VIDEO: The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a rugged diver that punches well above its pay grade

Fergus Nash

Mido are an oddity in the watch world. They’re not a mega-brand, being a subsidiary of Swatch Group towards the affordable end of the ladder, yet they still manage to be one of the few brands whose limited-edition releases can sell for well over their original retail price, as seen with the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. With the new collection of Ocean Star Tribute watches, honouring 75 years of the dive watch line, Mido have created a faithful reproduction of a vintage piece that manages to look as modern as ever.

The dial

As the name Ocean Star Tribute suggests, this range of watches is designed as a true homage to some of the Mido diving models of the 1960s. You may assume that a tribute watch may just incorporate some elements of the original into a fresh, modern design that fits more alongside a brand’s current offerings, but this Mido is actually almost identical. It really goes to show how contemporary and timeless those original ‘60s watches were, as the only updates have been the logo, the name Ocean Star printed on the dial, the absence of a printed border around the day-date complication, and a luminous pip on the bezel for utility.

But, of course, this particular model isn’t just a straightforward vintage reissue. Decked out in khaki green, the feel of this classic diver has been transformed into a military-spec adventurer — looking as though it belongs on a wrist that happens to be chopping down stray vines in the jungle with a machete. Along with the no-nonsense typeface, the crisp application of the printed minute markers and luminous painted indices keeps things function-driven and totally legible. The rectangular fence-post hands match that precise and utilitarian vibe, while the burnt-orange double-lollipop seconds hand (a hallmark of the vintage models) breathes life back into what could otherwise be a drab olive overload.

The case

Just like the dial, the case of the Ocean Star Tribute looks spot-on to the vintage specimen upon which it is based. The smooth transition from sides to the lugs is neatly bevelled, and then accentuated by a sharp-looking (although perfectly rounded) crown guard that extends to the extremities of the crown, while still allowing easy grip from the knurled edges. The case is entirely in high-polish, which lets the matte textures of the dial and aluminium bezel stand out, and also gives greater contrast to the Ocean Star signature starfish in relief on the sandblasted screw-down caseback. The subtle modern upgrades include a box-domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and 200m of water resistance, as well as a very wrist-friendly set of dimensions being 40.5mm in diameter, and 47mm lug to lug, bridging the gap between vintage daintiness and modern mega-divers.

The movement

Mido’s Calibre 80 movement is based upon a modern classic of the Swatch Group, essentially taking the tried-and-tested ETA 2824-2 and slowing the beat rate from 28,800vph to 21,600vph. This not only extends the power reserve to a whopping 80 hours, allowing for a healthy weekly rotation of watches without the need to wind it, but also puts less wear on the movement for theoretically longer service intervals. For a brand whose manifesto is value-packed watches, you can see why the Calibre 80 was an easy choice for the Ocean Star.

The strap

This edition of the Ocean Star Tribute arrives on a dial-matched green fabric strap, with contrasting white stitching into a cowhide leather backing for comfort. Although it looks fantastic and is very comfortable to wear, the 21mm lug width may make it difficult to swap out the strap when you want to take the watch underwater. But, in a pinch, a slightly oversize 22mm NATO strap should do the trick just fine.

The verdict

If you’re looking for a true-to-vintage diver with a tactical twist, the Mido Ocean Star Tribute really does make a strong case for itself. At $1400 AUD the quality is absolutely above its pay grade, and you’re not at all likely to run into anyone else wearing the same watch. Its design is noticeably vintage, but ultimately timeless enough to be a versatile daily wearer, especially if you find some creative strap choices.

Pricing and availability:

The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is $1400: Buy here

Made in partnership with Mido. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.