MIDO Commander 1959 Pixel

The Mido Commander 1959 Pixel is a bold reinterpretation of a classic timepiece, seamlessly blending retro aesthetics with a modern, playful twist. This watch represents a daring departure from tradition while honoring the enduring legacy of the Commander collection, which has been in continuous production since its inception in 1959. The Commander 1959 Pixel stands as a testament to MIDO's ability to innovate while staying true to its heritage, appealing to those who appreciate a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary design. It's a unique approach to keeping a heritage line-up fresh.



The most striking feature of the Commander 1959 Pixel is undoubtedly its dial. MIDO has taken the traditionally understated face of the Commander and transformed it into a vibrant display of "pixel art." A myriad of squares, rendered in shades of pink and blue, are meticulously printed against a black background. This creates a captivating geometric pattern, the arrangement of color that evokes a sense of digital dynamism. The design choice is a nod to the digital revolution, a playful embrace of the "Pixel Art" style that has become a quirky embodiment of the digital world. Yet, this modern aesthetic is cleverly juxtaposed with the vintage elements of the watch, creating a compelling visual contrast.



Beyond the daytime aesthetic, the Commander 1959 Pixel offers a surprise after dark. MIDO's signature use of phosphorescence comes into play, as the colored Super-LumiNova on the pixels comes alive. The once pink and blue squares transform into a luminous display, revealing an entirely new face to the watch. This playful duality adds another layer of intrigue and reinforces the watch's unique character. The watch is always displaying something new, and a change of pace from the traditional timepiece. The watch will always offer up something new when viewing in sunlight and darkness, and that is something that is desired in a market where things can get monotonous and re-hashed.



The readability of the dial, a hallmark of the Commander collection, is maintained despite the intricate pixelated design. The diamond-cut hands and polished indexes stand out clearly against the colorful backdrop. The application of natural color Super-LumiNova on the hour and minute hands, as well as on the 12 dots around the polished flange, ensures optimal legibility even in low-light conditions. This attention to detail demonstrates MIDO's commitment to both form and function.



The case of the Commander 1959 Pixel is crafted from fully polished stainless steel, exhibiting a smooth, pebble-like finish. This monocoque case design, a pinnacle of water-resistance when the watch was conceived, contributes to the watch's sleek and streamlined profile. The slim, minimalist bezel further enhances the clean lines of the case, allowing the dial to take center stage. With a diameter of 37mm, the watch strikes a balance between vintage charm and contemporary wearability, suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. A lot of watch collectors perfer a slightly smaller watch that sits close and comfortable on the wrist.



The iconic Milanese mesh bracelet, a signature element of the Commander collection, adds to the watch's retro appeal. Known for its comfort and suppleness, the bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, creating a cohesive and stylish look. The sliding clasp allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit. The bracelet is constructed of the same stainless steel material as the watch case, and goes together perfectly. The color matches well, and helps keeps a nice and tight transition from the lugs of the watch case, smoothly to the wrist.



Another nostalgic touch is the acrylic crystal, hot-stamped with the MIDO logo. This choice of material adds a vintage warmth and character to the watch, while also providing vibrant reflections that complement the pixelated dial. While some may prefer the scratch resistance of sapphire crystal, the acrylic crystal adds to the overall heritage feel of the piece. The use of acrylic harks back to the original design of the Commander, and keeping that in this model is a well suited addition.



At the heart of the Commander 1959 Pixel beats MIDO's Caliber 80, a robust and reliable automatic movement. While concealed by the case, the oscillating weight is decorated with Côtes de Genève and features the engraved MIDO logo, a testament to the brand's watchmaking expertise. This movement is a key part of the watch's allure, offering both technical sophistication and practicality.



The Caliber 80 boasts an impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours, meaning the watch can be left unworn for over three days and still keep accurate time. This extended autonomy is a significant advantage for those who don't wear the same watch every day or prefer not to wind their watches frequently. The automatic winding is a breeze, after not wearing for a period of time, give the watch a shake or a quick turn of the crown and the watch will be ticking in no time.



Further enhancing the Caliber 80's reliability is the incorporation of a Nivachron balance spring. This high-tech titanium-based alloy offers exceptional resistance to magnetism, temperature variations, and shocks. These factors can significantly impact the accuracy of a mechanical watch, and the Nivachron balance spring helps to mitigate these effects, ensuring consistent performance over time. The use of such advanced materials underscores MIDO's commitment to precision and durability. The Nivachron balance spring also helps keep the watch beating for longer, it will provide an impressive long lasting movement.



The stainless steel used throughout the Commander 1959 Pixel, from the case to the bracelet, is of high quality and meticulously crafted. MIDO utilizes a variety of finishes to create subtle variations in texture and sheen, adding depth and visual interest to the watch. Stainless steel is a popular choice for watch components due to its hypoallergenic properties, resistance to corrosion and magnetic fields, and overall durability. These characteristics ensure that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear and maintain its appearance over time.



The technical specifications of the Commander 1959 Pixel further highlight its blend of classic design and modern engineering. The 37mm case diameter, along with a thickness of approximately 10.5mm, makes for a comfortable and versatile wear. The watch's water resistance is rated at 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet), suitable for everyday wear and capable of withstanding splashes and brief immersion in water, but not recommended for swimming or diving.



The Commander 1959 Pixel is a watch that seamlessly integrates into a variety of settings. It's equally at home with casual attire, adding a pop of color and personality to a simple jeans-and-t-shirt ensemble, as it is with more formal wear, where its unique design can serve as a conversation starter. The watch's versatility is a testament to its thoughtful design and careful balance of vintage and modern elements. It is a watch that can be worn in many different occasions, and that's an important factor for watch collectors.



The watch is presented in an exclusive box, underscoring its status as a special edition piece. This attention to detail extends to the packaging, making the unboxing experience a memorable one for the owner. The MIDO Commander 1959 Pixel is priced at CHF 740.00, positioning it within the realm of accessible luxury. This price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking a Swiss-made watch with a unique design, robust movement, and a rich heritage, without breaking the bank.



Case: Stainless steel, round. 37mm diameter, 10.5mm thickness. Acrylic crystal. Water resistant to 5 bar (50m / 165ft). Monocoque case.



Movement: Mido Automatic ETA, Caliber 80. Power reserve up to 80 hours. Nivachron™ balance spring.



Dial: Black with printed "Pixel" pattern. Pink and blue accents. Super-LumiNova® on hands and indexes. Date and Day functions.



Strap: Stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet. Grey color. Sliding clasp. Reference M605006480.



Price: CHF 740.00



Reference Number: M8429.4.N7.11



Notes: Continuous production since 1959. Features vintage MIDO logo. Unique "Pixel Art" dial design.