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Introducing the Mido Commander Shade

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April 2018


Introducing the Mido Commander Shade

Launching this month, the vintage-inspired special edition of the Commander Shade is part of the brand’s 100-year anniversary celebrations this year.

This year is a big one for Swiss watchmaker Mido. Having been founded by Georges Schaeren on 11 November 1918 (interestingly enough, the day of the Armistice that ended the First World War), 2018 should be an exiting year for Mido.

The theme of the year-long celebrations will be “Past – Present – Future”, which seems very fitting for a major anniversary celebration like this one.

The watch that we’re talking about today – a new version of Commander Shade – is clearly focused on the “Past” part of that theme. But calling this watch “vintage-inspired” is a bit of a misnomer, as it looks like it has been teleported straight out of the 1970s.

The reissued Mido Commander Shade
The reissued Mido Commander Shade

The Commander line has been produced uninterrupted by Mido since 1959, making it one of the brand’s most iconic timepieces. With a history spanning almost six decades, the brass at Mido had many models to chose from to base their anniversary edition of the wristwatch.

In the end, the Swatch Group brand opted for the 1970s styling. As a result, the new Commander Shade is defined by its round monocoque case and dial. Measuring in at a vintage-size of 37mm in diameter, the round polished steel case is treated in rose gold PVD and offers a wide opening onto the dial. It houses a very reliable and finely decorated automatic ETA 2836-2 movement.

Introducing the Mido Commander Shade

Speaking of the dial, the two-tone face features a graduated finish in taupe and silver with a smoked and sunray satin finish. Continuing the brand’s fascination with architecture, the applied indices are a nod to the struts of the Eiffel Tower, which have been polished and coated in black varnish to complete the vintage look.

What otherwise seems like a dress watch is made more functional thanks to good night-time readability. The polished flange features 12 neutral coloured dots of Super-LumiNova, which can also be found on the flat diamond-cut hour and minute hands.

Introducing the Mido Commander Shade

Fitting the resurgence of the retro vibe today, the watch has also been fitted with a matching Milanese mesh bracelet. I’m not particularly a fan of integrated bracelets since they limit the versatility of a given timepiece, but they do add to the streamlined look of a watch and the Milanese options are usually very comfortable to wear.

Given its looks and size, the new Commander Shade is sure to be a hit with vintage watch enthusiasts. And for those looking for something more contemporary, there are many more exiting releases to come from Mido throughout the year as the brand celebrates its centenary. Stay tuned.