VIDEO: The Mido Ocean Star Chronograph provides twice the functionality at half the cost
Zach BlassEditor’s note: Mido is yet another brand that is not widely accessible to Aussies. The brand may be familiar to many, but finding it in store or from a reputable online seller isn’t always easy. We are really happy to let all Australian readers know that we are now offering over 70 models in our online shop. There’s a lot to explore, and we’ll be endeavouring to cover more of the coming weeks – starting with this stealthy, stainless steel DLC chronograph that wears with a great deal of heft and presence on the wrist. Visit the shop listing here.
A daily wearer is a robust watch you can wear everyday without inhibiting your tasks or activities. Ideally the watch should be shock and scratch-resistant as well as being able to laugh off any contact with water, too. Sure there are some usual suspects that come top of mind, but today I want to showcase something different: the Mido Ocean Star Chronograph. Its black DLC-treated, stainless-steel case, ceramic bezel, and 200 metre depth rating make this value-driven watch a stealthy sleeper that budding collectors should wake up to.
The 44mm case is 15.6mm thick and made of stainless-steel that’s coated with black DLC for added scratch resistance. As a utility-driven watch, the majority of the case is satin-brushed with polished tapered bevels that add a touch of vintage sports elegance. The scratch-resistant black ceramic bezel matches the stealth tones of the case, with a white timing scale that is easy for the eye to read.
Some remain sceptical about blending divers and chronographs together, as the pushers can be a point of vulnerability for moisture to enter the case. But this 200 metre water-resistant watch not only has a screwed down crown, but screwed-down pushers as well – so there is no fear of accidental pusher activation under water.
The black dial maintains a monotone vibe to the aesthetic, but it is by no means a phantom or “all-black” dial. Here we have white metal hands and applied hour markers that are highly legible against the black backdrop of the dial. For an added vintage touch, the SuperLuminova® used on the hands, markers, and bezel pip has a nice sage faux-tina tone creating warmth to the dial. There are two registers on the dial, a running seconds register at 9’ and a 30 minute elapsed minutes register at 3’. The layout ensures there is no clutter to the dial and leaves ample space for the date complication at 6’, tactfully fashioned with a white on black date disc to blend well into the black dial. To that same point, Mido strategically placed a nautical tachymeter scale within the stepped inner bezel – keeping the dial clean while still providing an important scale tied to the chronograph complication and nature of the diver.
The Mido Ocean Star Chronograph comes with two straps: a tough yet supple black rubber strap and a more casual embossed calf leather strap with orange stitching to match the accents of the Ocean Star dial text and the arrow tipped central seconds hand. Beneath the solid caseback is the automatic Mido caliber 60, based on the ETA A05.H31. As the caliber number suggests, it has a respectable 60 hours of power reserve – and being a modified ETA ebauche ensures tried and true performance on the wrist.
Considering the Mido Ocean Star Chronograph has a retail price of $3,675 AUD, or $2,450 USD, it’s hard to deny the value on the table – especially for someone who want to scratch both the chronograph and divers’ itch in one go.
Mido Ocean Star Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Mido Ocean Star Chronograph is AUD$3,675 and is currently available. For more details, visit Mido right here.
Made in partnership with Mido. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.