The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer brings GMT functionality to the party
Luke BenedictusOne of the most instantly lovable watches of 2020 was the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961, a dive watch blazing with pastel hues that drew a goofy smile from even the most hard-hearted watch nerd. Here was a revivial of Mido’s mid-century cult classic, the Powerwind “Rainbow” diver, brought up to modern sizing and specs for under A$2000. Not surprisingly, that initial revival was quickly snapped up. So Mido decided to go again the following year with a slight variation, a new Mido Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition, this time with an ever perkier silvered white dial and turquoise bezel. Now comes the next installment as Mido turn the dial up to 11 with the Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer.
Admittedly, by using a multicoloured scale to display decompression times, none of the predecessors have conformed to a particularly low-key look. But this new piece ups the ante by adding GMT functionality. Once again, this latest piece displays decompression times to a depth of 6 metres using circles of yellow, green, pink and blue on the navy dial version or a variety of yellow and orange hues on the black dial version. But now the bezel is almost as frenetic, providing two extra rings of info in the form of the names of world cities marked in silver.
Essentially, the 40.5mm stainless-steel case encircles nine concentric rings of information for the eye to take in. The overall effect is full-on and weirdly hypnotic. The tonal colours of the black dial version bring the overall psychedelia down a notch or two to manageable levels. But the blue dial one is utterly bonkers.
This being Mido, however, the madness is all delivered in a very pragmatic format. In terms of GMT functionality, a red arrow indicates the travel time zone, contrasting with the flat and diamond cut hour, minute and second hands for the “home time”. Remembering its dive-watch duties, the screw-down caseback and crown contribute to a solid 200m of water resistance. Meanwhile the automatic calibre 80 movement equipped with a GMT and date function, delivers an 80 hour power reserve and comes with a Nivachron balance-spring to make it more resistant to magnetism and shock. Behind the visual pyrotechnics, in other words, this is a robust and highly practical watch.
In terms of straps, the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer comes with one in textured rubber that interchanges with ease with a stainless-steel polished Milanese mesh strap that has a sliding clasp.
My first impressions are of a watch that’s an awful lot of fun. There will inevitably be some who talk of diminishing returns with the new model and how this GMT addition perhaps takes things one step too far. For me, however, Mido’s Decompression Timer was never a watch about elegant restraint. This new Worldtimer version has a slightly mad glint in its eye and is embracing the chaos with a smile.
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer pricing and availability:
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer is a “special” non-limited release and is available from the Time+Tide shop in black (here) and blue (here) for A$2000
Brand | Mido |
Model | Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer |
Case Dimensions | 40.5 mm (Lug-to-lug: 46.99mm) |
Case Material | Polished stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 200m |
Dial |
Blue, with applied, polished indices highlighted with natural colour Super-LumiNova®, date window at 3 o’clock and decompression scale represented or also available in black |
Crystal(s) | Glassbox-style sapphire crystal |
Bracelet/Strap | Textured dark blue/semi-glossy black rubber strap, polished pin buckle with engraved Mido logo. Additional stainless-steel polished Milanese mesh strap and sliding clasp |
Movement | Mido automatic calibre 80 (ETA C07.661 base) |
Power Reserve | 80 hours |
Availability | Now |
Price | A$2000 |