The case is the reason
By Sam Okafor, London ยท
Mido's Commander goes back to 1959, and what's survived from that era is mostly the case: a smooth, single-piece shape with the lugs sweeping out from the body rather than being stuck on. In profile it reads like a pebble, and on the integrated metal bracelet the line carries straight through.
The big date at the top of the blue dial is the part I'm less sure about. Two windows side by side, large and white, they become the first thing you see, more than the hands. A date that size belongs on a desk calendar.
40 mm, 11.1 mm, 50 m, an acrylic crystal and an 80-hour reserve, which is generous at 1,190 to 1,290 dollars. If you like mid-century cases, it's a lot of shape for the money. If you were hoping for a calm dress watch, the date will annoy you.