Mido Multifort Watch TV Big Date S01E02 M0495263308101 Miami

Swiss Made automatic · Caliber 80 with 80-hour power reserve · Anthracite PVD TV-shaped case · Big Date at 12 o'clock · Two bonus rubber straps · $1,610 at Lexor Miami, an Authorized Mido Dealer

A television screen on your wrist. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 is the second "episode" of Mido's cult TV-watch series, and it turns the bold color bars of a vintage broadcast test card into a dial you can wear every day. Behind that playful face sits serious Swiss engineering: an 80-hour automatic movement, a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal and 100 meters of water resistance.

• Reference: M049.526.33.081.01 (also listed as M0495263308101)
• Price at Lexor Miami: $1,610 with free shipping in the 48 contiguous US states
• Warranty: Official Mido 2-year international manufacturer warranty
• Status: Special Edition, limited stock

Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 at a Glance

What is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02? It is a Swiss Made automatic special-edition watch (ref. M049.526.33.081.01) released by Mido in November 2025. It has a 40 x 39.2 mm TV-shaped stainless steel case with anthracite PVD coating, a dial embossed with vintage television color bars, a big date display at 12 o'clock, the Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve, sapphire crystal, 100 m water resistance, a 22 mm integrated hex-link bracelet and two extra rubber straps in yellow and blue. In the United States it retails for $1,610.

Introduction: Why the Mido TV Big Date S01E02 Is Turning Heads

Most watches in the $1,000 to $2,000 range play it safe. They are round, silver or black, and designed not to offend anyone. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 does the opposite. It borrows its silhouette from the cushion-shaped cathode-ray screens of the 1970s and 1980s, then fills that screen with the rainbow of color bars broadcasters once used to calibrate their signal. It is fun, it is nostalgic, and it is instantly recognizable from across a room.

What keeps it from being a novelty is what Mido put underneath. This is a genuine Swiss automatic watch with one of the most respected movements in its price class, the Caliber 80. It winds itself as you move, runs for more than three days off the wrist, and uses a Nivachron balance spring that resists magnetism from phones, laptops and speakers. The case is built like a sports watch, with a screw-down crown and 10 bar of water resistance, so you can wear it at the pool in Miami Beach or on a boat in the Keys without a second thought.

Mido called this release "Season 1, Episode 2" because it follows the first TV Big Date special edition. When the brand announced it, Mido described the S01E02 as already a collector's item: a special edition aimed at enthusiasts of fine Swiss mechanics who also want a watch with personality. That combination of design story and mechanical substance is exactly why the S01E02 has become one of the most talked-about Mido releases of the past year.

At Lexor Miami, we carry the S01E02 as an authorized Mido dealer, which means your watch arrives brand new, with its complete box, papers and official Mido warranty. In this guide we cover everything a US buyer needs before purchasing: the history behind the TV case, the full specifications, how it wears, who it suits, how it compares with other Multifort TV models, and why buying from an authorized retailer matters.

Mido Brand History: From 1918 to the Multifort TV

A Swiss Watchmaker Inspired by Architecture

Mido was founded in 1918 by Georges Schaeren, and the name comes from the Spanish phrase "yo mido," meaning "I measure." From the start, the brand focused on practical innovation rather than ornament. In the 1920s Mido became known for colorful, shaped watches, including famous radiator-grille designs inspired by the automobile brands of the era. Today Mido is part of the Swatch Group and is headquartered in Le Locle, in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region. Its modern motto, "Inspired by Architecture," links every collection to an iconic structure. Explore the full lineup in our Mido watches collection.

The Multifort: A Tough Watch Since 1934

The Multifort collection launched in 1934 and was one of the earliest watches designed to handle real life. Mido engineered it to combine features that were unusual at the time: automatic winding, shock resistance, anti-magnetic protection and water resistance, the latter helped by Mido's Aquadura crown seal made from natural cork. The architectural inspiration Mido assigns to the Multifort is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a structure famous for its strength and steel-arch engineering. That idea of robust, industrial design still defines the collection.

