Commander Gradient Blue Ref. M021.407.11.411.01

On 11 November 1918, the same day as the armistice that put an end to World War I, Georges Schaeren founded the Mido Watch Company, then known as Mido G. Scaheren & Co. Schaeren was a highly competent watchmaker, obtaining his diploma in a watchmaking school in Solothurn and worked at various watchmakers up till the founding of his own company. The word mido translates to “to measure” in Spanish - a fitting name for a famed watchmaker. After all, it is the measurement of time that has fascinated men for centuries.

Mido Commander Gradient Blue Ref. M021.407.11.411.01

The Mido Commander has been in the brand’s lineup since 1959 - that’s more than 60 years! The watch was something of a revolution back then - featuring a solid one-piece case construction. This means that there was no caseback to access the movement, which made the watch wear smoothly and nicely on one’s wrist. In order to access the movement for servicing or repairs, one had to prise off the hesalite crystal on the watch and painstakingly remove the dial and handsets. 

Fortunately, the Commander today does not retain the one-piece construction of yesteryears. It is encased in the traditional way via a caseback. Made entirely of 316L stainless steel which guarantees anti-corrosion and anti-stain, the watch features a mix of satin-brushed finishing and a high polished top surface on the case - giving the watch an elegant yet sporty look. The Mido Commander Gradient Blue measures 40mm in diameter, with a thickness of only 10.84mm. This allows the Commander to wear extremely well on the wrist and many consider a 40mm watch to be the “perfect size”.

Mido Caliber 80 (ETA C07.661 base) with 80 hours power reserve

Let’s talk about that dial. We’ve seen plenty of skeleton or open-heart dial designs in our time but Mido does something absolutely unique and brilliant here on the Commander. The dial is translucent and offers users an interesting look into the intricate movement housed in the case. Made of acrylic and adorned with an original graduated smokey effect, the blue dial becomes increasingly opaque around the edges. The wearer would therefore be able to admire the intricate gear work and date wheel of the well-constructed movement. Diamond-cut baton indices are applied throughout the dial, offering a nice contrast to a dial that tries to steal the show every time. A 3 o’clock date wheel is also present, standing out perfectly so that wears will not be confused by the entire date wheel that can be seen behind the translucent dial.

To protect the delightful dial, Mido covers it with a flat sapphire crystal that has anti-reflective treatment on both sides of the crystal. This reduces distortions and helps enable the wearer to read the time easily, even in harsh lighting conditions. Mido also applies Swiss Superluminova on the indices and hands, which helps with the legibility of the watch in the dark. A push-pull signed crown and screwed-down caseback give the watch a healthy 50m of water resistance, which is more than good enough for daily wear. 

316L stainless steel case to achieve a sleek brilliance

An exhibition caseback can be found at the back of the watch, allowing the wearer to admire the movement both on the dial side and at the back. Powering the Commander Gradient Blue is the Mido Calibre 80 that is based on the ETA C07.611 movement. It has 25 jewels, beats at 21,600 BPH and has a crazy 80 hours of power reserve. The Calibre 80 is also decorated, with a Mido branded logo and Geneva striping across the said rotor. For its price, the movement is nicely decorated and thoroughly deserving of a display case back. After all, when you have such a beauty underneath the hood, why not show it off? In this instance, Mido proudly shows off the movement on both sides of the watch.

Completing the watch’s sporty and handsome looks is a 21mm stainless steel bracelet that tapers to a signed folding clasp with push buttons. The bracelet has a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces, complementing the watch well and helping to bring out the elegant and sporty appeal of the watch perfectly. 

Superluminova on every hour markers and handset

The Mido Commander Gradient Blue is a gorgeous translucent blue beauty. It is a remarkable timepiece that offers an interesting dial design that will capture the hearts of many watch enthusiasts. The watch is Mido’s ingenious reinterpretation of the Eiffel Tower, making it stand out amongst the other well-received timepieces in Mido’s catalogue. Just like the Effiel Tower, the Commander Gradient Blue is an emblem of Mido’s years of horology that makes history with its bold urban design, embodying all the splendour of the historic and famed tower on your wrist. 

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