Some things only improve with age and like a fine wine, quality leather jacket, or pair of selvedge denim jeans, the TV-shaped case MIDO has harnessed for the latest addition to its Multifort collection is a prime example. Striking a dynamic balance between the supremely modern and the charmingly retro, this case shape was first introduced to MIDO’s arsenal in 1973, but 50 years on the Multifort TV Big Date proves it’s more appealing than ever. Enhanced by a stunning light-reflecting dial, horizontal brushed finish, and a generously proportioned date aperture at 12 o’clock—hence the name—this is a timepiece that will never go out of style.
While it doesn’t have much in common with the enormous panels of metal and glass that TVs have now evolved into—outside of the premium materials used to construct both, of course—the Multifort TV Big Date’s shape draws inspiration from the early incarnations of the television. These featured almost square screens with rounded corners, which explains the unique look of this remarkable collection of watches, and while you won’t be able to watch reruns of The Six Million Dollar Man, Welcome Back, Kotter, or Starsky & Hutch on your new timepiece, you’ll have a much better time looking at that gorgeous dial anyway.
It really is a thing of undeniable beauty. Available in either grey, blue or (our favourite) green, each colourway boasts a stunning gradient finish, while both the hands and indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimum legibility. Plus, the aforementioned big date aperture—a MIDO signature feature—here makes its Multifort collection debut.
All of the above can be viewed through the immaculate sapphire crystal glass, which features an anti-reflecting treatment and is as strong and shock-resistant as it is stunning, guaranteeing exceptional transparency for years to come. Plus, the case that surrounds it is capable of withstanding pressure of up to 10 bar (100 m). Beautiful and tough.
Inside, MIDO’s latest-generation automatic movement, the Calibre 80, comes equipped with an advanced balance spring constructed from Nivachron—a new titanium-based metal alloy—for incredible resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. The movement also offers up to 80 hours of power reserve and its oscillating weight is finely decorated with Geneva Stripes and the MIDO logo, all of which can be observed through the transparent sapphire glass case back.
Using high-grade 316L stainless steel for maximum on-skin comfort, MIDO has constructed a selection of timepieces that resist corrosion, are unaffected by magnetic fields, and offer up long-term durability. The classic satin-finished look just completes an understated picture of robust elegance.
MIDO’s resurrection of the TV-shaped case is a welcome development for anyone who’s after a watch that deftly blends the past, present, and future. MIDO’s Multifort TV Big Date does this with such assuredness that the only word we can think of to describe it is “timeless”. And by timeless, we also mean you haven’t a second to spare if you want to check out the Multifort TV Big Date for yourself. Do so by visiting the MIDO website below.
