A smoked dial gives the Mido Multifort TV Big Date M049.526.11.081.00 a moody, sophisticated presence. Its smoked gradient fades from a lighter center toward a near-black edge, so the face seems to glow from within.

Mido's TV-shaped case dates back to 1973, with later versions in 1980 and 2000 before this 2023 revival. The cushion silhouette with rounded corners recalls early television sets, and the dial's horizontal brushing nods to the scan lines of an old cathode-ray tube. A large date at 12 o'clock balances the design. Power comes from the Caliber 80 automatic with a Nivachron balance spring, offering roughly 80 hours of reserve and visible through a sapphire caseback.

The 40mm by 39.2mm steel case wears compactly at around 11.5mm thick, and the steel bracelet with folding clasp keeps the retro look cohesive.

Mido Multifort TV Big Date smoked dial (M049.526.11.081.00)

• Case: TV-shaped 40 x 39.2mm steel
• Dial: smoked gradient, horizontally brushed, big date at 12
• Movement: Caliber 80 automatic, Nivachron balance spring
• Power reserve: about 80 hours
• Crystal: flat sapphire, anti-reflective both sides
• Caseback: sapphire display
• Water resistance: 100m
• Bracelet: 22mm steel, bi-fold clasp

A retro-shaped watch with a dial that rewards close attention.