How I learned to stop worrying and love bolder watches
Luke BenedictusIt’s a bit similar to haircuts. Looking back at photos from my youth recalls all sorts of misadventures in the barber’s chair. There was the shoulder-length mane I returned with after backpacking around India. The brief skinhead phase that my mother said made me look like a convict. There was the Britpop-inspired mishap sustained during my time living in Manchester in the mid ’90s. Frankly, the list goes on and on. But as you get older you settle into your groove. Not that there’s anything remotely “groovy” about my hair you understand. But for the last 20-odd years, my instructions to the barber have remained the same (grade three back and sides, not too high, scissor-blend). And I expect that I will continue down this path for as long as my beleaguered hairline persists.
Clothes tend to follow a similar trajectory of weary consolidation. Your early years are more experimental as you get buffeted around by fashion’s dubious whims. I once wore a pair of silver trousers to go clubbing for f*ck’s sake. Now I’m in my 40s, however, things are different. I buy the same shoes, jeans and shirts over and over again, replacing them when they wear out with identikit version. Colour wise my wardrobe is equally moribund, dominated by dismal tones of grey, black and too much navy. All up, my tastes could politely be described as “classic” and less politely as dull to the point of catatonic boredom.
And my watches tended to follow a similarly well-trodden route. For better or for worse, I was basically a vintage dress watch guy who liked plain, wallflower-style timepieces that floated under the radar but rewarded closer inspection if you’re that way inclined. These were the watches I gravitated to repeatedly. And, truth be told, I was comfortable in my horological rut.
Which is why, on paper, the Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient wasn’t really my jam. I mean I’ve long admired Mido for their ability to deliver Swiss-made watches with great movements for alarmingly reasonable prices – seriously, what’s not to like? Nevertheless, the Ocean Star Tribute Gradient didn’t tick my usual boxes. I invariably find dive watches too chunky. I find resetting date windows a drag. Plus, the tomato-red dial was far too bold for a dullard like me. But then I put on the watch and, believe it or not, I’ve rarely taken it off since.
The Tribute Gradient harkens back to Mido models of the 1960s and has a palpable retro feel with its compact dimensions (40.5mm across and 46.8mm lug-to-lug). Perched on a tropic-style strap, the stainless-steel case is no-nonsense and not too heavy with a weight of 100g. The dial may be red, but its matte texture and smokey gradient tones it down to ensure that it’s fun without being too crazy – like a night out with good friends that lifts your spirits without leaving you hungover the next day. Better still, that red dial goes brilliantly with navy, too.
In terms of functionality – well, it’s Mido so it certainly delivers in those stakes. The screw-down crown gives the Ocean Star 200m of water resistance, while the Caliber 80 movement offers a day-date display and 80-hour power reserve. Which is pretty great value for $1400 AUD.
After a month on the wrist, I’m still really enjoying the Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient and I’ve learned a valuable lesson in the process. However well you think you know your tastes, sometimes it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and giving something different a whirl. It’s proved sufficiently liberating that I’m now considering trying to branch out in other areas, too. If the next time you see me I’m sporting an unconvincing ponytail and day-glo jumpsuit, blame it on this watch.
Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient pricing & availability
The Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient is available now. Buy here