Tom Austin
MIDO is one of the brands that fly unfairly low under the radar given its long and diverse history. This brand dates back to 1918 and takes advantage of the watch boom that predated the end of World War I. Unlike some of the historic brands we know today, MIDO has never really stuck to a particular design language for many years, instead producing countless watches that span the era of design and fashion influences.
One model that stands out is Ocean Star. It has been around since 1944, but did not appear on watches until 1959. I started my life as a tool watch wearing everyday dress watches. Once again, it was inspired by the retro style of the 1970s, and was updated with a modern touch to meet the expectations of modern adventurers.
case
Even in a time when watches were generally much smaller, the Mid Ocean Star stood out for that large proportion. The new Ocean Star World Timer is no different, but perhaps better suited today’s standards. The 40.5mm diameter and 13.4mm thickness is bold, but mainly because of the way the elongated lug and crown guard gently protrude from the edge of the one-way bezel that rotates.
As you would expect from a tool watch, the case is made of stainless steel, finely polished on all visible surfaces. This also helps to make the watch look visually, with no straight edges to be seen anywhere. Ocean Star’s World Timer is equipped with sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings on each side, with screw-down crowns and casebacks, and is equipped with 200 meters of water-resistant sapphire crystals, so it continues to function. Note that it is also engraved on the serial number of each watch, and solid casebacks with Ocean Starfish emblems are also used.
Dial
At first glance, the bright dial looks white mainly due to the stiff contrasting colour of the checkered design, but in a detailed inspection it actually has a “bellol” silver finish. The lively red and black checkering shows time intervals that match the world timer city indicator on the aluminum bezel insert, and the resulting atmosphere is very retro. It comes with a vintage style Mido logo and some simple dial text. I know it’s not a critical detail, but it’s something that can bother hardcore collectors.
Nevertheless, the Pedantic details aside, the 70s-inspired retro dial is super cool and is well combined with straight, diamond cut and faceted hands filled with Super Luminova for easier reading. Another vintage nod is an oversized silver date and date window. It’s usually uncomfortable, but with this setting, Ocean Star will pull it off nicely as it returns to a time when such date windows were the norm.
strap
Bandstrap appears in Ocean Star’s World Timer because you love or hate them, and what do you know? I’m everything for it with this watch. The black leather paired with white stitching matches well with the watch, especially the small hints of red stitching on the center strap. Thankfully, it’s not that important if the band strap isn’t yours. This is because the layer below is removable and you can wear the main strap just like any other layer. The well-finished strap is finished with stainless steel pin buckles and carved with the Mido logo.
Movement
Hidden under the embossed caseback is the Mido Caliber 80, an automatic movement based on the ETA C07.621 caliber. As typical of most ETA moves, it is a reliable and solid mainstay, featuring Nivolon balance springs, 25 gems and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The generous power reserve also helps keep things reliable thanks to the slow 3Hz beat rate. It is also an exclusive movement of the Swatch Group. This means that it is only available on certain watches from brands such as Mido, Hamilton, and Certina. Finally, despite its hiddenness, this movement is modestly decorated with Genève finishes and logos inside the rotor. We promise.
verdict
At USD 1,070, Ocean Star World Timer is difficult to get into obstacles. Ok, you can argue that it usually lacks the GMT function that comes with a true world timer (it doesn’t even have a GMT hand like a decompression field!) But put it aside, you’re still getting a powerful package for money. MIDO was able to offer 200 meters of water resistance and reflectively coated sapphire crystal with a made-to-order stainless steel case of over four digits. And on top of that, it captures the retro coolness of the 70s perfectly, offering a different thing that stands out at this level of crowd on the market, especially with its band straps.
Mid Ocean Star World Timer Pricing and Availability
Mido Ocean Star Worldtimer is available from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: US$1,070, US$1,625
Brand MIDO Model Ocean Star World Timer Reference M026.830.16.030.00 Case Dimensions 40.5mm(D) x 13.4mm(T) x 47.04(LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistant 200m Crystal Crystal Stainless Steel Pin Buckle Movement Mid Caliber 80, ETA C07.621 Base, Automatic Power Reserve 80 Hours Function Time, Minutes, Seconds, Days, Dates, World Timer Bezel Availability is now available from Time+Tide Shop Price US $1,070
$1,625
