Screen Time: Mido Unveils The Retro-Styled Multifort TV Big Date

Think back in time, and you might recall the design of early television screens – that distinctive squarish rectangle with rounded corners. Bienne-based watchmaker Mido is just one creative entity that has drawn inspiration from this iconic shape over the years, by making eye-catching, TV-shaped watch models – first in 1973, then in 1980, and most recently in 2000.

Now, five decades after making its first appearance, Mido’s TV-shaped case is returning to the brand's catalogue, in the form of the new, bold Mido Multifort TV Big Date.

To reinforce the significance of its TV-shaped case and delve deeper into the historical roots of its design, Mido presented this new timepiece last week to the press in an especially apt setting: the RAI Museum of Radio and Television in Turin, Italy.

This museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage television sets showcasing the evolution of this once ground-breaking communication medium. By selecting this venue, Mido set the stage for a captivating dialogue between the past and the present, and demonstrated the seamless integration of iconic design elements from television into its own contemporary watchmaking.
 

So, how does the brand manage to modernize the retro charm of the bygone era of television through its Multifort TV Big Date? Well, firstly, and most obviously, is its 40mm by 39.2mm satin-finished and polished steel case, which is topped by a flat, square bezel with rounded corners.
 

The latter frames a two-level gradient dial that wonderfully transitions from dark to light towards the center. It features a visually striking horizontally brushed finish that artfully reflects light in addition to evoking the lines you might have seen on a vintage cathode-ray tube TV screen.
 

As its name suggests, the Multifort TV Big Date watch showcases a standout feature: a big date complication positioned at 12 o'clock. This distinctive element adds a touch of practicality as well as a boldness that is in keeping with the overall vibe of the watch.

Meanwhile, trapezoidal indexes at each quarter-hour punctuate round hour indexes. These and the hour-minute hands are treated with a white Super-LumiNova that emits a smart blue-green glow in the dark. A minute track displayed on a sloping flange completes the indications.
 

Underneath the alluring dial lies the Calibre 80 movement, based on the ETA C07.651 and packing an 80-hour power reserve. This latest-generation automatic movement is equipped with a high-tech hairspring made from Nivachron to offer solid resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. It is decently finished too, and you can spot the Geneva wave-decorated oscillating weight and brushed and frosted bridges through the transparent display back.
 

In total, there are five Mido Multifort TV Big Date models to choose from: a blue dialed version with blue rubber strap and a black dialed edition with orange rubber strap (both priced at CHF 1,070) as well as steel-bracelet versions with blue, black or green dial (each priced at CHF 1,100).
 

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is a sport-luxe watch that, thanks to its retro design and stark colorways, will no doubt appeal to younger customers seeking an accessibly priced timepiece that embodies style, functionality, and a touch of nostalgia.
 

For more information, please visit the Mido website.