Mido has finally updated its Commander line of sporty timekeepers. The refreshed Mido Commander Datoday Automatic (ref. M014.430.11.061.00) features the same ETA 2836-2 self-winding blank movement that also powered their Multifort Bicolor 42 mm model presented back in 2011 but features a lot more interesting looks with lots of straight lines and an elegant, lugless design of its compact body (although it may make it difficult to find an after-market replacement strap or bracelet if need be).
Despite its hands and facetted hour markers putting the new watch dangerously close to the similarly styled Chronoswiss Pacific model that was first unveiled in 2011, the Mido Commander Datoday makes a strong impression.
Unlike many sporty timekeepers of the last five years that tried to appeal to your sub-consciousness with their oversized bodies and deliberately heavy bracelets, this particular watch comes in a compact stainless steel case that measures only 40 millimeters in diameter. Combine this with its set of short lugs and you get yourself a watch that will fit well even on extremely narrow wrists making it a true “unisex” timekeeper.
Thanks to its hair-thin, mirror-polished bezel, the dial opening still looks large leaving enough space for the finely shaped hour and minute hands, as well as for a day/date indicator at 3 o’clock.
The impression of elegance is slightly spoiled by lots of inscriptions on the dial. Perhaps, Mido’s designers tried to counterbalance the calendar aperture and the corporate logo, but I am still not sure whether the move was successful.
Another interesting detail about this timepiece is the setting crown that stays almost flush with the case’s side and reduces to zero risks of you hurting yourself inadvertently with the part.
The only problem that I can see here is the aforementioned “lugless” design of the case: the way the bracelet is attached to the body may make finding a replacement part a real pain in the bottom department and you can basically forget about fitting your Commander with a NATO strap.
The Swiss watchmaker plans to officially present the watch during the Baselworld 2013 show that will open in a matter of days now, and I expect the new Commander Datoday‘s pricing to be revealed sometime afterward the event when the watchmaking brand is ready to start sending the timekeepers to authorized retailers near you*.
See also: Ball Trainmaster Eternity
* UPDATE ON PRICE: The wristwatch was released with a recommended minimum retail price of $920. Although not terribly affordable, it is in the same ballpark as other similarly specced (i.e. watches in medium-sized cases powered by high-grade ETA calibers offered on good stainless steel bracelets) items from other Swiss-based watchmakers.
Of course, we at WorldWatchReview here expect online retailers to offer the gadget at an even lower price with “regular” discounts ranging between 25 and 30 percent of the MSRP, but that will probably even later in the year.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Versatility: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Mido
Mido Commander Datoday Automatic M014.430.11.061.00 specification
Price: $920 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2836-2, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25 jewels
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 38 hours
Movement decoration: Geneva stripes
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of week
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 40.00 mm
Dial: Anthracite / Silver-toned / Black
Hour markers: Applied
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Satin-finish stainless steel bracelet with steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Engraved, solid