Where the TV Case Comes From

The TV-shaped case is not a new invention. Mido used cushion-style "television" cases on models in the 1970s, including the Multi Star line, and again in the 1980s Commander line. A later version in 2000 became a favorite among collectors. The modern Multifort TV Big Date revived that shape with a contemporary case, a big date complication and the Caliber 80 movement. The S01E01 special edition kicked off the "series," and the S01E02 you see here is its second episode, released on November 12, 2025.

Why Mido Matters for US Collectors

Mido occupies a sweet spot that American buyers increasingly look for: real Swiss mechanical movements, honest pricing, and design that feels different from the mainstream. Where some Swiss brands charge a premium for the logo alone, Mido puts its budget into movement specifications like the 80-hour power reserve and anti-magnetic balance springs. It is a favorite among enthusiasts who want substance and individuality without paying four or five times more.

Key Features of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02

• Test-card color-bar dial: An embossed dial that reproduces the "pixel noise" color bars seen on vintage television screens, framed by a grey border with recessed indexes.
• Big Date at 12 o'clock: A large, two-disc date display that is far easier to read than a standard small date window.
• Anthracite PVD TV-shaped case: A 40 x 39.2 mm stainless steel case with a grey PVD coating for a modern, stealthy look.
• Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement: Swiss self-winding movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve.
• Nivachron balance spring: Improves resistance to magnetic fields, shocks and temperature changes for more stable timekeeping.
• Sapphire crystal: Highly scratch-resistant crystal over the dial, plus a display case back so you can watch the movement work.
• Screw-down crown and 100 m water resistance: Ready for swimming, showering and boating.
• 22 mm integrated hex-link bracelet: Multi-finished links in matching anthracite PVD with a bi-fold clasp.
• Quick-release system: Change straps in seconds without tools.
• Two bonus rubber straps: Yellow and blue straps included in the box to change the look instantly.
• Luminous hands and indexes: For legibility in low light.

Benefits: What the S01E02 Actually Does for You

A Weekend-Proof 80-Hour Power Reserve

Many automatic watches stop after about 40 hours off the wrist. Take one off on Friday evening and it is dead by Sunday morning. The Caliber 80 keeps running for up to 80 hours, so you can leave the S01E02 on your dresser all weekend and pick it up on Monday still ticking with the correct time and date. For anyone who rotates between two or three watches, that is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

Accuracy That Survives Modern Life

Magnetism is the silent enemy of mechanical watches. Phone speakers, laptop lids, magnetic bag clasps and car audio systems can magnetize a traditional steel hairspring and make a watch run fast. The Nivachron balance spring in the S01E02 is made from a titanium-based alloy that is far less sensitive to magnetic fields, so your watch keeps better time in the environments where Americans actually spend their day.

One Watch, Three Looks

With the PVD bracelet, the S01E02 reads as urban and sophisticated. Swap in the blue rubber strap and it becomes a beach and pool watch. Put on the yellow strap and it is a statement piece for concerts, festivals and weekend brunch. Because the quick-release spring bars need no tools, you can change the whole personality of the watch in under a minute. You are essentially getting three watches for the price of one.

Legibility at a Glance

The big date at 12 o'clock is not just a design flourish. The oversized numerals are easy to read without squinting, which is helpful when you are signing documents, checking deadlines or scheduling meetings. Combined with luminous hands and indexes, the S01E02 is as practical as it is fun.

Built for Florida Weather

Heat, humidity, salt air and chlorinated pools are tough on watches. A screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, PVD-coated 316L steel and 100 m water resistance mean the S01E02 is comfortable in the Miami climate year-round. Rinse it with fresh water after the ocean and it is ready for the next day.

Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Specifications

Materials: Built to Last

316L Stainless Steel with Anthracite PVD

The case and bracelet start as 316L stainless steel, the corrosion-resistant alloy used across Swiss watchmaking. Mido then applies a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating in an anthracite grey tone. PVD bonds a thin, hard layer to the steel at the molecular level, giving the watch its dark, modern color without paint. The grey tone is darker and more contemporary than raw steel, but softer and more versatile than full black, which helps the colorful dial pop.

