Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Review & Price | Lexor Miami
By the Lexor Miami Watch Team · Authorized Mido Dealer · Miami, FL
Some watches are built to blend in. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 was built to be noticed. With its cushion-shaped "TV" case, a grey PVD finish, a dial that looks like a vintage television test card, and an oversized date window at 12 o'clock, the second "episode" of Mido's TV series has quickly become one of the most talked-about Swiss automatics in its price range. If you have been searching for the Mido S01E02, the Mido TV S01E02, or simply the reference M049.526.33.081.01, this is the complete guide: specs, history, on-wrist impressions, comparisons with the S01E01 and the standard Multifort TV Big Date, price, and what you should know before you buy.
We are an authorized Mido dealer with a showroom in Miami, so this is not a spec sheet copied from a press release. It is the information our clients actually ask for when they come to the counter or message us on WhatsApp about this watch.
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Quick Answer: What Is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 (ref. M049.526.33.081.01) is a 2025 special edition Swiss automatic watch from Mido. It features a 39.2 x 40 mm TV-shaped stainless steel case with a uniform grey PVD coating, a grey dial with a multicolor "pixel" texture inspired by vintage television color bars, a big date display at 12 o'clock, and the Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron™ balance spring. It is water resistant to 100 meters (10 bar), ships on a grey PVD steel bracelet, and comes with two additional interchangeable rubber straps in blue and yellow. At Lexor Miami it is priced at $1,610 with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
Mido S01E02 Specifications at a Glance
| Brand | Mido (Switzerland) |
| Collection | Multifort TV Big Date |
| Model | S01E02 Special Edition |
| Reference | M049.526.33.081.01 (also written M0495263308101) |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Movement | Mido Caliber 80, Swiss automatic (base ETA C07.651) |
| Power reserve | Up to 80 hours |
| Balance spring | Nivachron™ (anti-magnetic, shock-resistant) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, big date at 12 o'clock |
| Case | Stainless steel with grey (anthracite) PVD coating, TV/cushion shape |
| Case size | 39.2 x 40 mm |
| Thickness | 11.5 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment |
| Caseback | Sapphire exhibition caseback |
| Crown | Screw-down |
| Water resistance | 100 m / 10 bar |
| Dial | Grey with multicolor "pixel" test-card texture, white Super-LumiNova® indices and hands, black minute flange |
| Bracelet | Grey PVD stainless steel, polished center links, folding clasp with push buttons |
| Extra straps | Blue rubber + yellow rubber (included) |
| Price at Lexor Miami | $1,610 |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer's warranty (authorized dealer) |
"Season 1, Episode 2": Why Mido Named This Watch Like a TV Show
The name is the first clue that Mido had fun with this one. "S01E02" is the way streaming platforms label episodes: Season 1, Episode 2. Mido launched the Multifort TV Big Date in 2023, and that same year it released a special colorful version called the S01E01, the first "episode." In 2025 the story continued with the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02, which keeps the TV-shaped case and the test-card dial concept but changes the mood completely with a grey PVD case and a grey, pixel-textured dial.
It is a clever piece of storytelling. A watch whose case is shaped like an old television, released in numbered "episodes," with a dial that references the color bars broadcasters used to calibrate TV screens. For collectors, the naming also creates something many modern watches lack: a sense of sequence. If you own the S01E01, the S01E02 is the natural next chapter. If you missed the first one, the second episode is a great place to start the series.
From a search perspective, this is also why you will see so many spellings online: mido s01e02, mido tv s01e02, multifort tv s01e02, mido multifort tv big date s01 e02. They all refer to the same watch: reference M049.526.33.081.01.
The History Behind the Mido TV Watch
To understand why the Mido TV watch resonates with so many collectors, it helps to know where the shape comes from. Mido was founded in 1918 in Switzerland and has built its identity around robust, practical automatic watches. Its Multifort collection is one of the oldest product families in Swiss watchmaking, dating back to 1934. The original Multifort was groundbreaking for its time, combining automatic winding, water resistance, shock resistance, and anti-magnetic protection in one watch, which is exactly what the name "multi-fort" (multi-strong) implies.
