The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

A few months ago, I resold almost instantly the black dial/orange rubber strap version of this Mido. It was missing something... I hadn't solved this mystery at the time. In fact, it was missing a bit of fun, I realized this when I received today from Pithiviers (😜) this magnificent version whose black/blue gradient dial leaves me speechless. With its orange indexes and hands and its dial with changing moods depending on the light and reading angle, this version of the Big Date perfectly meets my expectations, namely a modern and versatile watch (waterproof to 100m, 80h power reserve) that I never tire of looking at. The sale price of €1350 is reasonable considering the elements presented in the previous sentences and also a Big Date complication that is extremely rare to find in this price segment.

Magic dial & complication!

Mido is a Swiss watch brand founded in 1918 in Biel/Bienne by Georges G. Schaeren; now part of Swatch Group and based in Le Locle, it built a reputation on practical, durable watchmaking (water-resistance, shock and magnetic protection) established as early as the interwar years, then on staple lines&mdash;Multifort, Commander, Ocean Star and Baroncelli&mdash;that still anchor the contemporary range.
<h3>Multifort 1934, Aquadura 1930: tool-watch thinking before it had a name</h3>
In the 1930s Mido developed a treated-cork crown-stem seal&mdash;later dubbed Aquadura&mdash;that protected the winding system, a rare solution at the time aimed at un-fussy daily use, and this practical innovation became a cornerstone of the brand&rsquo;s toughness narrative.
In 1934 the Multifort line brought together automatic winding, water-resistance, shock protection and anti-magnetism in a single watch, placing Mido on a pragmatic, use-first path, and this &ldquo;all-terrain&rdquo; synthesis became the company&rsquo;s best-seller from the 1930s into the 1950s.&nbsp;Independent American testing in the 1930s further underpinned this stance, with communications that favoured proof in use over hyperbole, and that culture of trial and endurance still colours how the Multifort name is read today.
<h3>Commander 1959, Ocean Star and monocoque construction</h3>
Launched in 1959, the Mido Commander features a monocoque case with an integrated Milanese bracelet and period logo, a set of hallmarks for a model produced without interruption since inception, and this unusual continuity makes it a quiet Swiss staple.
In the same spirit of simple robustness, the Ocean Star family&mdash;whose historic pieces leverage one-piece cases and in-house sealing&mdash;anchors Mido&rsquo;s maritime identity, and the brand updates that chapter today with divers rated up to 600 m and GMT variants.&nbsp;
The modern Ocean Star 600 Chronometer adds a helium valve, technical bezel and, depending on versions, chronometer certification, showing the historic DNA translated into credible specifications, and this coherence strengthens the range&rsquo;s appeal for frequent waterside wear.&nbsp;
<h3>Baroncelli and &ldquo;Inspired by Architecture&rdquo;: classicism and emblematic places</h3>
Since 2002 Mido has embraced an explicit architecture link&mdash;kicked off by the All Dial line inspired by Rome&rsquo;s Colosseum&mdash;that guides design beyond mere d&eacute;cor, and this approach has spawned anniversary series across several core families.
The Mido Baroncelli, introduced in 1976, embodies the brand&rsquo;s dress side, with editions that dialog with the Rennes Opera House among other cues, and these balanced proportions pair well with modern movements for everyday formality.
The &ldquo;architecture&rdquo; thread also reads as a language of calm lines, understated dials and contained volumes echoed by Commander, All Dial, Multifort and Ocean Star, and this disciplined drawing avoids short-lived trends in favour of a readable identity
<h3>Modern mechanics: Caliber 80, silicon and chronometer certification</h3>
At the core of recent collections, Caliber 80 delivers roughly 80 hours of power reserve and, in its Chronometer Silicon guise, a silicon balance spring with anti-magnetic properties, with COSC-certified variants by model, and the result signals a clear focus on stability and accuracy in use.
This architecture serves both sport and dress lines (Ocean Star, Multifort, Baroncelli, Commander), with water-resistance and regulation tuned to each scenario, and the net effect is a more legible line-up for buyers cross-shopping families.
Select references add useful complications&mdash;local-jumping GMT, chronometer timing, decompression bezel&mdash;without bloat, and this functional restraint stays true to Mido&rsquo;s historic tool-watch culture.
<h3>Today&rsquo;s families and quick orientation</h3>
To navigate the catalogue, start with each lineage&rsquo;s signature and two or three concrete use points, and the short list below gathers distinctive landmarks for an efficient first pass.
<ul>
<li>Mido Multifort &mdash; heir to the 1934 &ldquo;all-terrain&rdquo; watch; versatile sport, shock/magnetic resistance, long-reserve automatics (Caliber 80).</li>
<li>Mido Commander 1959 &mdash; monocoque case, integrated Milanese bracelet, unbroken production since 1959; readable, relaxed-dress.</li>
<li>Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer &mdash; 600 m, helium valve, serious dive spec; intensive water/sport use.</li>
<li>Mido Ocean Star GMT &mdash; Caliber 80 C07.661 with local-jump hour, 80 h, clear 24-hour read; travel and multi-time work.</li>
<li>Mido Baroncelli Chronometer Silicon &mdash; classic dress, silicon balance, COSC variants and extended warranty; office and formal wear.</li>
<li>Mido All Dial &mdash; born 2002, Colosseum-inspired; layered &ldquo;bezel-less&rdquo; dial architecture with a distinct stance.</li>
<li>Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 &mdash; reissue of a historic rainbow decompression dial; leisure diving and heritage.</li>
</ul>
This overview doesn&rsquo;t exhaust the range, but it lets you oppose &ldquo;water-sport,&rdquo; &ldquo;urban-sport,&rdquo; and &ldquo;dress&rdquo; at a glance, and this framework helps you prioritise criteria before trying pieces on.
<h3>Positioning, indicative prices and distribution</h3>
Mido sits in Swatch Group&rsquo;s Swiss mid-core, with public prices that, depending on family and market, roughly span &euro;800 to &euro;1,600 (e.g., Commander 1959 around $860 in the U.S.; Ocean Star GMT listed between ~CHF 1,190 and ~CHF 1,400), and this middle ground targets serious, durable watches without prestige bloat.
Distribution blends the official e-shop, authorised retailers and the group&rsquo;s global network, alongside structured after-sales and long-term parts support, and this footprint reassures buyers about maintenance well into the second decade.&nbsp;Annual production volumes are not disclosed, but the depth of the line and worldwide presence imply steady output paced by launches, and the addressable audience spans first-time buyers and seasoned wearers alike.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Mido suits those after durable, legible, properly engineered watches, with clearly drawn families and pertinent tech choices (historic Aquadura, monocoque cases, Caliber 80, silicon balances). Identify your dominant use to oppose Ocean Star (water/travel), Multifort/Commander (urban-sport) and Baroncelli (dress), then tune size and strap. The brand&rsquo;s &ldquo;function over fuss&rdquo; ethos makes it recognisable without theatrics. To align your pick with lived ownership, a helpful compass remains Dialicious customer reviews.
Mido is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands</a>.
(Updated August 2025)

