong 1970s vibe. The latest iteration is this rose gold PVD case and chocolate brown dial combo that tunes into a more luxurious channel.

TV-shaped watches had their heyday in the 1970s. Mido’s first TV-shaped watch appeared in 1973, and in 2023, coinciding with its 50^th anniversary, it released the Multifort TV Big Date. Measuring 39.2mm x 40mm and 11.5 mm thick, the resilient 100m water-resistant Multifort case is equipped with a screw-down crown protected by guards.

The new rose gold PVD steel case, with its vertically brushed bezel and polished bevels, substantially ups the luxury factor of the watch. Combined with the textured chocolate-brown dial, it shares its looks – but not its price – with this Patek Philippe Aquanaut. The case finishings are surprisingly elaborate for an ‘accessibly’ priced sports watch, and details like the ‘lips’ at either end of the bezel and the recessed sandblasted pip at noon underscore the care that went into the design.

Like earlier editions, the dial is decorated with horizontal brushed grooves. The rich chocolate brown dial colour works exceptionally well with the rose gold tone of the case. The on-trend gradient dial has a lighter chocolate colour in the centre, intensifying to an almost dark chocolate tone on the periphery. The hour indices are recessed into the main dial with alternating round markers and trapezoid ones at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The indices and faceted hour and minute hands are treated with Super-LumiNova, which emits a blue-green glow in the dark.

Many people find date apertures difficult to read without a magnifying glass. Thanks to Mido’s big date window at noon, with a brown background and white numerals on two discs, the date is extremely easy to read.

The sporty brown rubber strap, with rounded central ‘mallets’ imitating those found on the steel bracelets, has a rose gold PVD pin buckle and can be exchanged with quick-release push pins. Equipped with Swatch Group’s modern Powermatic 80 (calibre 80), the automatic movement has a shock-resistant and anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring, a resilient 80-hour power reserve and a customised Mido rotor with Geneva stripes.

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date in rose gold PVD retails for CHF 1,170 or EUR 1,300. For more information, please consult midowatches.com.