Shades of Artistry
AS MIDO CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF WATCHMAKING, IT RELEASES A NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE COMMANDER
T
he Commander watches have always been one of the most popular collections from Swiss watch brand Mido. So, it is perhaps more than fitting that as part of the brand’s 100th anniversary celebrations it has released a new and improved special edition of the legendary Commander Shade.
A Timeless Heritage
The history of Mido goes all the way back to 1918, right at the end of the first World War. The Commander, meanwhile, made its debut in 1959 and has ever since epitomized Mido’s philosophy of innovation, aesthetics and functionality. To this end, the Commander has drawn comparisons with the Eiffel Tower, yet another timeless icon that is immediately recognizable. In the Commander’s case, it’s the distinction of its round steel case that makes it a classic.
For the 2018 reissue, Mido presents a new Commander—a new Commander Shade, to be exact—which, for the first time in the line’s history, is treated entirely in rose gold PVD. The 37mm round polished steel monocoque case itself presents a streamlined silhouette and is topped with an acrylic crystal hot-stamped with the Mido logo.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Commander Shade, however is the dial inside the case, which sports a unique smoked and sunray satin finish inspired by a model from 1979. This two-tone graduated finish in taupe and silver is sure to become a very distinctive visual identity. The indexes of the watch are applied, polished and coated with black varnish in yet another subtle nod to the Eiffel Tower. The polished flange, meanwhile, features twelve dots of neutral-hued Super-LumiNova to ensure night-time readability.
The Final Touch
Completing the new Commander Shade’s presentation is a Milanese mesh bracelet in satin-finished steel, which is—of course—also treated in rose gold PVD to match the case. This gentle but sophisticated bracelet sits elegantly but also comfortably on the wrist of any gent. As a final touch, this special edition watch comes with a personalized presentation case. So, what you have in the end is—quite literally—timelessness in a box.