What can I say about this watch? Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective treatment, Nivachron balance spring resistant to magnetism, 80-hour power reserve (21600 3Hz alternation, we would have preferred 28800 4Hz, well we can't have everything lol) a great horizontally brushed dial with a large date with two reversed discs, rare on watches at this price I think!! I have them with a green dial that darkens to go towards black with the most beautiful effect.
For this price of 1200 euros I think the price is correct.


mido big date a success

I have been buying watches on impulse for a while now when I go to a jeweler (I quickly abandoned online stores except for micro brands). But the TV Big Date had caught my eye since its release with this particular format and the orange strap that we saw everywhere. And so after a difficult two weeks at work I took advantage of a morning to go to the jeweler to see it in real life. As always the dimensions in reality are much prettier than in the photos. But in the store there was only the gray and the green, both on a steel bracelet. Unfortunately, when I put the two watches on my wrist, I realized that my color blindness (I am deuteranope) limited my choice on the gray one, not seeing the green. What misled my eyes was this beautiful horizontal brushing that allows the gradient to spread differently depending on the light. What also guided me to choose this model was the big date complication which is also perfectly integrated at noon. The polished and brushed H-link bracelet is really beautiful and easy to wear. In addition, what quickly made me give in was that the jeweler had received three Mido watch winders (which are offered for any online order over €1000) and that if I bought it that same morning, I would leave with the winder. That was all I needed to buy it! Since then, it is one of the watches that people notice the most. It is surely one of the watches I will never part with!

Apparently he's the Aquanaut for the less fortunate!

First purchase at Mido I am totally delighted. This shape from the past presents all the characteristics of a modern watch. The marriage is fabulous. Not being particularly vintage this watch totally meets my criteria, a superb aesthetic and characteristics that are no less so. This orange rubber strap associated with this gray dial modernizes and brings a beautiful sporty touch to the model. Concerning the movement it is a little too early to give my opinion.

