Full hands-on review of the new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer with our live pictures and insights. Very competitive price at €1,360/$1,310
Following the announcement of the Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer by Mido at the beginning of this month (you can read our introductory article here), we had the opportunity to wear and test the two variations of this new model and we are now delighted to share our insights and live shots with our readers.
This vintage-style diver's watch develops the unique look of the Ocean Star Skin Diver model that Mido brought to market in 1961 and integrates the colourful dial featuring a decompression scale with an additional GMT function and a bezel that shows the world time.
The 40.5 mm x 13.4 mm case in polished stainless steel is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel featuring a black or blue aluminum ring with a dual function: it allows the wearer to calculate diving time while also showing the names of 24 cities, each representing one of the international time zones, that can be used in combination with the red GMT hand and the 24-hour ring to know what time of the day is in a particular town.
The large screw-down crown embossed with the Mido logo contributes to make the watch water resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 metres / 660 feet).
Under the anti-reflective, box-shaped sapphire crystal, reminiscent of the domed plexiglass of the past but scratch-resistant, the dial features a decompression scale with bright colours. The graphic layout of this scale is directly inspired to the one used in the 1961 model.
The original Mido deep diver timepiece from 1961
The depths are indicated at 12 o’clock in metres/feet and represented (from the center outwards) by 4 circles: for dives between 25mt / 80ft and 29mt / 94ft; for dives between 30mt / 95ft and 34mt / 109ft; for dives between 35mt / 110ft and 39mt / 129ft; and for dives between 40mt / 130ft and 44mt / 149ft. Depths beyond 149 feet have not been included because, at greater depths, the danger of "divers' narcosis" exists.
On each of the four different coloured depth circles you see numerals, beginning with "0" and increasing as you read clockwise around the circle. The amount of time from 12 o'clock on the dial to the "0" on each coloured circle is referred to as "clean time" - or time not requiring decompression. The numerals following "0" on the coloured circles indicate decompression periods which the diver must observe in relation to the time he has spent under water and the depth he has reached.
By simply placing the minute hand at 12 o’clock before a dive, the wearer could read off the information on the table during immersion. The length of decompression is indicated by the minute hand which cuts across the circle to be considered.
The Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer is offered in two editions. The first model variation sports a navy blue background with decompression times circles in yellow, green, pink and blue. The rotating bezel is fitted with a blue aluminium ring with the names of the cities marked in silver.
A red arrow indicates the travel time zone, contrasting with the flat and diamond cut hour, minute and second hands for the "home time". At 3 o'clock, a trapezoidal window displays the date.
Non-tinted Super-LumiNova that glows in green in the dark is used to highlight the hours and minutes hands, the GMT hand, the hour markers, and the dot on the bezel.
The second special edition features decompression table in gradients of yellow to orange, Mido's signature colour, on a black dial with matching bezel's aluminium ring.
The screw-down solid case back is engraved with a starfish, the historical emblem of the Ocean Star that remarks the Swiss watchmaker’s expertise in water-resistance.
Behind it, the innovative automatic Calibre 80 (ETA C07.661 base) operates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and is enhanced by an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance-spring. It has a remarkable autonomy of more than 3 full days (80 hours).
Each reference comes with two interchangeable straps equipped with bars with spur system for quick changes: a high-quality rubber strap, blue or black depending on the edition, and a perfectly executed Milanese mesh bracelet. The lugs width is 21 mm.
With either option, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist and offers a striking look that we really liked. The accompanying pictures show the watch being worn on a wrist that measures 17.7 cm or 7 inches.
With either option, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist and offers a striking look that we really liked. The accompanying pictures show the watch being worn on a wrist that measures 17.7 cm or 7 inches.
The new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer is available from March 15 in blue (ref. M026.829.17.041.00) or black (ref. M026.829.17.051.00) for a price of Euro 1,360 / US$ 1,310. The price is indeed very competitive considering the functions, performance, and overall quality of the watch. midowatches.com
Nice-looking watch with a reasonable pricing. I'd go with the blue. I am looking at Mido watches with growing interest.
ReplyDeleteThe black one is very intriguing. Is there a quick-set date? Or is it like the Calibre 8900 where you have to cycle the hour hand until the date is correct?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately no quick set date.
DeleteBut you can speed set the date by using the rapid hour setting to move the hour hand rapidly.
ReplyDeleteJust bought this watch!! Looks amazing and an attention getter. I travel often and the ability to see times in other locations is a plus. Well thought out piece. On beach, in bar or doing business, it's an all around piece. Great build Mido
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
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