This is a very discreet brand. And yet.., Mido is part of the Swatch Group, but has long been overlooked. We reviewed the Ocean Star Captain Titanium model over six years ago, but didn’t dig any deeper, despite a pleasant surprise. It also has to be said that the brand hasn’t made many waves, revealing landmark releases in dribs and drabs. But that was before. Since the start of the year, between the Ocean Star Decompression Worltimer and the Multifort TV Big Date which interests us today, a whole new era is taking shape for the Le Locle company!
The return of the TV box
From its design alone, one might think that this watch from the Multifort collection is a cross between a Patek Philippe Aquanaut and a Glashütte Original Seventies Panorama Date. And yet, if this timepiece has recognizable allureit also has a real liability at Mido. Inspired by the rectangular design of early televisions, the TV box was launched in 1973then revisited in 1980 and 2000 by the brand’s designers. This year, to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, Mido is bringing this shaped box out of the archives and bringing it up to date again with a DNA as strong as it is surprising in comparison with the rest of the Mido catalog. Its distinctive features include a square, brushed-finish bezel, a two-level caseback giving depth to the trapezoid indexes, a large date at noon, and a sandblasted marker on the bezel. The whole is “Swiss made” and powered by a Calibre 80 with Nivachron balance-spring. So far, so good.
Highlights
That’s undeniable, but its design is masterful. From a distance, it looks like a 5968A with its orange rubber strap. But up close, there’s no mistaking it, and you know you’re dealing with a completely different beast. And that’s just what we like about a unique design that doesn’t try to impersonate anyone else. Then, even if more contained diameters are in vogue, we appreciate its dimensions: 40mm wide by 11.5mm thickwhich is even more surprising when worn on the wrist. Add to this a horn-to-horn length limited to 46.8mm, and you get a watch that’s not to be missed. rather discreet and very pleasant to wear (thanks to the rubber). The second surprise is to be found on the dial, with its multi-layered back, where the hour-markers and where the gray gradation highlighted by horizontal brushing. Play with the crown to set the date and a new kind of show comes to life, making you realize that two discs are superimposed. And finally, thanks to the screw-down crown, thewater resistance to 100 metersthe story comes full circle!
What we regret
It’s impossible not to appreciate rubber for the suppleness and comfort it offers. But for the time being, we don’t like the double flash pumps which make it difficult to (re)fit the bracelet. For the time being, we would have preferred a single rapid pump, or even traditional pumps. And when we see the butterfly folding clasp on steel bracelets, we think we’d have liked to see the same vein on rubber. rather than a pin buckleeven if the latter is rather well executed. It’s a matter of taste, of course, but it would have added a notable touch of charm. Then, although we appreciate the presence of a caliber offering 80 hours of power reserve, its lack of decoration contrasts with all the work done on the case. Given the price, we’re not quibbling, but we can still afford to be perfectionists.
Our opinion on this Mido watch
Mido has accustomed us to a rather classic, even sleek style. However, since the beginning of this year and with two strongly styled collectionsthe Swiss brand surprises us. We were the first to be surprised when we found ourselves literally in love with these new products. The diver with the ultra-colored dial was to be expected, as it’s our favorite. On the other hand, this Multifort TV Big Date, was a real gamble. A gamble so successful that we didn’t wait long before contacting Mido. It’s a beautiful piece, and one we could see ourselves adding to our collection, no less. For us, this kind of “coup de coeur” is truly rare. This builds respect for the work done by the brand’s teams, even if it’s a long way from being as sexy as its new products. What’s more, with prices ranging from €1,110 to €1,140depending on the choice of bracelet, this is a damn fine proposition. Let’s hope Mido continues to dare, either with new pieces with strong personalities, or with projects or ambassadors to match their new ambitions. For us, at least, it’s a sure thing!
FEATURES – MIDO MULTIFORT TV BIG DATE
Case : 316L stainless steel – brushed and polished finish – 40mm wide x 46.8mm long x 11.5mm thick – anti-reflective flat sapphire crystal – transparent caseback – screw-down crown – 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance
Dial : gradient grey background – horizontal brushing – applied hour-markers – black minute scale with white markings – large date window at noon – SuperLumiNova BGW9 on hour-markers and hands
Movement : self-winding – calibre 80 Big Date – 80-hour power reserve – 21,600 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – stop-second function – hours, minutes, seconds and big date – engraved oscillating weight
Strap : orange rubber – 22/18mm cut – double quick-change system – pin buckle clasp – brushed and polished finish
Information : reference M049.526.17.081.00 – available on the official Mido website and from authorized dealers – 2-year warranty – €1,110 incl. VAT
