INTRO
Recently, we had the opportunity to spend several weeks with the Mido Ocean Star Tribute Special Edition. Released to mark the brand’s 75th anniversary, Mido launched two variations of this vintage-inspired dive watch, which is available in either a Mediterranean Blue or a Deep Black model. Today though, we’re going hands-on with the Deep Black variant.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is a lot of watch for the money, the package you’re getting for under $1,500 is substantial – and a reminder that you don’t have to spend big bucks to get a capable and attractive tool watch.
THE DIAL & HANDS
Legibility is no issue on the Ocean Star Tribute thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova on the hour-markers, baton-style hands and bezel. Keeping in line with the heavily vintage-inspired design, both the applied indices and hands are an off-white cream colour, imitating the patina’d look often seen on vintage dive watches. The lollipop-style orange seconds hand offers a pop of colour and compliments the custardy indices. At 3 o’clock you’ll also find an unobtrusive day/date function, which blends into the rest of the dial thanks to a matching date wheel.
THE CRYSTAL
At first glance, you might mistake the Ocean Star Tribute’s boxed Sapphire crystal for acrylic. However, tougher and less prone to scratches, the use of sapphire crystal blends modern materials with vintage design, ensuring legibility. The curved edges of the crystal offer up some intriguing reflections and distortions to the edge of the dial, depending on the angle.
THE CASE
Coming in at 40.5mm in diameter, the Ocean Star Tribute features straight lugs and a polished case that’s the right size for the job. At a touch over 13mm high, the Ocean Star has presence without being too hefty. The unidirectional bezel matches the dial thanks to a black aluminium insert, which feels satisfying to turn. The caseback features a starfish, emblematic of the Ocean Star, and other detailed specifications of the watch. Housed within is the Swatch Group’s new Caliber 80, which is a base ETA 2836-2 with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Water-resistant to 200m/660ft, the Ocean Star Tribute has you covered for most of life’s adventures.
THE BRACELET
The ‘beads of rice’ style bracelet drapes comfortably around your wrist and feels light on. Should actual diving be your thing, it also features a handy divers extension, allowing for adjustments on the fly. The bracelet links have been polished to match the case, but didn’t at all feel delicate, and are sure to develop more character with wear. Interestingly, the Ocean Star Tribute measures 21mm between the lugs, which means switching out to your favourite strap may prove tricky. However, the watch does come with an additional black technical fabric strap, with orange stitching, as part of the kit.
FINAL THOUGHTS
On the wrist, the Ocean Star Tribute wears comfortably and offers up an attractive and well-executed vintage-inspired package. The value proposition is strong, and the build quality feels solid. If you’re in the market for an affordable dive watch and share our love for vintage timepieces, then this watch may be for you.
OCEAN STAR TRIBUTE SPECIFICATION:
Model Reference: M026.830.11.051.00
Case Diameter: 40.5mm
Dial: Black
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber 80
Case Height: 13.43mm
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date
Water Resistance: 20 ATM / 200m
