Introducing The Mido Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer

First introduced in 2023 and inspired by models produced in the 1970s, the Mido Multifort TV has proven to be a hit for the underrated Swiss brand thanks to its retro (and perhaps somewhat Holy Trinity sports watch-evoking) looks at an affordable price. As of writing, the Multifort TV collection has expanded to 28 models spanning a variety of diameters, complications and case finishes.

Now we can add another couple of references to the range with the Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer, a more elevated take on the most popular (and launch) variant of the modern Multifort TV. As the name implies, these boast a COSC-certified movement, with Mido asserting that the Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer is the only watch in its price segment to combine COSC certification with a big date function - a slightly obscure boast, to be sure, but a notable one nonetheless.

On paper, the Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer is physically identical to the non-COSC-certified version of the watch: its rounded-square case remains 40mm in diameter and 11.5mm thick, with alternating brushed and polished finishes starting from the bezel. It even uses the same base movement: the Mido Calibre 80, better known as the ETA C07.651 or the Powermatic 80, which is used prolifically across the Swatch Group's entry-level brands.

However, the Mido Calibre 80 COSC in the Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer is finished to a higher standard than the non-COSC Calibre 80, sporting blued screws and côtes de Genève across its mainplate and bridges in addition to its rotor, whereas the non-COSC movement has normal screws and an unfinished movement. And yeah, obviously, it's also officially chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

The Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer also introduces a new, more considered dial design. The big date display at 12 o'clock remains, but this time it has a raised, polished frame, focusing the eye on the complication. The dial itself is sunray-finished in either blue or black with a new rectangular checkerboard pattern that provides more depth, light play, and reflects the TV shape of the watch's case. The recessed, sandwich dial-esque lume plot indices of the standard TV Big Date have also been swapped out for larger applied polished indices, which are tipped with lume and terminate within a larger, more legible flange.

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer is available now as part of the Multifort core range, and is priced at A$2,325 on a three-link bracelet.

It's worth examining the price delta between this COSC-certified Multifort TV Big Date and its non-chronometer siblings. At A$2,325, it's A$375 more expensive than a standard steel TV Big Date on a bracelet, and A$50 more expensive than a TV Big Date in titanium with a full titanium bracelet (also not COSC-certified). In some ways, that draws into focus what a great deal the titanium model is...

You might be curious what it costs for a brand to COSC-certify a movement. For its 'Standard' grade of chronometer certification, COSC charges around 10 CHF (~A$19) per movement, but that doesn't factor in any regulation done by a brand before it sends a movement to COSC, nor the cost of logistics or any potential failure rate if some movements don't make the grade. Anecdotally, that means that brands likely pay anywhere between A$250 and A$400 per watch for COSC certification. To that end, the A$375 premium Mido is charging here seems reasonable, especially when you consider that this new chronometer model also has a nicer dial and a higher grade of finishing (albeit industrially-applied) on its movement.

The question you have to ask yourself is how much a chronometer certification is worth to you, especially when you consider that both the chronometer and non-chronometer versions of the Multifort TV Big Date use essentially the same movement. The improved dial and finishing might be worth the cost of entry alone, and there's an argument to be made that a chronometer-certified movement might save you in the long run on servicing (rather, regulating) costs. Either way, it's great to have the option.

For what it's worth, the Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer's dial definitely shifts the needle for me. My main criticism of the standard TV Big Date is that its dial looks a little cheap: I'm not a fan of the recessed indices and vertical brushing. I prefer this swimming-pool-tile-looking pattern; along with the applied indices and framed big date, it makes the watch feel much more premium.

Brand: Mido
Model: Multifort TV Big Date Chronometer
Reference Number: M049.567.11.041.00 (blue dial), M049.567.11.051.00 (black dial)
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46.85mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire front and back
Dial Colour: Blue or black with rectangular checkerboard pattern
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova adjacent to indices and on hour and minute hands
Water Resistance: 100 meters, screw-down crown
Strap/Bracelet: Three-link steel bracelet, folding clasp, quick-release spring bars
Lug Width: 22mm

Calibre: Mido Calibre 80 COSC, ETA C07.651 base (Powermatic 80)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date
Diameter: 28.8mm
Thickness: 5.86mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 VpH (3 Hz)
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC-certified
Additional Details: Nivachron balance spring

Price: A$2,325
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

For more, click here.