Sapphire Crystal

Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness, which means everyday bumps against door frames, desks and keys are very unlikely to scratch it. A display case back lets you see the rotor and finishing of the Caliber 80 whenever you take the watch off.

Hex-Link Bracelet

The 22 mm bracelet is integrated into the case, so the metal flows from the TV-shaped case into the links without a visual gap. Mido uses a mix of finishes: satin-brushed top surfaces, polished middle links and refined sides. The result catches light differently as your wrist moves. A bi-fold clasp keeps the line clean and secure.

Rubber Straps

The two included rubber straps, in yellow and blue, are ideal for sport, water and hot weather. Rubber does not absorb sweat the way leather does and dries quickly after a swim, which makes it a smart companion for South Florida summers.

Design: A Vintage Test Card Reimagined

The Color-Bar Dial

Anyone who grew up with analog television will remember the vertical bars of white, yellow, cyan, green, magenta, red and blue that appeared when a station was off the air. Mido took that image, sometimes called "pixel noise" or a test card, and embossed it onto the dial. The color bars sit inside a grey frame that works like the bezel of an old TV set, with recessed indexes marking the hours. It is a clever piece of design: playful enough to start conversations, disciplined enough to read the time instantly.

The TV-Shaped Case

The cushion-shaped case with rounded corners echoes the curved glass of a cathode-ray screen. At 40 x 39.2 mm it is nearly square, so it wears larger than a 40 mm round watch visually, yet the 11.5 mm thickness keeps it slim enough to slide under a shirt cuff. The integrated bracelet and short lug-to-lug proportions help it sit flat on the wrist.

Big Date Placement

Placing the big date at 12 o'clock is both functional and symmetrical. It sits where the eye naturally lands, balances the case shape, and reinforces the "screen" concept, almost like a channel number at the top of a TV.

Anthracite as the Frame

The grey PVD finish acts like a picture frame for the dial. A polished steel case might compete with the color bars; the anthracite tone lets them take center stage while keeping the watch versatile enough for a business-casual office.

Technology: Inside the Mido Caliber 80

What Makes the Caliber 80 Special

The Caliber 80 is Mido's version of a Swiss automatic movement developed within the Swatch Group, based on the ETA C07 architecture. In this big date configuration it is based on the ETA C07.651. Engineers lowered the beat rate and optimized the mainspring and escapement to stretch the power reserve to up to 80 hours, nearly double that of many traditional automatic calibers. It has 25 jewels and winds automatically through a rotor you can watch through the display back.

The Nivachron Balance Spring

The balance spring, or hairspring, is the heart of a mechanical watch's accuracy. Traditional springs are steel-based and can be affected by magnetism, temperature and shocks. Nivachron is a titanium-based alloy developed within the Swatch Group together with Audemars Piguet. It greatly reduces the influence of magnetic fields and improves resistance to temperature variation and shocks, so the S01E02 keeps more consistent time in daily life.

The Big Date Mechanism

A big date uses two separate discs, one for the tens and one for the units, instead of a single small disc with 31 numbers. That lets each numeral be printed much larger. It is a more complex mechanism than a standard date, and it is one of the reasons the Multifort TV Big Date line stands out in its price range.

Screw-Down Crown and Water Resistance

The crown screws down against a gasket to seal the case, which is how the watch achieves 10 bar (100 meters) of water resistance. Always make sure the crown is fully screwed in before swimming, and avoid operating it underwater.

Who Should Buy the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?

The Design-Driven Collector

If your watch box is full of round black and silver dials, the S01E02 adds something none of them offer: a strong visual story. It is the kind of watch other enthusiasts recognize immediately, and special editions like this tend to be remembered long after regular-production models fade.