The TV-shaped case came later. Mido first used the almost-square, rounded-corner silhouette in 1973, at the height of the era when televisions had that exact screen shape. The brand returned to it in 1980 and again in 2000. Then, fifty years after the first TV-case Mido, the brand reintroduced the shape in 2023 as part of the Multifort line, adding a signature Mido complication: the big date at 12 o'clock.
What makes the modern version work is that it is not a museum replica. The proportions are contemporary, the movement is modern, and the finishing is far more refined than most 1970s cushion watches. The S01E02 takes that modern platform and pushes the retro TV concept as far as it goes visually, while keeping everything that makes the Multifort practical for daily wear.
Design Deep Dive: The Grey PVD TV Case
The biggest visual change from earlier TV Big Date models is the case finish. For the first time in this collection, Mido applied a uniform grey PVD coating to the entire stainless steel case. PVD (physical vapor deposition) bonds a thin, hard layer of color to the steel, so the finish is integrated into the surface rather than painted on. The result is a darker, more industrial look than polished steel, with a soft metallic sheen that changes with the light.
Mido did not simply make the case grey and flat. It alternates satin-brushed and polished surfaces, so the edges and facets catch light differently as you move your wrist. That contrast is important on a cushion case, because it gives the shape depth and keeps the grey from looking like a matte tool watch. The overall effect is somewhere between architectural and retro: a 1970s silhouette rendered in a very 2020s color.
The TV shape itself is the star. Unlike a round watch, a cushion case has more visual surface area on the wrist, which is why the 39.2 x 40 mm dimensions wear with more presence than the numbers suggest. At the same time, the rounded corners keep it comfortable, and the case sits close to the wrist at 11.5 mm thick. The screw-down crown adds security for water resistance and is easy to grip despite the compact case.
A Case That Works With a Bracelet and With Straps
One of the smartest design decisions on the S01E02 is the integrated look of the bracelet. The grey PVD steel bracelet flows directly from the case, with polished center links that echo the polished surfaces on the case. It closes with a folding clasp with push buttons, which is secure and easy to operate with one hand. Because the case is designed to accept straps as well, you can switch to the included blue or yellow rubber straps for a completely different look in a few minutes.
The Dial: A Vintage TV Test Card on Your Wrist
If the case says "television," the dial says "broadcast." The Mido S01E02 dial is grey with a multicolor, pixel-like texture that references the color bars and test patterns TV stations once displayed to calibrate screens. Look closely and you will see small embossed blocks of color across the surface, creating what some describe as a "pixel noise" effect. From a distance, it reads as a sophisticated grey with a subtle shimmer of color. Up close, it is one of the most playful and detailed dials Mido has ever made.
This is why the watch shows up in searches for a Mido test card dial watch, a Mido pixel dial watch, and a Mido TV watch with multicolor dial. It is not a loud rainbow dial. It is a grey dial with color hidden inside the texture, which makes it far more versatile than you might expect from a "fun" watch.
Several design details keep the dial legible and coherent:
- Big date at 12 o'clock in white numerals on black, framed in a rectangular window. It is one of the clearest date displays at this price point.
- Black minute flange with white markings, which frames the textured center and improves readability.
- Indices filled with white Super-LumiNova® and luminous hands, so the watch remains readable in low light.
- Integrated branding: the Mido and Multifort text is woven into the dial design rather than floating on top of it, which keeps the overall look clean.
The grey base is what makes this dial so wearable. It pairs naturally with the grey PVD case and bracelet for a tonal look, and it allows the blue and yellow rubber straps to pick up different colors from the dial texture. More on that below.
Inside: The Mido Caliber 80 Big Date Movement
Behind the TV "screen" beats the Mido Caliber 80, a Swiss self-winding movement based on the ETA C07.651. It is one of the best-regarded movements in the sub-$2,000 Swiss category, and it is a big reason the Multifort TV Big Date offers so much value.