A modern slap from the past

I totally fell for this pretty watch when it came out, a very 70s style with a design representing our old televisions, for the older ones of course. A pretty brushed case, mirror polished on a slightly striated dial background, with a gray-green gradient. What I also really like is its big date at 12 o'clock. It reminds me of the departure or arrival boards of means of transport of a certain era. I find that the orange rubber strap version is the best version, perfect for coloring my chicken wrist this summer. Moreover, for this summer, the watch is waterproof to 100M with a screwed crown, enough to be at ease for swimming

the 70s on the wrist

I have had this watch for a few days. I fell for the model with the smoky gray dial and its orange rubber strap. On the wrist, this watch is very comfortable, the strap is a little thick but it lends itself well to it. The indexes, hands and dial make the time easily readable. 
Looking at the dial closely, we can see that it is slightly striated. On this dial color, with the striates, it is even more reminiscent of old cathode ray tube TVs. 

This is my first watch with a large date complication. I like to watch the date change with the discs that we see turning, however I read that there had been returns to the after-sales service for a manufacturing problem. Mine does not seem to be affected because the date changes quickly unlike the watches affected by the problem. It also seems that you will have to be vigilant and careful with the date setting, avoiding the famous "death zone" (set the date with the hands down). 

The movement is visible because the case back is fitted with a sapphire crystal. Only the oscillating weight is decorated, rather pretty, but the rest of the movement remains rather sober. On the other hand, it offers a nice power reserve of 80 hours and on mine, it is rather precise with a very low drift. For me it is a very good point.

In general, I find that this watch exudes quality. The finishes are beautiful with a design that I find well thought out.


A beautiful discovery

What a watch with this TV box!! My first desire was to acquire a summer watch, so I chose the superb blue dial with gray highlights and hollowed indexes on an orange rubber strap: a perfect combo in my opinion. Between the satin and the mirror-polished, this box is dazzling. To top it all off (no pun intended) a large date complication with automatic movement caliber 80 for a very affordable price positioning. I love it!!

A 70s watch with a real identity design

I am delighted to be able to give my opinion on this watch, which is very dear to me.
Very happy to have been able to get my hands on this limited edition. A very pleasant surprise upon receipt! The online images don't do justice to the quality of Mido's craftsmanship; I discovered a timepiece of quite incredible quality. This watch exudes a very clear sense of robustness.
The reflections offered by the alternating polished and satin-finished parts on the shape of this case are simply satisfying and very pleasant for everyday wear. The size of the watch and its weight are, for me, ideal because they are relatively compact, but it offers a good presence on the wrist; you can feel it's there! Very pleasant to wear thanks to its shape and the design of the strap; I never tire of checking the time, even when it's not necessary...
Its very atypical dial may be divisive, but personally, I find it stunning. Its precision and quality are truly remarkable, enhanced by a very well-made anti-reflective glass.
In summary, I find this watch to be truly interesting, and it would be difficult not to appreciate it once worn on the wrist.
The only negative point I could find to criticize would be the polished sides of the bracelet, which are a little fragile and scratch easily. Aside from this, my assessment of this model is more than positive. I would recommend everyone to wear the Mido Multi For TV on their wrist at some point, regardless of the model; it will be a choice hard to regret!

Mido Multifort TV Big Date limited 999

I wanted a chic steel sports watch with a nice complication. And here I come across a video of Teddy Baldassare who presented this watch and I fell in love with it. The finishes are simply superb and the watch is well worth the 1200e asked. The striped blue dial catches the light in a unique way. The result is that it is almost black in the shade and ocean blue as soon as the light hits it. The steel bracelet is very comfortable, remains to be seen over time. And a big date is just classy!!

Better than on TV!

This MIDO is part of a revival of "sport chic" watches with integrated steel bracelets that revive a style known mainly by a few very high-end references: Nautilus, Aquanuat, Royal Oak, engineer, ... Mido claims however to have included in its catalog such models with cushion shapes in the 70s, according to the design fashionable at the time. To return to this multifort (the name of the "toolwatch" range at Mido), if it irremediably brings to mind a Nautilus, it has its own personality, starting with the large date which takes the place normally dedicated to the 12 o'clock index. An original positioning but which does not pose any difficulty (apart from the 12th of the month, no ambiguity to be expected), especially compared to the practical side of this complication, and to the fact that it is still more noble than a simple date disc. The dial has an original pattern with a very aesthetic gradient from the center to the edges. The case offers a very balanced alternation of brushed and polished, with of course the essential brushed bezel, brushed very finely. The only small criticism that can be made concerns the height of the bezel, which counts for a lot for the thickness of the watch which otherwise easily matches the shape of the case. The movement is the well-known powermatic of the swatch group with its 3hz and its 80 hours of very practical power reserve. The precision is quite satisfactory. The bracelet, in steel, and the folding clasp are very qualitative, especially for the requested budget. And this is the most astonishing point of the watch: its quality/pleasure/price ratio quite astonishing in view of its overall quality and the complication proposed. There is no doubt that it will introduce Mido to new enthusiasts, which was my case, this Swiss brand of the Swatch Group being clearly better known today in Asia than in Europe.

