With the Commander Gradient Catrines, MIDO is launching its sixth special edition dedicated to Mexico’s cultural identity and the Day of the Dead. Originally designed exclusively for Mexico—one of the brand’s oldest and most important markets—this model is now one of MIDO’s most coveted creations. Due to global demand, this special edition is now being offered internationally in exclusive numbers.
The iconic skeleton—a symbol of this festival honoring the deceased—is surrounded by flowers and adorned with vibrant, phosphorescent colors. It adorns the gradient dial, captivating all eyes by day while appearing in a completely new and captivating light by night—a perfect blend of Swiss watchmaking expertise and Mexican tradition
THE ELEGANCE OF SHADOWS, THE LIGHT OF HERITAGE – THE STORY AT THE HEART OF THE DIAL
Anchored in rich Mexican tradition, this special edition is inspired by the figure of El Catrín – a skeleton wearing a top hat and elegant suit – and his female counterpart, La Catrina, who wears a hat adorned with flowers. Both represent elegance and extravagance and became popular during the Porfiriato period before becoming closely associated with Día de Muertos. El Catrín embodies far more than a reminder of transience – he represents sophistication, authenticity, and cultural pride – and carries a lasting legacy that transcends borders. This iconic figure continues to inspire contemporary design, serving as a reminder that Mexican artistry and identity flourish through symbols that celebrate life while honoring the past.
The creative expression of this watch reflects this spirit through a gradient dial that transitions from darkness to light—a visual metaphor for the continuity of time, uniting past, present, and future in a single movement. At its center, a skull motif appears, enriched by vibrant details—not a mere symbol of transience, but an expression of resilience, presence, and cultural heritage. This watch transforms a historical and cultural symbol into a vibrant interpretation, inviting us to see tradition not as a memory, but as an elegant, powerful, and ongoing manifestation of Mexican identity.
Sky blue, purple, turquoise, orange, dark blue, lime green, fuchsia, white, light green… A veritable firework of color illuminates the dial of the Commander Gradient Catrines. Joyful and mysterious at the same time, this model continues the tradition of Día de Muertos editions that MIDO has cultivated since 2020. The emblematic figure of El Catrín, surrounded by flowers, blends perfectly with the iconic design of the Commander watch model, which MIDO has produced continuously since 1959. The gradient acrylic dial reveals the date disc and Caliber 80. This state-of-the-art Swiss automatic movement impresses with its reliability, a Nivachron™ hairspring, and a power reserve of up to 80 hours – powerful attributes for celebrating time again and again.
A „living canvas“
The Commander Gradient’s signature acrylic dial offers a unique spectacle: transparent in the center and with a black gradient towards the edges, it offers a glimpse into the watch’s inner workings. For this special edition, the El Catrín motif was given a colorful and vibrant look using no fewer than ten different lacquers. At night, thanks to Super-LumiNova®, a mesmerizing blue-green glow is revealed, framed by a floral pattern. This interplay of color and luminosity is also evident in the polished indices—the central grooves of which are each in violet, yellow, dark blue, or turquoise—and in the diamond-cut, faceted hands, which appear white by day and blue by night. The date window at 3 o’clock evokes the passing of the days. A domed, faceted sapphire crystal protects this impressive dial.
The iconic satin-finished stainless steel case with a polished, round bezel is complemented by three easily interchangeable straps: one in satin-finished stainless steel, a black leather strap with blue contrast stitching, and a textured rubber strap in orange – MIDO’s signature color and also the color of the Mexican marigold (cempasúchil), also known as the „flower of the dead.“
A reliable Swiss watchmaker’s heart
Reliable, robust, and artfully decorated, the Caliber 80 beats inside the Commander Gradient Catrines Special Edition. With a power reserve of up to 80 hours and a Nivachron™ hairspring, it offers high resistance to magnetic fields and shocks. The oscillating weight, decorated with Côtes de Genève and the MIDO logo, is visible through the transparent caseback. This exclusive edition is presented in a specially designed watch box that reflects its unique character.
The spectacular Commander Gradient Catrines Special Edition celebrates the Día de Muertos – with bright, phosphorescent colors, iconic design and impressive mechanics, it defies time.
