Commander 1959 Datoday Silver Ref. M8429.4.C1.11

Mido Watches has a century their own in producing many, if not, all their Swiss-made watches with dexterity and prowess. All of their timepieces, even until today, unveil such essential traits without merely putting out their brand name without many credentials. Skilled watchmaking has seen from the production of artisanal enameled dials ladies timepieces to the auction-worthy Bughatti's "egg-shaped grill" watches since 1925. Another high strength of Mido derives from their pioneering of durable tool watches like their Ocean Star Commander, and the Multifort collections since 80 years ago. Focusing on the Commander- a watch collection created in 1959, started as their extreme water-resistant with their Aqauadura cork gasket and the Permit crystal (pressure-fitted). Today we would like to introduce the Mido Commander 1959 Datoday Silver Ref. M8429.4.C1.11.

Mido Commander 1959 Datoday Silver Ref. M8429.4.C1.11

The Commander 1959 watch pays homage to one of Mido's most iconic models, specifically the 1970s Ocean Star Commander Datoday. Its neo-vintage design adopts most of the codes responsible for the Commander's success since 1959: extremely pure lines, maximum space granted to the superb sunray satin-finished dial, and the Milanese mesh bracelet.

Let's dive into the dimensions of this Mido, hearkening back to a more “traditional” era. Available in perfectly round stainless steel case measuring at 37mm wide and 10.45mm in height. It wears retro-ly lightweight, legible, casual, and chic. The lugs that hold the bracelets are tucked underneath the case, resulting in almost perfect fitting and proportion even for the small wrists group. The Commander Big Date nails best would be its thickness. At 10.45mm in height, keeping its thin and elegance for anyone to strap on and out for corporate meetings and dinner dates at your favorite restaurants. The case is sophisticated from the top; for an instant, the thin bezel creates more dial and old-school dress watch look.

Grained texture sunray dial

And what’s more, is the bezel setting flushed with its mid-case is one monocoque design that reflects the simple elegance of yesteryears while feeling sturdy with much versatility and then some. All these little details enhance the wrist presence and experience for the wearer thoroughly. The case bears full polished finishing on its case band while topped off by the bezel, the only point of entry with crown aside.

Speaking on architecture influence, the Commander line influenced by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower in France, constructed in 1887. The Commander Big Date reflects this unceasing robustness and grandeur of the 18th-century architecture that the Eiffel Tower beholds. If anyone of you has been to the Eiffel Tower, once knows the 1063 ft tall lattice structure plays an essential factor in the spectacular grand charm of the 18th-century. If anyone of you disbelieve this, I strongly suggest heading there and spend some time there. Within minutes you will be enticed by its construction where the grandness absorbed into you, creating a sort of elevated mood.

One-piece case design with perfect round shape

That same experience is adopted here when one glance underneath the accentuated slight domed hesalite crystal of the Commander 1959. It's all dial display done with silver applied markers for its hour, done with multi-facets and luminous at their tips. Flanged by the sloped minute rehaut, the grey sunray dial seems to radiates certain depth when one views at it. The grey dial is only disrupted elegantly at the 3 o’clock with a day/date display, keeping it as a practical everyday wear. The handset further mimics the hour markers, done with matching facets and luminous. Also, the texts on the dial defines the neo-vintage theme of their 1970s Commander- they would be the applied Mido logo at the top with printed “Automatic datoday” on the 9 o’clock side and applied “Chronometer” and printed “officially certified”  at bottom of the dial keeping things well-balanced.

If the dial has that 18th-century charm, the movement ticking inside is sophisticatedly modern. The Swiss movement inside lies the key for its slimness- the automatic COSC automatic caliber ETA 2836-2. The movement feels right at home here with the 50s-70s vintage styling. Assuring the wearer with tight accuracy as it certified by the COSC, the official Chronometer certification agency of Switzerland. The ETA 2836-2 movement inside the Commander makes it so value-driven as it hoods one of the well-known movements today at an excellent price point Best part yet, one can be seen from the see-through case back of the Commander.

Superluminova on every hour markers and handset

Lastly, paring elegantly with the 20mm Milanese mesh bracelet that moves seamlessly with the motions of the wrist. Its distinctive mesh structure first produced in the city of Milan in the 19th century. This material channels classic Italian elegance and a timeless aesthetic for the wearer. Further, it provides superior breathability and a characteristic nostalgic look that is extremely desired.

Everything on Mido Commander 1959 Datoday Silver Ref. M8429.4.C1.11 has been piece together beautifully in both the design and how its executed — offering incredible details that make it one of the most refined pieces in the collection. It further looks both elegant and reliable, with its heritage of a century worth of watchmaking prowess, and an undisrupted mechanical line since the early days. One can now be a very satisfying watch to wear the Commander every day while still able to admire what ticks inside it now and then with unique classic design of Mido’s tradition since 1959.