A “sport chic” to discover!

Fond&eacute;e en 1970 par Philippe Saner dans le Jura suisse, la marque Saner incarne un demi-si&egrave;cle d'excellence horlog&egrave;re. Initialement sp&eacute;cialis&eacute;e dans l'assemblage de mouvements m&eacute;caniques, l'entreprise a su &eacute;voluer tout en conservant son savoir-faire artisanal. En 2020, pour c&eacute;l&eacute;brer ses 50 ans, la famille Saner a lanc&eacute; une collection exclusive de montres en &eacute;dition limit&eacute;e, marquant ainsi son entr&eacute;e sur le devant de la sc&egrave;ne horlog&egrave;re.
<h3>Les D&eacute;buts : Un Atelier Familial</h3>
Philippe Saner a &eacute;tabli son atelier &agrave; Alle, dans le Jura suisse, une r&eacute;gion r&eacute;put&eacute;e pour son expertise horlog&egrave;re. D&egrave;s le d&eacute;part, l'atelier s'est distingu&eacute; par la pr&eacute;cision de son travail, fournissant des mouvements m&eacute;caniques &agrave; des marques prestigieuses. Cette r&eacute;putation d'excellence a permis &agrave; l'entreprise de se d&eacute;velopper tout en restant fid&egrave;le &agrave; ses racines familiales.
<h3>L'&Eacute;volution : De la Sous-Traitance &agrave; la Cr&eacute;ation de Montres</h3>
Apr&egrave;s des d&eacute;cennies en tant que sous-traitant de confiance, la famille Saner a d&eacute;cid&eacute; de capitaliser sur son expertise en lan&ccedil;ant sa propre ligne de montres. Cette transition a &eacute;t&eacute; motiv&eacute;e par le d&eacute;sir de proposer des garde-temps refl&eacute;tant leur vision de l'horlogerie, alliant tradition et innovation.
<h3>La Collection "Heart in Light"</h3>
Pour c&eacute;l&eacute;brer son 50e anniversaire, Saner a d&eacute;voil&eacute; la collection "Heart in Light". Compos&eacute;e de cinq mod&egrave;les exclusifs, chaque pi&egrave;ce est limit&eacute;e &agrave; 50 exemplaires et certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres (COSC), garantissant une pr&eacute;cision exceptionnelle. Les mod&egrave;les se d&eacute;clinent avec des bracelets en cuir, m&eacute;tal ou nylon, offrant une vari&eacute;t&eacute; adapt&eacute;e aux go&ucirc;ts diversifi&eacute;s des amateurs de montres.
<h3>Engagement envers la Qualit&eacute; et l'Innovation</h3>
Saner s'engage &agrave; maintenir des standards de qualit&eacute; &eacute;lev&eacute;s. L'atelier, modernis&eacute; et bien &eacute;quip&eacute;, se sp&eacute;cialise dans l'assemblage de mouvements m&eacute;caniques, le garnissage de platines et l'embo&icirc;tage de montres, y compris celles avec complications. Cette infrastructure permet &agrave; la marque de contr&ocirc;ler chaque &eacute;tape de la production, assurant ainsi la fiabilit&eacute; et la durabilit&eacute; de ses produits.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
La marque Saner illustre la capacit&eacute; d'une entreprise familiale &agrave; &eacute;voluer tout en pr&eacute;servant son h&eacute;ritage. En lan&ccedil;ant sa propre collection de montres, Saner a d&eacute;montr&eacute; que l'expertise accumul&eacute;e au fil des d&eacute;cennies peut servir de fondation solide pour innover et proposer des produits de haute qualit&eacute; aux passionn&eacute;s d'horlogerie.
Inspirez-vous des avis clients Dialicious pour choisir la montre qui vous ressemble.
(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)

