Mido Commander 50th Anniversary Watch Collection

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Jun 3rd 2009 at 12:02PM

I believe Mido Commander watches are quite rare in America. My experience has told me that the line is most popular in European and Asian markets - not 100% sure why that is. The watches are quite nice, and since 1959 have represented what I believe is an interesting interpretation on a watch that has elements of the Rolex Datejust (mostly due to the hands and hour markers as well as the overall attitude of the timepiece).

The Commander design has changed little since it was introduced in the 1950s. There have been a few styles, but each is easily recognizable as a Mido Commander. For its 50th anniversary, the Commander line introduces a few gold limited edition pieces or 50 or 500 pieces depending on the edition. The watches feature a solid case with no removable caseback, and a domed Hesalite crystal (for retro purposes I am sure). Inside is an automatic ETA movement (Mido is part of the Swatch Group which also owns ETA) with a day and date complication as well as being Chronometer certified. Go for the ultra retro thin tapered gold bracelet for the throw-back look, but each model is a handsome watch piece that is decidedly "different" without causing people to raise their eyebrows.

Via WatchLuxus.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 50, 50th, 50th anniversary, 50thAnniversary, commander, limited edition, LimitedEdition, mido, timepiece, watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Felix Jun 3rd 2009 2:41PM

This brand is very well recognized in Mexico which is one of it's most important markets as well as Brazil. In US they are re-launching the brand, looking into latin markets.
This model the Commander as you said has remain with out change for a long time, the ultra retro version, as you said, is one the bestselling pieces in the collection, with the gold plated mesh bracelet and hesalite crystal, in Mexico.

Ariel Adams Jun 3rd 2009 7:35PM

Hi Felix,
Funny you mention that as I was just having the same conversation with the Mido USA people yesterday. I didn't know that it was so popular in Latin America, even more so that Rolex a lot. It is a cool watch, and I like it myself.. though I want a version that is a bit bigger. Thanks for commenting!

Albert Jul 4th 2009 12:18PM

I just bought the stainless steel version which is really retro and nice for about US$500. Is this a reasonable price and does anyone think this watch (limited to 500 pieces and mine is numbered 34) has potential to appreciate in price after some years?

Wayne Jacobsen Jul 19th 2009 12:38PM

I have a Mido Commander that strongly resembles the Rolex Presidential, with day window at 12 and date at 3 p.m. and the Rolex-type bezel.l I have heard that Mido had to discontinue this design because of the strong resemblence to Rolex. I got it from a dealer in Singapore. Does anyone know anything about this? My Mido is a fine watch, keeps excellent time, and is one of my favorites. I wear it more than my Rolex Datejust. I need to have the luminescent coating replaced on the hands. Any advice?