January « 2014 « AZ Fine Time Blog

The Mido Commander is one of the most iconic Mido models ever produced, but originally, wasn’t even called the Commander. The launch of the Ocean Star line in 1959 introduced a solid single piece case where the movement was actually accessed through the crystal as opposed through the case back. This along with their Aquadura cork type crown sealing system made for great water resistance in the line. In more recent years, the design from the original Ocean Star became known as the Commander. For the end of 2013, Mido introduced their first Chronograph in the series, know as the Commander II Chronograph. Today we review the M016.414.36.031.59.

The M016.414.36.031.59 features a 42.5mm stainless steel case with rose gold PVD coating. The finish is mostly brushed, with a nice polish around the pieces thin bezel. The watch is just under 15mm thickness, but a contributing factor to that is its anti-reflective coated, domed sapphire crystal. In all, this piece weighs in at just over 1o5g.

The dial on this model is incredibly attractive, using circular embossed anthracite colored over lapping sub dials. The chronograph’s hour counter is located at the 6:00, small continuously running seconds at 9:00, and chronograph minutes counter at 12:00. The dial itself is silver with a beautiful sunburst pattern and an anthracite track running around the outer edge of the dial. The baton shaped hands are rose gold and anthracite, with a nice blue luminova on the inside.

The movement utilized in this Commander II is labeled as Mido Caliber 1320. This is a base of a Valjoux 7750 that displays day/date and chronograph features (as listed above), which was modified by Mido. The movement has 25 jewels, 28,800 bph, 165 parts and over a 42 hour power reserve. The movement is extravagantly finished with perlage, blue screws and Geneva striping on the Mido branded rotor. Obviously, due the the transparent case back, this does not have the same exact case as the old Ocean Stars.

The balance wheel used is a glucydur, that also uses a Nivarox I hairspring. Nivarox is one of only a couple hairspring manufactures in the watch industry and is owned by Swatch Group, who also owns Mido, ETA and many, many other brands/manufactures. Mido definitely has an advantage being a part of Swatch Group as they have proven to be one of the highest values in the industry for a highly decorated, very well built ETA/Valjoux base movement.

The new Mido Commander II Chronograph M016.414.36.031.59 retails for $2,000. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996 or submit an inquiry through AZFineTime.com.

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See our video review below…

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The importance of time is something that can be truly under valued. On January 15th 2009, US Airways flight 1549 left LaGuardia Airport at 3:25pm headed for Charlotte, NC. The commercial flight carrying 150 passengers and 5 of the flight crew struck a flock of geese that were too close to avoid within about a minute and a half of take off, causing the loss of both engines power. The loss of thrust brought forth the realization that the plane could possibly crash in one of the highest populated areas in the world. At about 3,000 ft above the city, and descending rapidly, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger had to take control of the plane and start looking for places to land. At first, the thought was to return to LaGuardia, but that option was not possible. The next thought was landing at Teterboro Airport in NJ. This was also not an option. The only level and large enough place to possibly land at that point was the Hudson River. Captain Sullenberger reacted fast enough to decide to land the plane on the Hudson, and glided the aircraft ensuring the nose was up, and wings were level when landing the plane on the river. With the help of his Co-Pilot and crew, Captain Sullenberger successfully saved 155 lives. This feat was truly amazing in many ways, incredibly heroic, and an example of how time is precious. It was was only a mere 208 seconds from the time of the incident to their landing on the Hudson.

On the 5th anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson”, JEANRICHARD and Captain Sullenberger launched a limited edition timepiece commemorating Flight 1549 and the fact it landed on the Hudson, with no loss of life. The “Philosophies of Life” that Captain Sullenberger and JEANRICHARD share are what brought them together. Striving for excellence and staying vigilant are two of these traits that especially reflect these philosophies of life, but also modesty and precision. Captain Sullenberger was a part of the US Air Force, an aviation expert and accident investigator. That as well as nearly 40 years of flying experience contributed to the heroic act. The calm minded reaction of Captain Sully and his crew were also a big part of this and one of his incredibly modest quotes “We were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do”, makes you appreciate it even more. Not an athlete, not a celebrity, but an average guy who did something unbelievably extraordinary. A true hero.

The new 208 Seconds Limited Edition JEANRICHARD Aeroscope has highlighted the 208 seconds it took to save 155 live with red accents on both the chronograph minute’s counter and the inner dial track. There are 3 white tracks on the inner dial that do a full 60 second lap around the dial, and a red track for the last 28 seconds displayed on the dial. This totals up to the 208 seconds without even having to look at the sub dial.

The chronographs minute counter is highlighted in red for the first 3 minutes and with the red track showing 28 seconds, totals back up to 208 seconds. These obviously pay tribute to the flight, but also add for great detail on its beautiful black vertical satin finished dial. The silver embossed chronograph and seconds counter sub dials also contribute a nice contrast, and easy legibility.

The 44mm cushion shaped titanium case is also exquisitely finished using a combination of vertical satin finish as well as an elegant high polish. This truly gives a great feel for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into the JR brand. The other intriguing attribute on this piece is its inner cushion shaped case with DLC finish. The case side inserts that surround the DLC portion are in titanium silver finish contributing an awesome look for the timepiece.

The sticker crown is branded with the JR logo and has a colosseum type design on the sides. The chronographs titanium pushers are surrounded by carbon fiber composite, giving a unique and firm feel when operating. All Aeroscope’s are 100m water resistant, and this piece is no exception.

The movement utilized is the JR66 self-winding chronograph. The movement starts as a base Sellita SW300-1 for time keeping, which is then modified by JEANRICHARD, and a Dubois Depraz chrongraph module piggy backing the base. This caliber has 43 jewels, 28,800bph, and a minimal of 42 hour power reserve. The display is quite simple and easy to read with centralized luminescent skeleton hands for hours and minutes, red with luminescent tipped centralized chronograph seconds, sub dial at 3:00 for actual seconds, chronograph hours displayed at 6:00, and chronograph minutes at 9:00. All of the sub dials hands are black and skeletonized.

With closed case back, the 208 Seconds Limited Edition is engraved with individual serial number out of 208 pieces made. The strap is a black Barenia calfskin strap, with white contrast stitching and dual push button deployment clasp.

The luminova is not only on the centralized hands as mentioned previously, but also each index has a small square of lume found on the chapter ring.

The JEANRICHARD Aeroscope 208 Seconds Limited Edition 60650-21O601-HD60 retails for $5,400. Part of the proceeds of the watch will go to The American Red Cross and The Rory Staunton Foundation, two of Captain Sullenberger’s philanthropic endeavors. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996 or submit an inquiry through AZFineTime.com.

Thanks for reading!