MIDO Ocean Star Tribute

Mido stands tall as a brand synonymous with innovation and quality. Mido's journey began in 1918 when Georges Schaeren, a resourceful Swiss watchmaker, founded the company in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. From its inception, Mido distinguished itself by producing watches that were both technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing. The name "Mido," derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido" meaning "I measure," reflected the brand's commitment to precision and measurement.



Throughout the 20th century, Mido continued to push boundaries. In the 1930s, they introduced the Multifort, one of the first antimagnetic, water-resistant, and shock-resistant watches with a self-winding movement. This groundbreaking timepiece established Mido as a leader in robust and reliable watches suitable for various demanding conditions. The 1950s saw the launch of the Ocean Star, a watch designed specifically for divers, further solidifying Mido's expertise in water-resistant timepieces.

The Mido Ocean Star has been making waves since its introduction in the mid-20th century, and the latest iteration, the Ocean Star Tribute Special Edition, is no exception. This timepiece pays homage to the brand's rich diving watch heritage while incorporating modern advancements in materials and technology. It's a watch that speaks to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of mechanical timepieces.

The Ocean Star Tribute Special Edition instantly captivates with its striking blue color scheme. The unidirectional rotating bezel, crafted from aluminum, features a deep, rich blue hue that evokes the depths of the ocean. This blue is echoed on the primary rubber strap, which offers a textured, cross-hatched pattern for a secure and comfortable fit. The dial itself presents a gradient effect, transitioning from a lighter blue at the center to a darker shade at the periphery, further enhancing the aquatic theme.



A closer look at the dial reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The applied hour markers, filled with luminous material, ensure excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The hands, also luminous, are broad and easy to read at a glance. A subtle date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, adding a practical touch without disrupting the dial's symmetry. The "MIDO" and "AUTOMATIC" text is proudly displayed above the center of the dial, with "OCEAN STAR" written below the center. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch maintains its pristine appearance over time. The polished stainless steel case contrasts beautifully with the blue elements, creating a harmonious balance between ruggedness and sophistication.

The watch is presented on two different straps, giving it two different looks. On the left the watch is presented on a stainless steel, mesh style bracelet. The bracelet flows very nicely into the polished stainless steel case. The other look is a blue rubber strap, with a cross hatch pattern throughout. The strap makes the watch look much more sporty and casual, while the steel bracelet brings out the elegance of the watch a little more. The case measures 40.5mm in diameter and 13.4mm in thickness, hitting a sweet spot that makes it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. It's large enough to make a statement without being overly bulky or cumbersome. The case back is adorned with a polished starfish in relief, a nod to the Ocean Star's maritime heritage and a testament to the watch's impressive water resistance.



This special edition is not just about looks; it's packed with features that make it a true tool watch. The Ocean Star Tribute is water-resistant to 20 bar (200 meters or 660 feet), making it more than capable of handling recreational diving and other water sports. The screw-down crown ensures that water stays out, even at depth. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial feature for divers, allows for precise timing of dives and decompression stops.

At the heart of the Ocean Star Tribute lies the Mido Caliber 80, an automatic movement based on the ETA C07.621. This robust and reliable movement boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, meaning you can take it off on a Friday evening and it will still be ticking on Monday morning. The Caliber 80 is equipped with a Nivachron balance spring, a titanium-based alloy that offers exceptional resistance to magnetic fields and shocks. This enhances the watch's accuracy and durability, making it a reliable companion for everyday wear.



The watch features a three-hand display (hours, minutes, seconds) with a date complication. The hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that glows brightly in the dark, ensuring excellent legibility in all conditions. The sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and making the dial easy to read even in bright sunlight.

The Ocean Star Tribute Special Edition comes with two straps: a blue rubber strap with a textured pattern and a stainless steel mesh bracelet. This offers versatility, allowing you to easily switch between a sporty and a more formal look. The rubber strap is perfect for water activities, while the mesh bracelet adds a touch of sophistication for everyday wear. Both straps feature a pin buckle for a secure and comfortable fit.



The Mido Ocean Star Tribute Special Edition is priced at CHF 1,080.00. This makes it an attractive proposition for those seeking a high-quality Swiss-made dive watch with a rich heritage and impressive specifications. It's a watch that offers excellent value for money, especially considering its robust movement, 200-meter water resistance, and dual strap options.

Case: Stainless steel, round, 40.50mm diameter, 13.4mm thickness, 21.00mm lug width, screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft), case back adorned with polished starfish in relief.

Movement: Mido Automatic ETA, Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.621), power reserve up to 80 hours, Nivachron balance spring, functions include date and day.

Dial: Blue gradient, applied indexes, Super-LumiNova on hands and indexes.

Strap: Stainless steel mesh bracelet (M605018650), additional blue rubber strap with textured pattern, both with pin buckle.

Price: CHF 1,080.00

Reference Number: M026.807.11.041.01

Notes: Special edition, pays tribute to the Ocean Star collection's 1960s diving models, comes with an extra strap.