80 Hours of Power Reserve
The headline feature is the 80-hour power reserve. Traditional automatic movements in this segment often run for around 38 to 42 hours once you take them off. With 80 hours, you can take the S01E02 off on Friday evening, wear something else all weekend, and pick it up on Monday morning still running. For anyone who rotates between several watches, this is one of the most practical features you can have.
Nivachron™ Balance Spring
The Caliber 80 uses a Nivachron™ balance spring, a titanium-based alloy developed within the Swatch Group in partnership with Audemars Piguet. Compared to traditional balance springs, Nivachron™ is significantly more resistant to magnetic fields and to temperature variations, and it also helps with shock resistance. In daily life that matters more than most people realize: laptops, phone cases with magnets, speakers, and bag clasps all emit magnetic fields that can affect timekeeping in a traditional movement. With Nivachron™, the S01E02 is better protected against those everyday disturbances, which is exactly in the spirit of the original "multi-strong" Multifort.
The Big Date Mechanism
The big date uses two separate rotating disks, one for the tens and one for the units, which is how Mido achieves such a large, readable date in a compact case. The date advances at midnight with a clean, satisfying jump. It is a Mido signature complication, and the Multifort TV collection was the first time it appeared in the Multifort family.
A Movement Worth Looking At
Turn the watch over and the sapphire exhibition caseback shows the movement and its oscillating weight, decorated with Côtes de Genève stripes and engraved with the Mido logo. It is the kind of detail that makes a mechanical watch feel special every time you take it off.
How the Mido S01E02 Wears on the Wrist
On paper, 39.2 x 40 mm sounds modest. On the wrist, the TV case wears larger and bolder than a round 40 mm watch, because the cushion shape fills more of the space between the lugs. The Multifort TV Big Date case measures about 46.7 mm lug to lug, which fits comfortably on most wrists between roughly 6.25 and 7.75 inches. Smaller wrists will find it a statement piece; larger wrists will find it perfectly balanced.
At 11.5 mm thick, it slides under a shirt cuff without much effort, especially on the rubber straps. On the grey PVD bracelet, the weight is noticeable in a good way, giving the watch a solid, well-built feel. The folding clasp keeps the bracelet secure, and the polished center links add a little dressiness when you want it.
The water resistance of 100 meters (10 bar) and screw-down crown mean the S01E02 is ready for real life: hand washing, rain, pool days, and swimming. It is not designed or marketed as a professional dive watch, so it does not have a rotating dive bezel, but for everyday water exposure it is fully capable. Here in Miami, that matters. Many of our clients want one watch that can go from the office to the beach to dinner, and this is a strong candidate.
Three Straps, Three Watches: How to Style the S01E02
Most watches come with one bracelet or strap. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 comes with three options in the box, which is a major part of its value and its personality.
1. Grey PVD Steel Bracelet: Tonal and Sophisticated
On the bracelet, the S01E02 is a monochrome grey watch with a hidden burst of color in the dial. This is the most versatile configuration. It works with suits, smart-casual outfits, grey or navy knitwear, and dark denim. If you only wear the watch one way, this is probably it. The tonal grey look is modern and slightly industrial, and the polished center links keep it from feeling too tool-like.
2. Blue Rubber Strap: Cool and Sporty
Switch to the blue rubber strap and the blue tones in the dial's color texture suddenly come forward. This is the configuration we recommend for travel, weekends, boat days, and summer in South Florida. The rubber is comfortable in heat and humidity, it handles water without worry, and the blue gives the grey case a fresh, nautical feel. The strap features a textured relief and closes with a PVD-coated pin buckle that matches the case.
3. Yellow Rubber Strap: Bold and Unmistakable
The yellow rubber strap is the most playful option and the one that gets the most comments. It pulls the warm tones out of the dial and turns the S01E02 into a true conversation piece. Pair it with white, grey, black, or denim for maximum contrast. It is the configuration that most directly celebrates the watch's TV and pop-culture roots.
