Tune into Episode 2 of Mido’s Multifort TV Big Date special editions
Tom AustinOver the past few years, the cultural shift around television shows has been stark. In many ways, shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Severance, etc., have all had an enormous impact that has arguably overtaken Hollywood cinema. And we, by now, all know what it’s like when you find a fantastic new series to get yourself settled into. The TV trend in the watch world has changed, too, with TV dial watches making a comeback like Twin Peaks: nostalgic yet modern all over again.
Mido took this TV reference more literally than most, with its pilot episode release, the Multifort TV Big Date S01E01. And now, it’s returned with the second instalment, with Season 1, episode 2. Mido has taken that familiar TV-shaped case and paired it with an updated, crazy, test-card style dial to produce the next part of the story, celebrating the golden age of television.
The case
The case remains the same as in Episode 1, but, while still finished in stainless steel, it is now treated with a grey PVD coating, reminiscent of the old television sets some of us may remember as kids. Its rounded-off square design is loosely based on vintage Midos from the 1970s, but Mido have done a great job of capturing that character and updating the design to make it more suitable to contemporary collectors.
Like other models in the Multifort TV range, such as the Chronograph, the case features a pleasant array of polished and brushed surfaces, with a sandblasted pip at 12 o’clock on the large, flat bezel. The chunky case is also pretty functional as a tool watch, offering 100 meters of water resistance, and significant crown guards protecting the large screw down crown.
The dial
The dial on the previous Multifort TV Big Date was a big talking point. It took that classic TV test card configuration, made up of specific colours and geometric patterns that broadcasters used to calibrate equipment, and usually shown when a TV channel went off-air. That’s a sight we rarely see today with 24/7 broadcasting, but it’s still unmistakable to most. The Episode 2 watch takes that same test-card pattern and updates it slightly, and while it’s still pretty crazy, it’s arguably been toned down a touch.
The colourful relief pattern has reduced in size on the TV-shaped dial, now surrounded by a dark grey border. It still features the black chapter ring around the outside and, of course, the big date at 12 o’clock, but overall, this change has made the watch a bit easier to read and introduced a subtle touch, which is nice to see paired with the grey PVD-coated case.
The straps
Similar to the first model, the latest Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 comes equipped with a robust 3-link stainless steel bracelet, which is also treated to that grey PVD coating. The central links are highly polished, and it’s finished with a butterfly clasp to close things off. As before, the bracelet is complemented by two rubber strap options in yellow and blue, which match some of the wild details on the dial. These are easily swapped thanks to quick-release spring bars and are closed with a stainless steel pin buckle.
The movement
As before, the Episode 2 features Midos’ stalwart Calibre 80 automatic movement, featuring the big date complication up top, a Nivachron balance spring, and a substantial 80 hours of power reserve. The rotor has been neatly decorated with some machine-applied cotês de Genève decoration and is visible through the sapphire exhibition window on the screw-down caseback. It’s definitely a function-over-form movement, but if it’s reliability and accuracy you’re after, then look no further, the Calibre 80 manages just fine, and that chunky power reserve is definitely an advantage.
The verdict
The Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 is a neat update to an already interesting design. The previous model was quite shocking to look at, in a good way; it was a conversation starter, especially on the brightly coloured rubber straps. This new model has been slightly toned down a little, without losing the appeal of that TV-test-card dial, and the multi-level relief features on the dial certainly keep your attention on it once the colours have stopped you in your tracks. It’s undoubtedly a clear progression as the second episode, and it keeps things open to see what excitement the next episodes bring.
Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 pricing & availability
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 is available now from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: A$2,175
| Brand | Mido |
| Model | Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 |
| Reference | M049.526.33.081.01 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 46.85mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Grey PVD-coated stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | 3-dimensional, geometric TV test card dial |
| Bracelet | Steel three-link bracelet Additional yellow and blue integrated rubber straps |
| Movement | Mido Calibre 80, ETA C07.651 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, big date |
| Availability | Available from the Time+Tide Shop |
| Price | A$2,175 |