The First Swiss Automatic Buyer

For a first "serious" watch, the S01E02 offers a genuine Swiss automatic movement, sapphire crystal, 100 m water resistance and an 80-hour reserve at a price that stays accessible. It is also practical enough to be your only watch.

Creatives and Professionals in Creative Industries

Designers, photographers, musicians, marketers, architects and anyone working in media or entertainment will appreciate a watch built around a television test card. It suits relaxed dress codes and makes a quiet statement about taste.

Gen X and Millennial Buyers Who Love Retro

If you remember late-night static, tube TVs and the colors of the test pattern, this watch speaks your language. It turns nostalgia into something wearable without feeling like a costume.

Gift Buyers

For birthdays, graduations, promotions and anniversaries, the S01E02 is a memorable gift. The two extra straps add a sense of occasion when the box is opened, and the official Mido warranty offers peace of mind.

Who Might Prefer Another Model

If you need a very dressy watch for black-tie events, a classic round model such as the Mido Baroncelli may suit you better. If you want a pure dive watch with a rotating bezel, look at the Mido Ocean Star range. Both are available in our Mido collection.

Why Buy the Mido TV Big Date S01E02 at Lexor Miami?

Where you buy a Swiss watch matters as much as which watch you buy. Lexor Miami is listed on Mido's official store locator as an authorized Mido dealer in Miami, Florida. Here is what that means for you:

• 100% authentic, brand-new watches sourced through official Mido distribution, never gray-market.
• Official 2-year Mido international warranty, activated with a stamped warranty card from an authorized point of sale.
• Free shipping on this watch to the 48 contiguous United States.
• 30-day returns on unused merchandise in original condition, with a prepaid return label once your return is authorized.
• Expert advice by WhatsApp, phone or email before and after your purchase.
• Visit our Miami showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142, open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with free parking and on-site security.
• Trusted by thousands: more than 3,100 five-star Google reviews and over 20 years of experience in luxury retail.
• Secure checkout with Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and all major credit cards.

Buying from an unauthorized seller can save a few dollars upfront, but you may lose the manufacturer's warranty, receive a watch with missing papers, or end up with a used or refurbished piece. With a special edition like the S01E02, where the complete box with both extra straps is part of the value, buying authorized protects your investment. Learn more about Lexor Miami or read our shopping FAQs.

Mido TV Big Date S01E02 vs. Similar Models

Deciding between Multifort models? Here is how the S01E02 compares with other Mido watches available at Lexor Miami.

S01E02 vs. the Regular Multifort TV Big Date

For about $20 more than the regular-production TV Big Date, the S01E02 gives you a special-edition dial and two extra rubber straps. If you like the TV case but want the most distinctive version, the S01E02 is the stronger value.

S01E02 vs. the TV Big Date Titanium

The Titanium version is the choice if weight is your priority; titanium is noticeably lighter on the wrist. The S01E02 is the choice if design and versatility matter more.

S01E02 vs. the Multifort TV Chronograph

The TV Chronograph adds a timing complication but costs almost twice as much. For daily wear, most buyers find the big date more useful than a stopwatch.

Also consider the smaller Multifort TV 35 for smaller wrists, or the quartz Multifort TV 28 for an elegant, low-maintenance option.

Luxury Lifestyle: Wearing the S01E02 in Real Life

Miami Days, Anywhere in the USA

Picture a morning coffee in Wynwood surrounded by street art, a lunch meeting in Brickell, and a sunset on South Beach. The S01E02 fits every scene. The color-bar dial echoes the murals, the anthracite case works with a linen shirt or a blazer, and the rubber straps are made for the water. The same is true in Los Angeles, Austin, Brooklyn or Chicago: this is a watch for people who enjoy style and don't take themselves too seriously.

How to Style It

• Business casual: Keep the PVD bracelet on with a navy blazer, white shirt and dark denim or chinos.
• Weekend: Switch to the blue rubber strap with a polo, shorts and loafers or boat shoes.
• Night out: The yellow strap with an all-black outfit makes the watch the focal point.
• Travel: Pack both straps; the 80-hour reserve means the watch keeps running between flights.