The real benefit is that you are not buying one watch, you are buying three looks. For someone building a small collection, that flexibility can replace the need for a second or even third watch in the same price range.
Get All Three Looks: Shop the S01E02
Mido S01E01 vs S01E02: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and one of the most searched comparisons online. Both watches share the same platform: the TV-shaped case, the Caliber 80 movement, the big date, and 100 m of water resistance. The differences are in color, finish, edition status, and what comes in the box.
| Feature | S01E01 | S01E02 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | M049.526.11.081.01 | M049.526.33.081.01 |
| Release year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Case finish | Stainless steel | Stainless steel with grey PVD coating |
| Dial | Multicolor test-card inspired | Grey with multicolor pixel texture |
| Edition | Limited to 999 pieces | Special Edition (not numbered) |
| Movement | Caliber 80, 80 h | Caliber 80, 80 h |
| Case size | 39.2 x 40 mm, 11.5 mm | 39.2 x 40 mm, 11.5 mm |
| Extra straps | Varies by market | Blue and yellow rubber included |
| Overall mood | Bright, steel, pop | Darker, industrial, tonal with color accents |
Which one should you choose? The S01E01 was a 999-piece limited edition released in 2023, so today it is mostly found on the secondary market. The S01E02 is the current episode and is available new from authorized dealers with a full manufacturer's warranty. If you want a bright, steel watch and you are comfortable buying pre-owned, the S01E01 is a fun hunt. If you want a brand-new watch with warranty, a more versatile grey look, and three straps in the box, the S01E02 is the more practical choice. For many collectors, the ideal answer is both: they were designed as a series.
Mido S01E02 vs the Standard Multifort TV Big Date
Mido also offers the regular Multifort TV Big Date in several versions, including steel with blue, green, or grey dials on bracelets or rubber, a titanium version, and rose-gold PVD versions. So why pay for the S01E02 instead of a standard model?
- The dial. Standard models use gradient or sunburst dials. Only the special editions use the TV test-card concept, which is the most distinctive and collectible design in the family.
- The case finish. The uniform grey PVD case is unique to the S01E02 within the TV Big Date line.
- The package. The S01E02 includes a bracelet plus two rubber straps and a special presentation box. With a standard model, additional straps are an extra purchase.
- The story. As an "episode" in a numbered series, the S01E02 has a narrative and collectible appeal that the core models do not.
Mechanically, they are the same watch: same Caliber 80, same 80-hour power reserve, same big date, same 100 m water resistance. If you want the TV case in its cleanest, most classic form, a standard Multifort TV Big Date is excellent. If you want the version with the most personality and the most included value, the S01E02 is the one. You can compare the current options in our Mido watches collection.
How the S01E02 Compares to Other Swiss Automatics in Its Range
At around $1,600, the S01E02 competes with some excellent Swiss automatics. Here is how it stacks up against two watches our clients frequently consider alongside it.
Mido S01E02 vs Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is one of the most popular integrated-bracelet watches in the world, and it shares a lot of DNA with the Mido: both use 80-hour Swatch Group movements with Nivachron™ balance springs, both offer 100 m of water resistance, and both have strong 1970s design roots. The PRX is round with a tonneau-style case and comes in at a lower price. The Mido S01E02 offers a more unusual TV-shaped case, a big date complication the PRX does not have, a much more distinctive dial, and three straps in the box. If you want the classic, widely recognized integrated look, the PRX is a great choice. If you want something your friends will not already own, the S01E02 stands out more.
Mido S01E02 vs Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is a hand-wound military-inspired watch that also offers an 80-hour power reserve. It is a simpler, more classic tool watch, usually on a leather or textile strap, with lower water resistance. The S01E02 is automatic, more water resistant, adds a big date, and has a far more design-driven personality. They appeal to different buyers: the Khaki Field is about understated heritage, the Mido TV is about bold design with serious mechanics underneath.
Across this segment, very few watches combine an unusual case shape, an in-house-branded Swiss automatic with 80 hours of reserve, an anti-magnetic balance spring, a big date, sapphire on both sides, 100 m water resistance, and three straps. That combination is what makes the S01E02 such a strong value. Browse more options in our full watches collection.
Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Price
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 price at Lexor Miami is $1,610. That price includes:
- The watch on its grey PVD stainless steel bracelet
- A blue rubber strap and a yellow rubber strap
- Mido's special presentation box
- A 2-year manufacturer's warranty through an authorized Mido dealer
- Free shipping within the 48 contiguous U.S. states (orders of $150 or more)
Is it worth the money? Consider what you would pay to assemble the same package with a standard model: the watch itself, plus two quality rubber straps sold separately. The S01E02 bundles everything together with a more exclusive design, so on a value-per-dollar basis it is one of the strongest offers in the Mido catalog.
A word of caution about prices you may see online. Because the S01E02 is popular, you will find listings from gray-market sellers and marketplaces at very different prices, sometimes far above retail. When you buy from a gray-market source, the watch typically does not carry Mido's manufacturer warranty, and you have less certainty about authenticity and condition. Buying from an authorized Mido dealer ensures the watch is brand new, 100% authentic, and fully covered.
Is the Mido S01E02 a Limited Edition?
This is an important point because you will see conflicting information online. Some retailers describe the S01E02 as a "limited edition." Mido officially presents it as a Special Edition, and it is not individually numbered or limited to a specific quantity the way the S01E01 (999 pieces) was.
That said, special editions are produced in smaller quantities than core models and are not permanent catalog pieces, so availability can be limited, and once dealers sell through their allocation, it can be difficult to find new. If you have been thinking about it, we recommend checking current stock on the product page or contacting our team before it is gone.
Who Should Buy the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?
We believe in honest recommendations, so here is who we think will love this watch, and who might be happier with something else.
The S01E02 is a great fit if you:
- Want a Swiss automatic that does not look like everyone else's. The TV case and test-card dial are instantly recognizable and rarely seen.
- Appreciate retro and 1970s design but want modern reliability, sapphire crystal, and a long power reserve.
- Rotate between several watches. The 80-hour power reserve means it will still be running after a weekend in the watch box.
- Like versatility. Three straps let you wear it formal, sporty, or bold.
- Are building a collection and want a design-led piece that complements a dive watch or dress watch.
- Are looking for a gift that feels personal and special. The presentation box and extra straps make it a memorable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations.
You might prefer another watch if you:
- Want a minimalist or very classic dress watch. A round, clean-dial watch such as Mido's Baroncelli line may suit you better.
- Need a dedicated dive watch. For serious diving, a watch with a rotating bezel and higher water resistance, like the Mido Ocean Star, is the right tool.
- Have very small wrists and prefer a discreet profile. The TV case has real wrist presence.
Owning and Caring for Your Mido S01E02
Winding and Setting
As an automatic watch, the S01E02 winds itself as you wear it. If it has stopped, unscrew the crown, give it 20 to 30 turns to build up an initial reserve, then pull it out to set the date and time. As with any mechanical date watch, avoid setting the date manually between roughly 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., when the date mechanism is engaged. Always screw the crown back down fully before getting the watch wet.
Swapping Straps
Changing from the bracelet to the rubber straps is straightforward, and many owners do it at home. If you prefer, our team in the Miami showroom can show you how or make the change for you when you pick up your watch.
Water and Daily Use
With 100 m of water resistance, the S01E02 handles swimming and everyday water exposure. After swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool, rinse it with fresh water, especially the rubber straps and the bracelet clasp. Avoid hot tubs and saunas, as heat can stress gaskets on any watch.
Magnetism and Servicing
Thanks to the Nivachron™ balance spring, the Caliber 80 is much more resistant to everyday magnetic fields than older movements. Like any mechanical watch, it benefits from periodic servicing. A good rule of thumb is to have the water resistance checked every few years, especially if you swim with it often.