Founded in 1970 by Philippe Saner in the Swiss Jura, the brand Saner embodies half a century of watchmaking excellence. Initially specializing in the assembly of mechanical movements, the company has evolved while maintaining its artisanal know-how. In 2020, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Saner family launched an exclusive collection of limited edition watches, marking its entry onto the watchmaking scene.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: A Family Workshop</h3>
Philippe Saner established his workshop in Alle, in the Swiss Jura, a region renowned for its watchmaking expertise. From the start, the workshop stood out for the precision of its work, supplying mechanical movements to prestigious brands. This reputation for excellence has allowed the company to grow while remaining faithful to its family roots.
<h3 dir="ltr">The Evolution: From Subcontracting to Watch Creation</h3>
After decades as a trusted subcontractor, the Saner family decided to capitalize on its expertise by launching its own line of watches. This transition was motivated by the desire to offer timepieces reflecting their vision of watchmaking, combining tradition and innovation.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collection "Heart in Light"</h3>
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Saner unveiled the collection "Heart in Light". Made up of five exclusive models, each piece is limited to 50 copies and certified by the &ldquo;Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres&rdquo; (COSC), guaranteeing exceptional precision. The models are available with leather, metal or nylon straps, offering a variety suited to the diverse tastes of watch lovers.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Quality and Innovation</h3>
Saner is committed to maintaining high quality standards. The workshop, modernized and well equipped, specializes in the assembly of mechanical movements, the filling of plates and the casing of watches, including those with complications. This infrastructure allows the brand to control each stage of production, thus ensuring the reliability and durability of its products.
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
The Saner brand illustrates the capacity of family business to evolve while preserving its heritage. By launching its own watch collection, Saner has demonstrated that the expertise accumulated over decades can serve as a solid foundation to innovate and offer high-quality products to watch enthusiasts.
Get inspired by Dialicious owner&rsquo;s reviews to choose the watch that suits you.
(Updated March 2025)

The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is a stylish watch that perfectly combines vintage design and modern functionality. This addition to the Mido Multifort collection offers an attractive combination of elegance and practicality at an affordable price. It fits perfectly into the very popular style of luxury sports watches. And with several dial color options, it has broad appeal and an interesting history, dating all the way back to 1973.
The brand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/mido">Mido</a> was founded in 1918 and initially focused on producing novelty and designer watches with art deco inspired designs. In the 1930s, Mido changed course by introducing the Multifort watch, which boasted being waterproof, anti-magnetic and shock resistant. This was a significant turning point for the brand, establishing its reputation as a true watchmaker. The Mido Multifort Automatic, launched in 1935, further strengthened the success of Mido by combining for the first time in the same watch automatic winding, water resistance, resistance to magnetic fields and impacts. The Multifort line became Mido's bestseller until the 1950s, remaining a mainstay of the brand.
The Multifort collection has evolved over recent years while remaining faithful to its heritage. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is inspired by the Mido archives and pays homage to the rectangular shape and the distinctive aesthetic of mid-20th century television screens. This shape was common among watch brands in the 1970s, Mido included; examples can be found in the collections&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/mido/great_wall">Mido Great Wall</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/mido/ocean_star">Mido Ocean Star</a> of this era.
This vintage TV-inspired design is reflected in the rectangular case measuring 39.2mm x 40mm of the watch and in the layout of the dial, combining retro charm with modern functionality. The case has a thickness of 11.5mm, with a vertically brushed bezel, screw-down crown and mineral glass caseback. True to the Multifort promise, the watch offers water resistance up to 100 meters (10 ATM).
The main characteristic of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date is its large date positioned at 12 o&rsquo;clock. This practical complication improves readability while adding a touch of retro elegance to the watch. The horizontally brushed dial and rectangular Super-LumiNova-treated indexes at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock contribute to the vintage appeal. The minute track is printed on the outer fringe, and the stick-shaped hour and minute hands complete the sleek aesthetic.
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is powered by the caliber 80 with automatic winding (an ETA C07.651 movement) with a power reserve of 80 hours. The Nivachron balancing spring ensures excellent resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. It can also be seen through the back, with the Mido signed rotor.
The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is available in different colors, with strap and bracelet options. There are five references in all, including blue and gray dials paired with blue or orange rubber straps, respectively, as well as stainless steel bracelet editions featuring blue, gray and green dials. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date with rubber strap is priced at &euro; 1,170, while the steel bracelet edition is available for &euro; 1,200.
Get inspired by authentic owners' reviews to choose the watch that suits you.
(Updated March 2025)

Mido Multifort TV Big Date Owner Review : Original, bold and refined

Magic dial & complication!

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