Mido - Commander II Chronograph - M016.414.36.031.59 - Uomo - 2011-presente

Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59
The Mido Commander is one of the most iconic Mido models ever made, but it wasn't even initially called the Commander. The introduction of the Ocean Star series in 1959 introduced a solid one-piece case where the movement was accessed through the crystal rather than the caseback. This, along with the Aquadura cork-type crown sealing system, made for excellent water resistance. In more recent years, the design of the original Ocean Star became known as the Commander. In late 2013, Mido introduced the first Chronograph in the series, known as the Commander II Chronograph. Today, we're reviewing the M016.414.36.031.59.
The Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59 has a 42.5mm stainless steel case with a rose gold PVD coating. The coating is mostly brushed and has a beautiful polish around the thin bezel. The watch is just under 15mm thick, but a contributing factor is the domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. In total, this piece weighs just over 105g.
Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59The dial on this model is incredibly attractive, with the use of anthracite-colored circular reliefs on overlapping subdials. The chronograph hour counter is located at 6:00, the small continuous seconds counter at 9:00, and the chronograph minute counter at 12:00. The dial itself is silver-colored, with a beautiful sunburst pattern and anthracite trail running along the outer edge of the dial. The baton-shaped hands are in rose gold and anthracite, with a lovely blue luminova on the inside.
Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59 The movement used in this Commander II is labeled as the Mido Caliber 1320. This is a base model of the Valjoux 7750 that has the day/date and chronograph features (as listed above) and has been modified by Mido. The movement has 25 jewels, 28,800 bph, 165 parts, and a power reserve of over 42 hours. The movement is extravagantly finished with perlage, blue screws, and Geneva stripes on the Mido branded rotor. Obviously, due to the transparent caseback, this does not have the same case as the old Ocean Stars.
Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59 The balance wheel used is a glucy that also uses a Nivarox I balance spring. Nivarox is one of the few balances that manufacture in the watch industry and is owned by the Swatch Group, which also owns Mido, ETA and many other brands/manufacturers. Mido definitely has an advantage being part of the Swatch Group as they have proven to be one of the highest value in the industry for a highly decorated, very well built ETA/Valjoux base movement.