t a time – the 1970s - when the Swiss watch industry was experimenting with fresh ideas and exploring new directions, Mido was playing around with different case shapes. Among them was the Multi-Star, introduced in 1973 and with the softly rounded square form of a vintage television set.

Fifty years on, the Le Locle-based brand returns to this unusual format with the release of the Multifort TV Big Date; a deliciously retro design that also has modern sport-luxe appeal. Doubling down on the TV theme, the launch took place at the RAI studios in Turin!

The 1973 Mido Multi-Star

“At Mido, we regularly search our archives to develop models inspired by our heritage,” notes Mido CEO Franz Linder. Look no further than the recent and well-received reissue of the 1961 Ocean Star Decompression Timer.

The Multifort TV Big Date, which measures 40mm in diameter and retails for just over CHF 1,000, is in a similar vein. Reviving the cult TV shape, it features a large date complication, unconventionally located at 12 o’clock, and runs off Calibre 80 with an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ balance spring. Mido already uses this movement in its Baroncelli and Commander collections.

On the main model, a flat, square, satin-finish bezel frames the two-level gradient dial that transitions from an intense blue in the centre to black at the periphery, while horizontal (3 to 9 o’clock) brushing catches the light. Trapezoidal indexes mark the quarter hours. At 12 o’clock, a dot on the bezel serves as a reference and shouts out to the Multifort’s signature round hour markers.

Extending from the bezel, the bracelet’s polished central links introduce a pleasant roundness. Anti-reflective coating on both sides of the crystal and the gleam of the diamond-cut and facetted hands confirm Mido’s attention to the finishing of this watch.

Both the case and the folding clasp are in stainless steel. A screw-down crown protects the side of the case, a particularly exposed part of the watch, from shocks.

Turning over the Multifort TV Big Date reveals a transparent back and, through it, Calibre 80 with its decorated gears. The rotor is finished with Côtes de Genève and engraved with the Mido logo. This watch offers 80 hours of power reserve and withstands pressure up to 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft).

The Multifort TV Big Date launches with four other models: two in steel with a green gradient or black gradient dial, and two on rubber straps in navy blue or Mido’s distinctive orange.

More generally, Franz Linder says he is delighted to see that Chinese shoppers, the brand’s biggest clientele, are returning to the travel retail sector, although domestic sales have yet to get back to pre-Covid levels. This shortfall has been compensated by a healthy performance in its other markets, especially for the extremely popular Ocean Star line. As demand for sport-luxe watches continues, the Multifort TV Big Date looks destined for similar success.

SPECIFICATIONS

Movement

Mido automatic Calibre 80 (ETA C07.651 base), 12¾’’’, Ø 28.8 mm, height 5.86 mm, 25 jewels, 21,600 vib/h, Nivachron™ balance spring. Finely decorated movement, oscillating weight decorated with Côtes de Genève and the Mido logo. Functions: HMS + instant large aperture date. Adjusted in 3 positions for accuracy. Up to 80 hours of power reserve.

Case

Satin-finished and polished stainless steel, 40 x 39.2 mm, 3 parts, sapphire crystal with A/R treatment on both sides, sand-blasted dot at 12 o’clock, transparent case back, engraved serial number, screw-down crown, water-resistant up to 10 bar (100 m/330 ft). Lug-to-lug length: 46.85 mm.

Bracelet

Satin-finished and polished stainless steel. Polished centre links. Folding clasp with push-buttons and engraved MIDO logo.

Dial

Graduated blue to black at the periphery, pronounced horizontal brushed finish, indexes coated with white Super-LumiNova^® with blue-green emission. Minute track on the flange. Big date aperture at 12 o’clock.

Hands

Nickel-coated, diamond-cut and faceted hour and minute hands coated with white Super-LumiNova^® with blue-green emission, flat diamond-polished large seconds hand.

Price

CHF 1,070 (rubber strap) – CHF 1,100 (steel bracelet)