Mido once again turns to its popular vintage remake with the all-black Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. The latest in a considerable number of iterations of the model, the new Ocean Star stays faithful to the original in outline and features a trademark multicoloured decompression table on the dial.

One of the smaller and less prominent brands in the Swatch Group stable that includes Omega and Longines, Mido’s latest is a limited edition of 1,961 pieces to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Ocean Star model.

Initial thoughts

Vintage reissues are common enough they have become cliché, especially in this price segment. The Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 has arguably been iterated too often, each time in slightly different colourway, so the new version isn’t all that novel.

That said, it is affordably priced – retail is US$1,480 – and boasts an original design thanks to the decompression scale on the dial. Additionally, this version with its black-PVD coated finish stands out against earlier variants with stealthy aesthetic that creates more contrast with the colourful dial. At the same time, the ETA calibre inside has higher specs than most movements in this price segment, a result of Mido’s parent also owning ETA.

Stealthy thetics

The stainless steel case measures 40.5 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm high, which give it the proportions of a modern watch despite the retro styling. The crystal is domed “glass box” style to mimic the PlexiGlas of the vintage original.

The case is coated via physical vapour deposition (PVD) for an all-black finish that is glossy due to the mirror polished surface below. The unidirectional bezel has a black aluminium insert to match.

In contrast, the dial sports a multi-coloured decompression table that is read in conjunction with countdown scale on the bezel.

The scale is not luminous, but the hour markers at the dial’s centre and oblong markers on the periphery are filled with Super-Luminova, as are the hands. Notably, the date disc is in black so it blends better into the decompression scale.

The case back has the relief starfish logo of the Ocean Star line. Underneath is the cal. 80, which is an ETA C07.621. An industrial workhorse, the C07 family is derived from the ETA 2824, but upgraded in several ways, including with an 80 hour power reserve and paramagnetic Nivachron balance spring. (Another member of the C07 family is the Tissot Powermatic 80 found in the PRX.)

Key facts and price

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961
Ref. M026.807.33.051.00

Diameter: 40.5 mm
Height: 13.4 mm
Material: Stainless steel with all-black PVD coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: Cal. 80 
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and decompression scale on dial
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Black PVD-treated, polished stainless steel Milanese mesh, semi-gloss blue textured rubber, and black calfskin

Limited edition: 1961 pieces
Availability: Now at Mido boutiques and retailers
Price: US$1,480

For more, visit midowatches.com