Complete the Look

A statement watch pairs naturally with great eyewear. Browse our designer sunglasses or add a signature fragrance from our luxury perfume collection. If you are planning a shopping day in the city, our luxury shopping in Miami guide is a good place to start.

Care Tips for Your Mido Multifort TV Big Date

• Rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt water or chlorine, with the crown fully screwed down.
• Avoid setting the date between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM, when the date-change mechanism is engaged, as a general precaution for mechanical calendar watches.
• If the watch has stopped, wind it with 20 to 30 turns of the crown before wearing it.
• Clean the rubber straps with mild soap and water; clean the bracelet with a soft brush.
• Have the water resistance checked periodically and follow Mido's service recommendations for the movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 cost in the US?

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 (M049.526.33.081.01) is priced at $1,610 at Lexor Miami, with free shipping to the 48 contiguous states.

Is the Mido TV Big Date S01E02 a limited edition?

Mido classifies the S01E02 as a special edition, the second episode of the Multifort TV Big Date series. Special editions are produced for a limited period, so availability can be restricted; stock at Lexor Miami is limited.

What size is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?

The case measures 40 x 39.2 mm and is 11.5 mm thick, with a 22 mm bracelet width. Thanks to its cushion shape it has good wrist presence while staying comfortable.

What movement is in the S01E02?

It uses the Mido Caliber 80, a Swiss automatic movement based on the ETA C07.651, with 25 jewels, a Nivachron balance spring and up to 80 hours of power reserve.

Is the Mido TV Big Date S01E02 waterproof?

It is water resistant to 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet) with a screw-down crown, suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not for scuba diving.

What comes in the box?

The watch on its anthracite PVD hex-link bracelet, two additional rubber straps in yellow and blue, and the official Mido warranty documentation.

Can I change the straps myself?

Yes. The S01E02 uses quick-release spring bars, so you can switch between the bracelet and the rubber straps without tools.

What is the difference between S01E01 and S01E02?

S01E01 was the first TV Big Date special edition. S01E02 is the second, with an updated television test-card dial design featuring embossed color bars and a grey border with recessed indexes.

Is the Mido S01E02 good for everyday wear?

Yes. Sapphire crystal, a PVD-coated steel case, 100 m water resistance, a screw-down crown, an anti-magnetic balance spring and an 80-hour reserve make it a durable daily watch.

Does it come with a warranty?

Yes. As an authorized Mido dealer, Lexor Miami includes the official 2-year Mido international warranty.

Can I see the watch in person?

Yes. Visit our showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. We recommend contacting us first to confirm stock.

Is Mido a good watch brand?

Mido is a Swiss brand founded in 1918 and part of the Swatch Group. It is highly regarded for strong movement specifications, such as the 80-hour Caliber 80, at accessible prices.

Own the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Today

Special editions don't wait. The S01E02 combines a one-of-a-kind television test-card dial, an 80-hour Swiss automatic movement, an anthracite PVD TV-shaped case and two bonus straps in a single package, and our stock is limited. Order online for free US shipping or reach our team on WhatsApp at +1 786-333-1331 with any questions.

Conclusion: Is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Worth It?

For buyers who want more than another round sports watch, yes. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 delivers the core qualities that matter in a Swiss automatic: a long 80-hour power reserve, anti-magnetic Nivachron technology, sapphire crystal and real water resistance. On top of that, it offers something few competitors can match at $1,610: a genuine design story rooted in Mido's own history of TV-shaped cases, and a special-edition package that includes three ways to wear it.

It is fun without being frivolous, retro without being dated, and practical enough to wear every day. Whether it becomes your first Swiss watch or the most colorful piece in your collection, the S01E02 is a watch that rewards you every time you look at your wrist.

Buy it with confidence from Lexor Miami, an authorized Mido dealer with more than 20 years in luxury retail. Explore more luxury watches, our limited edition watches, the latest new arrivals, or dive into more buying guides on the Lexor Miami blog.