Buckle up, watch enthusiasts – because if there's one thing that screams 'timeless revival' in the horology world, it's how styles from decades past are roaring back into the spotlight, proving that what once seemed passé can suddenly become the epitome of cool. But here's where it gets controversial: are these retro trends a genuine nod to innovation, or just clever marketing hooks preying on nostalgia? Stick around, and let's dive deep into why the Mido Multifort TV Chronograph might just be the catalyst for your own style rebellion.
November 10, 2025
Written by Jamie Weiss (https://timeandtidewatches.com/author/jamie/)
Just like the ever-turning wheel of fashion, watch design follows its own cyclical rhythm. Styles that were once dismissed as outdated can morph into something fresh and exciting – take two-tone watches, for instance, which exploded in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, only to fade away in the 2000s and 2010s. Now, whispers of a resurgence in the 2020s have watch lovers buzzing. Another prime example? TV dials. While the most iconic pieces in watch history often hail from the swinging 1960s and groovy 1970s, TV dials – evoking images of the Space Race, flared pants, and plush wall-to-wall carpeting – were largely ignored for years. That is, until recently. Today's collectors are captivated by the quirkiest excesses of the 1970s, from rugged stone dials to dazzling faceted crystals, right down to the quirky 'squircle' cases that define TV dial watches. It's a trend that's as divisive as it is addictive – do you see it as a playful throwback or a fad that's destined to fizzle? And this is the part most people miss: how these revivals bridge the gap between affordability and aspiration, making high-end aesthetics accessible to more wrists.
Step into the spotlight with the Mido Multifort TV. Originally debuted in 1973, it made a triumphant return in 2023 via the Multifort TV Big Date model, and it's since skyrocketed to become one of Mido's top global sellers. For beginners wondering what all the fuss is about, think bold 1970s energy without breaking the bank. Fast-forward to 2025, and the lineup expands with the Multifort TV Chronograph – the collection's first venture into a major mechanical complication. I spent a full month testing this beauty, wearing it through Sydney's bustling streets and even on a brand-sponsored jaunt to Bangkok. It's uncommon for me to log so much time with a single timepiece, especially one outside my usual preferences, but I must admit, it grew on me in ways I didn't anticipate.
Let's switch on the details.
First off, the obvious standout: the Mido Multifort TV Chronograph commands attention with its substantial presence. On spec sheets, it's listed at 42mm in diameter – sizeable but not outrageous – and 14.3mm thick, which is beefy yet manageable. Yet, its expansive dial opening and cohesive design (even if it's not a true integrated bracelet) give it a commanding silhouette on the wrist. If we're leaning into the TV theme with wordplay, think of it as a wide-screen experience that turns heads.
Powering this retro giant is the Mido Calibre 60, built upon the ETA A05.H31 – an upgrade of the legendary Valjoux 7750. For those new to watches, a chronograph is essentially a stopwatch function integrated into the timepiece, allowing you to time events like races or daily routines with precision. I'd rate this as an exceptional mechanical chronograph movement: it boasts a superior 60-hour power reserve (giving it its name), features a resilient Nivachron balance spring for accuracy, and ticks at a smooth 4 Hz. What's intriguing is the left-side pusher for date advancement – a handy addition beyond the standard crown method. If you've been without the watch for a stretch, this lets you swiftly cycle through dates without straining the winding stem, making it a game-changer for frequent travelers.
The range includes three variations: a blue-dial version with white accents (the one I reviewed), a grey-dial with orangy-yellow and white highlights, and a black PVD-coated model sporting a grey dial and tan accents. Among them, the blue option shines for its versatility – or, if you prefer, its more subdued 1970s flair – making it my top pick for everyday wear.
Now, onto the main feature.
Truth be told, chronographs aren't typically my cup of tea – and no, it's not for any profound reason. As someone who loves motorsports, you'd think I'd be all over them, but they've just never clicked for me. This review marked the longest stint I'd ever spent with a mechanical chronograph; my inaugural 'nice' watch was a quartz Certina DS Podium, which saw plenty of action but has since taken a backseat. TV dial watches? Not my usual go-to either. Sure, I appreciate the eccentric 1970s vibes, but they're not the style I instinctively reach for. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my extended time with the Multifort TV Chronograph, particularly during my overseas adventure to Thailand.
I discovered the chronograph surprisingly useful for practical tasks, like monitoring flight durations or checking how long airport check-ins dragged on – and let me tell you, Thai Airways proved impressively swift in my book. But beyond functionality, the watch's overall aura resonated with me. It's far from subtle, and it's not supposed to be – it's a bold fashion statement without veering into flashy excess. Sporty at its core, yet versatile enough to pair with smarter outfits.
The blue fumé dial, with its gentle horizontal lines and sunken luminescent markers, imparts a unique character, complemented by the squircle subdials that echo the case's shape. Perhaps it was the ambiance of my hotel, but the dial evoked the serene ripples of a swimming pool to me. I also admire the bezel's lone glowing marker at 12 o'clock and the eclectic mix of finishes on the case and bracelet. On the wrist, it leans a tad top-heavy, but comfort remains high: the included textile strap is decent and lightens the load considerably, though the bracelet itself is too exquisite to ignore. It balances the weight beautifully, with dazzling light reflections dancing across its polished central links.
Final reflections.
Let's be blunt: a major draw of the Mido Multifort TV is its uncanny resemblance to the Patek Philippe Nautilus – but at a fraction of the cost, and sans the infamous waitlists. Nautilus chronographs, particularly in steel, are practically mythical unicorns, and while most collectors aren't directly pitting Mido against Patek, the Multifort TV Chronograph delivers a visually comparable thrill. In this light, it's the quintessential travel companion – a role I tested it in firsthand. It exudes enough luxury to feel indulgent and aesthetically echoes pricier models, all while standing out with its own flair (though, fair warning, that distinctiveness might invite unwanted attention from pickpockets abroad).
My primary gripe isn't even inherent to the watch itself; it's those double-quick-release spring bars on the bracelet. Swapping to the strap was a frustrating ordeal due to their stubborn stiffness, and reattaching the bracelet proved equally annoying as the bar shifts sideways in the first link. Brands like Christopher Ward secure theirs with screws to prevent movement – Mido could adopt that or introduce a proper quick-release mechanism. Of course, this only becomes an issue if you're a strap-switcher; otherwise, it's a non-factor.
Mido Multifort TV Chronograph: Pricing and Where to Get It
The blue-dial Mido Multifort TV Chronograph is ready for purchase right now via the Time+Tide Shop, complete with bracelet and bonus textile strap. Price point: A$3,975.
Brand: Mido
Model: Multifort TV Chronograph
Reference: M049.527.11.041.00 (blue dial, as reviewed)
Case Size: 42mm diameter by 14.3mm thickness
Case Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 208 grams
Water Resistance: 100 meters, with screw-down crown
Crystal: Sapphire on both sides
Dial: Blue fumé
Lug Width: 23mm
Strap: Three-link steel bracelet with butterfly clasp, plus a blue textile strap with stainless steel pin buckle
Movement: Mido Calibre 60, based on ETA A05.H31, automatic
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Availability: In stock now at the Time+Tide Shop
Price: A$3,975
So, what's your take? Does reviving 1970s trends like TV dials feel like a smart evolution or a risky gamble on nostalgia? And here's a thought-provoking twist: Could affordable watches like this Multifort actually democratize access to 'luxury' aesthetics, or do they dilute the exclusivity that makes high-end pieces so coveted? I'd love to hear your opinions – agree, disagree, or share your own retro watch stories in the comments below!