Why Buy the Mido S01E02 From Lexor Miami
Lexor Miami is an authorized Mido dealer, listed on Mido's official U.S. store locator, with a showroom at 2371 NW 20th St in Miami, Florida. When you buy the Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 from us, you get:
- 100% authentic, brand-new watches sourced directly through official channels
- 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping on orders of $150 or more within the 48 contiguous U.S. states
- 30-day returns on unworn items in original condition and packaging, with a prepaid return label
- Real people to talk to: chat, WhatsApp, phone, or email with our watch specialists before you buy
- A showroom you can visit Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free parking and on-site security
- More than 20 years of experience and thousands of five-star Google reviews
If you are in South Florida, we encourage you to come see the S01E02 in person and try all three strap configurations on your wrist. If you are anywhere else in the continental U.S., our team can answer questions, send additional photos, and help you decide before you order. Learn more about Lexor Miami.
Buy from an Authorized Mido Dealer
Final Verdict: Is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Worth It?
Yes, for the right buyer, it is one of the most compelling Swiss watches you can buy under $2,000. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 combines a cult-classic case shape with genuinely modern mechanics: an 80-hour automatic movement, an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ balance spring, a big date, sapphire on both sides, a screw-down crown, and 100 m of water resistance. On top of that, it gives you one of the most creative dials in the segment and three ways to wear it straight out of the box.
It is a watch with a sense of humor, but not a gimmick. The grey PVD case and tonal dial make it far more versatile than its TV theme suggests, and the strap options let it move easily between the office, the weekend, and the beach. If you have been looking for a watch with personality, value, and real collectible appeal, the second episode of Mido's TV series deserves a spot on your wrist.
Shop the Watch
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Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 Swiss automatic Caliber 80 · 80-hour power reserve · Big date · Grey PVD 39.2 x 40 mm TV case · 100 m · Bracelet + blue and yellow rubber straps $1,610 · 2-year warranty · Free U.S. shipping |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mido S01E02
What is the reference number of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?
The reference number is M049.526.33.081.01, also written as M0495263308101.
How much does the Mido S01E02 cost?
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 is priced at $1,610 at Lexor Miami, including the bracelet, two extra rubber straps, the presentation box, and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
What movement does the Mido S01E02 use?
It uses the Mido Caliber 80, a Swiss automatic movement based on the ETA C07.651, with up to 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron™ balance spring for improved resistance to magnetism and temperature changes.
What is the case size of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02?
The TV-shaped case measures 39.2 x 40 mm and 11.5 mm thick, with approximately 46.7 mm lug to lug. It wears with more presence than a round 40 mm watch because of its cushion shape.
Is the Mido S01E02 a limited edition?
No. Mido presents the S01E02 as a Special Edition, not a numbered limited edition. The earlier S01E01 (M049.526.11.081.01) was limited to 999 pieces. Special editions are produced in smaller quantities than core models, so stock can still be limited.
What is the difference between the Mido S01E01 and S01E02?
Both share the TV case, Caliber 80, and big date. The S01E01 (2023) has a steel case and a multicolor dial and was limited to 999 pieces. The S01E02 (2025) has a grey PVD-coated case, a grey dial with multicolor pixel texture, and comes with blue and yellow rubber straps in addition to the bracelet.
Is the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 waterproof?
It is water resistant to 100 meters (10 bar) with a screw-down crown, suitable for swimming and everyday water exposure. It is not marketed as a professional dive watch.
What straps come with the Mido S01E02?
It comes on a grey PVD stainless steel bracelet with a folding push-button clasp, plus two interchangeable rubber straps, one blue and one yellow, each with a PVD pin buckle.
Does the Mido S01E02 have a sapphire crystal?
Yes. It has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal on the front and a sapphire exhibition caseback that shows the Caliber 80 movement and its decorated rotor.
Where can I buy the Mido Multifort TV Big Date S01E02 in Miami?
You can buy it at Lexor Miami, an authorized Mido dealer located at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142, or online with free shipping within the 48 contiguous U.S. states.
Looking for more watch guides? Visit the Lexor Miami blog for reviews and buying guides on Mido, Tissot, Seiko, Hamilton, and more.
