Introduction

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date (ref. M049.526.11.041.00) is a bold reissue of a 1970s design language, but with a thoroughly modern movement and a focus on daily wear. Named after the television-shaped case, this watch brings a rectangular silhouette with rounded corners to the wrist, offering a distinctive look that stands out without screaming for attention. As a daily-wear reviewer, I’ve spent a full week with this blue-dialed steel version to see how it holds up in real life—from office meetings to weekend errands.

Mido, a brand under the Swatch Group umbrella, has long been known for offering robust, well-finished watches at accessible prices. The Multifort collection, introduced in 1934, originally emphasized durability and anti-magnetism. The TV Big Date continues that heritage with a 40mm case, 100m water resistance, and a reliable automatic movement. But the real story is how it wears: the lug-to-lug of 48mm and the cleverly integrated bracelet make it surprisingly compact for a watch with such a distinct case shape.

In this review, I’ll break down the wrist feel, legibility, accuracy, and whether this watch can survive a real week on the wrist—including scratches, sweat, and the occasional knock. If you’re a young collector looking for something that bridges vintage flair and modern reliability, the Multifort TV Big Date deserves a close look.

Manufacture History

Mido was founded in 1918 by Georges Schaeren in Biel, Switzerland. Known for pioneering anti-magnetic watches and the Aquadura cork sealing system, the brand has a reputation for durable, everyday timepieces. The Multifort line, launched in 1934, was one of the first to offer anti-magnetic, shock-resistant, and water-resistant properties in a single watch. The TV Big Date pays homage to the 1970s Multifort TV models, which featured the same distinctive case shape.

Movement

The heart of the Multifort TV Big Date is the Caliber 80, based on the ETA C07.651. This automatic movement offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve, thanks to a slower beat rate of 21,600 vph and a redesigned mainspring. It features 25 jewels and a big date complication displayed via two overlapping discs at 6 o’clock. While not COSC-certified, the movement is reliable and accurate within typical tolerances. The finishing is industrial—perlage on the bridges and a blued screw here and there—but the display caseback lets you see the rotor in action.

Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 12.5mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire (flat, with anti-reflective coating)
  • Water Resistance: 100m (screw-down crown)
  • Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and indices
  • Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel integrated bracelet
  • Clasp: Folding clasp with push-button release

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the Mido Multifort TV Big Date is a pleasant surprise. The 40mm case diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug keep it from overwhelming smaller wrists, while the integrated bracelet drops down with a gentle taper. The case thickness of 12.5mm is moderate, but the flat sapphire crystal and the way the caseback sits flush help it slide under a shirt cuff without catching. The weight is balanced—not too heavy, not too light—thanks to the solid steel bracelet and the automatic rotor. The bracelet itself is comfortable, with brushed outer links and polished center links that catch light nicely. The folding clasp is secure and has three micro-adjustment holes, though I wish there were a quick-adjust system for hot days.

The TV-shaped case is the star: the rounded rectangle sits naturally on the wrist, and the crown at 3 o’clock is easy to grip without digging into the hand. The big date window at 6 o’clock is a highlight—two discs create a large, legible date display that’s easy to read at a glance. The blue dial has a sunburst finish that shifts from deep navy to bright azure, and the applied indices are sharp. Lume is decent: Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers glows for several hours after a full charge. Overall, this watch wears like a well-tailored jacket—distinctive but not fussy.

Accuracy

In my week of wear, the Mido Multifort TV Big Date ran consistently within +6 to +10 seconds per day. This is within the expected range for a non-COSC Powermatic 80 movement. The 80-hour power reserve is a real advantage: I could take it off Friday evening and put it on Monday morning without resetting. Day-to-day, the big date changes crisply at midnight, and the hacking seconds make precise setting easy. For a daily beater, this level of accuracy is more than sufficient.

Occasions

The Multifort TV Big Date is versatile enough for daily wear, casual sport (thanks to 100m water resistance), and even formal settings if you pair it with a suit. The blue dial and steel bracelet dress up or down easily. It’s also a great travel watch given the power reserve and legibility.

Wrist Presence

4/5 — The TV-shaped case and big date give it a unique presence without being ostentatious. It catches the eye of watch enthusiasts but doesn’t scream for attention in a boardroom.

Reference Variants

The M049.526 family includes several dial colors: blue (041), green (051), black (061), and silver (091). All come on the same stainless steel bracelet. There are no leather strap variants in this reference line, but the integrated bracelet design makes aftermarket swaps tricky.

Family References

Other Multifort TV Big Date references share the same case and movement, differing only in dial color. The entire Multifort collection includes the Multifort Patrimony (round case) and Multifort Chronograph.

Other Notable Mido Models

  • Mido Multifort Patrimony
  • Mido Ocean Star 200C
  • Mido Commander Big Date
  • Mido Baroncelli Heritage

Similar Watches

  • Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 — Similar integrated bracelet, 70s-inspired design, and same movement base at a comparable price.
  • Seiko Presage Cocktail Time — Offers a dressier alternative with a distinctive dial and automatic movement, though not a TV case.
  • Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic — Another accessible Swiss automatic with a clean dial and versatile wear, but round case.

Homages

  • Pagani Design PD-1701 (~$80) — A budget homage to the TV-shaped case, though with quartz movement and lower finishing.
  • Addiesdive AD2030 (~$60) — A cheap quartz alternative with a similar rectangular case, but lacks the big date and Swiss pedigree.

Investment Value

The MSRP is $850, and pre-owned examples range from $600 to $750. The trend is stable; this is not a collector’s piece that will skyrocket in value. Buy it to enjoy wearing it. No major auction history exists for this reference.

Service Interval

Mido recommends a service every 5 years. Cost is approximately $300 at an independent watchmaker or authorized service center. The movement is widely serviced, so you’re not locked into a single provider.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Distinctive TV-shaped case with great wrist presence
  • Reliable Powermatic 80 movement with 80-hour power reserve
  • Legible big date complication
  • 100m water resistance for daily confidence
  • Comfortable integrated bracelet

Cons

  • No quick-adjust clasp
  • Lume could be brighter
  • Movement finishing is basic
  • Crown is a bit small for easy winding

Final Verdict

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is a charming, well-executed reinterpretation of a 1970s icon. It offers genuine daily-wear comfort, a reliable movement, and a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the round-cased crowd. If you want a Swiss automatic with character and practicality, this is a strong contender.