Mido Commander Big Date Centennial Celebration Watch

Mido is coming up for its 100th anniversary and celebrates this big date in its history with the release of the Commander Big Date. Given that Mido’s history is not exactly common knowledge, the brand is determined to shine new light on its more veteran models and welcomes a handsome Commander on board.

Founded on 11 November 1918, the same day as the armistice that put an end to the Great War, Mido’s centennial history is not particularly well-known outside niche watch circles. First released in 1959, the Commander has been selected as the ambassador to commemorate this big date for the brand and is fittingly equipped with a big date window at 6 o’clock. Not just any big date, mind you, but a very generous big date aperture that the brand claims is the “largest on the market in this price segment”. With prices ranging from EUR 960 to EUR 1,090, the Commander is an affordable option for men who want a dress watch that can withstand the rigours of everyday wear and tear.

Family traits

Many of Mido’s watches take their design cues from architecture, and the Commander was purportedly inspired by the iron soul of the Eiffel Tower. For some, this might seem a little far-fetched, but the classic, timeless design tenets of the Commander have ensured the uninterrupted production of this model since its debut. Original features of the sturdy 1959 model -like the monobloc case, the fixed case back, the Aquadura cork-gasket crown for water-resistance and the domed glass – have been reinterpreted in the new line of Commander watches.

A timeless face

In keeping with its vocation as a dress watch, the 42mm steel case of the new Commander, with its contrasting satin and polished finishes, is slim enough (11.97mm) to slip comfortably under a shirt cuff. The dial – available in anthracite or silver – features an elegant satin-finished sunray motif and the diamond-cut hands and indexes are treated with white Super-LumiNova® for greater legibility in the dark. Protected under a domed sapphire crystal, the faceted edge of the glass creates an optical illusion of depth and magnifies the minutes track. Set against this relatively sober, minimalist background, the double date window lands a stellar role.

Calibre 80

The Commander Big Date is equipped with an automatic movement boasting a beefy power reserve of 80 hours. A customised ETA C07.651 base, Mido’s calibre 80 is fitted with an Elinflex mainspring and an Elinchron II balance spring, it oscillates at 21,600vph and comes with two independent rotating discs for the instant large date aperture. The oscillating weight is decorated with Côtes de Genève stripes and can be viewed through the screwed transparent case back which affords the watch water resistance to 50 metres.

The new Mido Commander Big Date will be available in four variations: with anthracite or silver dials and steel link bracelets (EUR 960), with a trendy two-tone steel case with rose PVD treatment, a black dial and a black leather strap (EUR 990) or a two-tone steel case with rose PVD treatment and a matching two-tone bracelet (EUR 1,090). More on www.midowatches.com.