Mido revisits the first run of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 in black PVD
Buffy Acacia- The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition has returned in black, and blacker than ever with a PVD-coated case.
- It’s another limited run of 1,961 pieces.
- The movement is the Mido Caliber 80, with an 80-hour power reserve.
As a limited edition back in 2020, the underappreciated Swiss brand could never have anticipated the fervent desire watch enthusiasts would hold for the original Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. It had sold out before most reviews had even been published, but four years later, that first release with its black and pastel roulette dial is still commanding prices above its original RRP. Other colours and the Decompression Worldtimers have helped to fill the gap, but who knows how well the first reissue would have sold as a full production model? Well, that internet-breaking dial has finally returned in another Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition, with a jet-black PVD case.
Now, while this new limited edition is a carbon copy of the 2020 release with the exception of the PVD case, it’s still enough of a change to feel like a vastly different watch. You can’t underestimate the power of a black watch case, as it makes the case look a bit smaller, but also punchier. The subtle curves and polished surfaces are dulled down, drawing the eye in towards the dial whose pastel colours look punchier than ever. At 40.5mm in diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug, it’s relatively compact for a fully-featured diver. It’s water resistant to 200 metres with a screw-down crown, and the total thickness is 13.4mm.
The centrepiece of the PVD Ocean Star Decompression Timer and the reason for its popularity is, of course, the dial. Scuba diving was heavily commercialised in the ‘60s, but decompression sickness (or “the bends”) was a genuinely deadly concern. In order to avoid it, you have to slow your ascent to the water’s surface and allow your body to adjust gradually. This dial allows you to calculate that surfacing speed. Above 12 o’clock the numbers from 25-40 meters and 80-130 feet represent diving depth, the other numbers corresponding to the amount of time you’ll need to spend decompressing on the way up. For example, if you spend 30 minutes diving at a depth of 35 metres, you’ll need to spend 25 minutes decompressing. That was calculated using the pink ring, and timed with the bezel.
If you’re familiar with Swatch Group patterns, the use of the Mido Caliber 80 movement shouldn’t come as a surprise. Based on the ETA C07.621, this automatic movement’s claim to fame is the 80-hour power reserve which is excellent when worn in a weekly rotation. It has a 21,600vph beat rate, and it’s the élaboré grade which is adjusted in three positions for an accuracy within +/-7 sec/day up to +/- 20 sec/day. The caseback is solid with the customary Mido Ocean Star starfish emblem, as well as the limited edition number. One other change from the old edition to the new one is that it includes extra straps. There’s a stainless steel Milanese bracelet with a black PVD coating, a black leather strap, and a light blue rubber strap, all with quick-release spring bars for easy swapping. Considering the 21mm lug width, it’s an appreciated extra.
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition price and availability
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition is limited to 1,961 pieces, and is available to purchase through the Time+Tide Shop. Price: US$1,480, A$2,225
| Brand | Mido |
| Model | Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm (D) x 13.4mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with black PVD coating |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black and pastel decompression timer rings |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Bracelet and straps | Black PVD Milanese bracelet, folding clasp Blue rubber, PVD pin buckle Black leather, PVD pin buckle |
| Movement | Mido Caliber 80, ETA C07.621 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, unidirectional diving bezel |
| Availability | Limited to 1,961 pieces |
| Price | US$1,480 A$2,225 |