VIDEO: The Mido Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition with a fresh silver dial and turquoise bezel

Zach Blass

The dive watch category is among the most popular, if not the most popular category, with buyers of today. It’s quite a saturated segment, with many of the novelties inevitably sharing recycled design cues necessary for a diver. So, when a dive watch is released with a standout aesthetic it is worth taking notice – with the reward being something distinct and different on the wrist. Case in point, many of you are probably familiar with the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 limited edition from last year – a highly anticipated re-introduction of the rather rare vintage diver that leveraged a rainbow coloured decompression scale in its centre against the black backdrop of the dial. For 2021, the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is back for another limited edition run of 1,961 pieces. – with a more playful silvered white dial and turquoise bezel.

Packaged in a 40.5mm stainless-steel case that’s 13.4mm thick, the watch is secured with a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 200 metres. Visually, it catches the eye with its fully polished case, aluminum turquoise retrograde division bezel, and silvered white dial that frames the highly legible rainbow decompression scale. Having a rainbow colour scheme may seem a bit cheeky, but it is in reality a utility-driven decision – colour coding the various decompression scales for the diver wearing it to quickly discern.

Speaking of legibility, the timing bezel has a beige SuperLuminova® luminous pip to pair with the neutral SuperLuminova® found on the flat diamond cut hours and minutes hands, as well as the horizontal rectangular hour indices that run the full perimeter of the dial (including 3’). Due to its proximity in colour, the date complication at 3’ blends well into the dial with its black on white disc. In the inner-most central medallion of the dial, you’ll find quarter hour Arabic numerals, with the remaining hours signalled by hashes, and the original Mido logo applied to further add the air of elegance to this robust vintage-inspired watch.

Beneath the solid screwed caseback, decorated with a stamped sea star logo, the Mido caliber 80 (based on the ETA C07.621) ticks away at 21,600 vph and boasts a power reserve longer than what you would find with Rolex, Tudor, and Omega with an incredible 80 hours of power reserve. While you can’t see it, the Elabore-grade movement has industrially finished Geneva stripes and perlage, with a decorated oscillating weight that carries the Mido name.

As if enough value wasn’t already jammed-pack into the offering, the watch is bundled with a polished stainless-steel mesh bracelet, turqouise blue fabric strap to match the bezel, and light brown leather strap with “Patina” finishing. Not only do you have three straps to choose from, but you can quickly switch between them with ease thanks to quick release spring bars anyone can master. Simply pull the tab with your finger, and the strap will detatch from the case. An easy, yet still solid and secure, system buyers will definitely appreciate.

Mido Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition pricing and availability:

Mido Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition is limited to 1,961 pieces and is priced at $1,800 AUD.

Time+Tide Watches will have a limited number of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 available for sale to Australian customers from October 15th, for further information please contact [email protected]

For more information on the watch click here.