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Mido is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the launch of the Commander Big Date, the latest in a collection of retro-styled watches produced without interruption by Mido since 1959. For the Big Date, Mido developed a new movement based on the foundational Caliber 80 to give the piece a large date aperture at six o’clock. It’s an uncommon feature in a mechanical watch in this price segment, and it’s also an exciting new look for a line known for subtle iteration.
Check out our review of the Mido Commander II here.
Like the rest of its stablemates, the Commander Big Date comes in a cylindrical case that is satin-finished and accented with a polished bezel. It measures 42mm in diameter and features a three-piece design. Unlike some of the other watches in the Commander line, the lugs here are not integrated, though they’re subtle enough so as not to take away from the geometry of the case. Up top, you’ll find a faceted and domed sapphire crystal, and a transparent case back gives view to the elaboré-grade Caliber 80. It’s worth noting that the Caliber 80 is Mido’s 80-hour automatic movement based on the 2824 platform.
The sunray dials—available in anthracite and silver—feature Super-LumiNova-coated indexes. The hour and minute hands are diamond-cut and lumed and are an aesthetic match to the hour markers. The star of the show here, however, is the big date at six, which acts as a focal point and maintains the symmetry of the dial.
In addition to the two dial variants, Mido is offering several case options. There’s a classic steel case with a anthracite or steel dial (ref. M021.626.11.061.00 and M0216261103100, respectively); there’s a two-tone case with rose golds highlights on bracelet (ref. M021.626.22.031.00); and there’s a two-tone case with rose gold highlights on strap (ref. M021.626.36.051.00). Pricing is $950, $1,070, and $990, respectively.
All four models are now available, and their release kicks off what is expected to be a series of exciting centennial releases throughout the year. Mido
