Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02 – Fresh launch. Hit or miss?

Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02 - a new episode from the already loved collection. With Mido Calibre 80 and PVD coating

Daniel Razvan
8 Min Read

Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02 is the new instalment in the series. I like what they are doing with the name, good marketing overall. With the release of S01E02 Special edition, Mido delivers a natural progression of the series, a second episode without abandoning what made the first edition special.

Turns out they ride the wave, a few weeks after we got the launch of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date Titanium, we got another beauty. Good times for watch enthusiasts.

Building on the foundation of S01E01 with the bold dial that looks like a test card, the latest iteration has a more sophisticated approach maintaining the playful spirit but adding subtle refinements that enhance visual cohesion and wearability.

The Case of Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02

The case maintains the DNA of the Multifort TV collection , 40mm in diameter and 39.2 mm in height and a lug to lug measurement of 46.85 mm. 

We have the same rounded squared silhouette inspired by the vintage designs from 1970’s. The difference between episode 1 and episode 2 when it comes to the case is the PVD coating applied across the stainless steel case.

This finish has multiple purposes, it evokes the aesthetics of vintage television sets and creates visual continuity with the dial’s updated color palette. It has an industrial sheen that gives the watch a slimmer appearance. 

Functionality hasn’t changed. The screw-down crown is still flanked by protective guards and ensures 100 meters of water resistance.  Just enough for a daily beater that won’t go to the sea. 

On the dial we have a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and the caseback reveals the movement while still being protected by a sapphire crystal.

The Dial

It maintains the test-card motif, you know, that distinctive pattern of colors and geometric shapes once used by broadcasters to calibrate the equipment. But now, it feel to me that it has a little more nuance. 

The multi-colored center has been reduced in size and executed as a relief pixel noise pattern, which creates a three-dimensional field of geometry that plays with the light when it touches its surface. 

Surrounding the center colored pattern is a grey border that frames the composition. The black ring is angled inward and marked with white minute indices which creates a very clear separation between decorative center and functional elements. 

The hour markers are filled with Super-Luminova which we already know it’s good and proved legibility in low light. 

THe signature big date complication is present here as well, obviously, in the same position at 12 o’clock displaying white numerals against a black background. 

The overall effect is very balanced and honestly it looks good, but despite being very colourful, somehow it gives me a vibe of gray overall. I don’t know why.

The Movement of  Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02

Not much to say in this area honestly, we have the same reliable Mido Calibre 80, which is a Powermatic based on the ETA C07.651. It has 80 hours of power reserve and 21,600 vph. 

We know all this from the Tissot PRX Damascus and Titan Release. 

The big date mechanism advances instantaneously at midnight with the same satisfying snap. This isn’t a movement designed to win beauty contests, but one that is dependable. 

The Straps

We have a comprehensive strap package here that allows you to adapt to different contexts and moods. The primary bracelet is the stainless steel one, which is integrated and has the same PVD coating as the case. It has polished center links and a push button folding clasp.

But, if you are seeking a more casual expression, two quick-change rubber straps are present in bright blue and bright yellow. Each of the straps feature a relief pattern and has PVD coated pin buckles. 

Of course, you can change the straps in seconds due to the quick release system present. 

 Mido MultiFort Tv Big Date S01E02 Hit or Miss? 

 Well in this case I think it’s a HIT. I like it, and I hope they continue with the series, imagine having Season 11 Episode 23, and each time with each year, something is improved for the watch. I can already see some people collecting all seasons. 

The price is decent I would say, CHF 1290, nothing too crazy, and I believe you are getting a lot of watch for this money. 

I appreciate the direction Mido is taking with Mido Multifort TV Big Date, and I hope they will continue the same. 

I believe that this model is the most recognizable from MIdo in recent years. From the top of my head, if you ask me to name a model from Mido, Multifort TV Big Date will be the first one to come into my mind. 

SpecificationDetails
BrandMido
ModelMultifort TV Big Date S01E02 Special Edition
Reference NumberM049.526.33.081.01
Case MaterialStainless steel with grey PVD coating
Case Diameter40mm
Case Height39.2mm
Lug-to-Lug46.85mm
Case ShapeRounded square (TV-shaped)
Case FinishBrushed and polished surfaces, sandblasted pip at 12 o’clock
CrystalSapphire (front and back) with anti-reflective coating
CasebackTransparent sapphire, screw-down
Water Resistance100 meters (10 ATM)
CrownScrew-down with crown guards
Dial ColorMulti-colored relief “pixel-noise” test-card motif with grey border
Dial FinishThree-dimensional relief pattern
Hour MarkersRecessed with white Super-LumiNova
HandsDiamond-cut, faceted with white Super-LumiNova
Chapter RingBlack with white minute markings
ComplicationsBig date display at 12 o’clock (white on black)
MovementMido Calibre 80 (ETA C07.651 base)
Movement TypeAutomatic with rotor
Power Reserve80 hours
Frequency21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance SpringNivachron (anti-magnetic and shock-resistant)
Date MechanismInstantaneous big date
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, big date
Movement DecorationStriped rotor with machine-applied finishing
BraceletIntegrated three-link stainless steel with grey PVD coating
Bracelet FinishPolished center links, brushed outer links
Clasp TypePush-button folding clasp
Additional StrapsTwo quick-change rubber straps (bright blue and bright yellow)
Strap FeaturesRelief pattern, PVD-coated pin buckles, quick-release spring bars
Edition TypeSpecial Edition (not limited by numbers)
Price (Swiss Market)CHF 1,290 (incl. taxes)
Price (Australian Market)A$2,175
Official Websitewww.midowatches.com
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My passion for watches began around the age of 6 when I first saw a watch that seemed magical to me. It had 7 melodies, an alarm, a stopwatch, and would beep every hour. Truly advanced technology for me at the time! It belonged to my brother, but before long, he gave it to me. One of the melodies was “Oh! Susanna” by Stephen Foster, but unfortunately, I no longer remember the other six. If I had to guess, I’d say it was a Casio, as they popularized melody watches. However, the truth is I don’t remember exactly. It certainly wasn’t a Casio—most likely a cheap Chinese knockoff—but it was fascinating for a kid like me. That watch is no longer part of my life—just like many other watches that have been lost over time, without me even realizing when or how. As I write these lines, a photo from my first grade comes to mind. In it, I’m wearing a watch that’s clearly visible. Still, I don’t think it’s the melody watch I remember. On the watch in the photo, I had stuck two flags cut out from an atlas. Besides my passion for watches, I also had a fascination with maps. What can I say? Childhood quirks and passions of a kid who grew up without the internet—because it didn’t exist! Otherwise, I’ve always been told I have a talent for writing, probably because I’m not good at math at all.
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