The Sensible New Mido Commander Datoday

When it comes to finding a solid, accessible yet appealing watch meant to be a reliable companion for most of the moments in your life, from the office to the weekend fun, the choice is wide, to say the least. With its Commander collection, Swiss brand Mido has a strong alternative, with a modern, sleek design, great execution, and solid watchmaking credentials – not surprising for a range that has been in continuous production since 1959. Coming next to bolder models such as the Commander Gradient in blue or green is a new quartet of classically-designed models, the Mido Commander Datoday. 

Since its creation in 1918, Mido (a brand owned by the Swatch Group) has made a name for itself with its very coherent offering, combining reliability and accessibility. In recent years, the brand has also demonstrated a creative side, with audacious watches such as the TV Big Date or the Ocean Star Worldtimer. And yet, the Commander collection, launched almost 70 years ago, remains its cornerstone lineup, with modern, sleek designs and a solid set of specifications.

With the new Commander Datoday, Mido combines style and function, with a watch designed to fulfil most of your needs. Classic in size and design, these new models are built around a 40mm case measuring a reasonable 10.7mm in thickness, paired with an ultra-slim bezel and short lugs. Sleek and modern, the Commander Datoday has the collection’s typical traits, only in a more traditional fashion than previous releases – and sometimes, it’s good to remain classic. The case mixes brushed and polished surfaces, and water-resistance is rated at 50m (sufficient, but not exceptional).

The dial is classic Commander, with a sunray-brushed centre piece encircled by an angled inner flange that partially frames the applied markers. The latter, as well as the hands, are polished with black and luminous inserts for a sharp look. As the name indicates, this new addition to the collection has a day-date function, in a framed window at 3 o’clock. 4 versions are presented: 3 classic steel models with dark blue, silvery-white or anthracite grey dial, and a bolder rose gold PVD-coated edition with a dark green dial.

Inside the case is a well-known movement, the centrepiece of most accessible watches by the Swatch Group, the Powermatic 80. Here dubbed Calibre 80, this automatic movement is an evolution of the ETA 2824, with a magnetic resistant Nivachron balance spring, a 3Hz frequency and a solid 80h power reserve.

Worn on a 3-link steel bracelet with a folding clasp and quick-release spring bars, the Mido Commander Datoday is now available from the brand and part of the permanent collection. Prices are fair considering the offering, starting at EUR 990 in steel and EUR 1,150 in PVD gold. For more details, please visit www.midowatches.com.