Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961: A Collector's Review

The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is a limited edition dive watch that pays homage to a legendary model from the early 1960s. Released in November 2021, this timepiece sold out within 24 hours, a testament to its unique appeal. This review explores its design, technical features, and the reasons behind its instant success.

A Nod to the Past: The Original Powerwind Diver

To understand the hype, one must look back to 1961 when Mido introduced the Powerwind Diver 1000, also known as the Ocean Star Skin Diver. Affectionately nicknamed the 'Rainbow' by collectors, this watch featured a colorful decompression scale on its dial, a pioneering tool for divers. The original was highly regarded for its water resistance and functional design, and today, well-preserved examples can fetch up to ,000. The 1961 reissue captures the spirit of the original while incorporating modern enhancements.

Design and Aesthetics

The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 (reference M026.807.11.031.00) features a 40.5mm stainless steel case with a polished finish, giving it a classic yet refined look. The case height is 13.43mm, making it relatively slim for an automatic dive watch. The sapphire crystal is shaped in a 'glass box' style, which not only adds vintage character but also provides excellent scratch resistance.

The dial is the star of the show, with a silvered white background and four concentric colored rings that form the decompression scale. These pastel tones—turquoise, orange, green, and blue—are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing divers to calculate ascent times at various depths. The dial features applied indices coated with Super-Luminova for visibility in low light, along with a date window at 3 o'clock.

The unidirectional rotating bezel now features a striking turquoise aluminum inlay, a departure from previous black or steel versions. This color choice ties the bezel to the outer decompression ring on the dial, creating a cohesive and vibrant look. The watch is water-resistant to 200 meters, suitable for recreational diving.

Movement and Performance

Inside the case beats Mido's Caliber 80, an automatic movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. This is significantly longer than the industry standard of around 40 hours, making it a practical choice for daily wear. The movement is known for its accuracy and reliability, ensuring the watch remains a dependable companion.

The screw-down crown, protected by a triangular crown guard, is easy to operate and contributes to the watch's water resistance. The caseback is solid, featuring Mido's signature starfish engraving, a nod to the Ocean Star collection's diving heritage.

Three Straps for Every Occasion

One of the most appealing aspects of the Decompression Timer 1961 is the inclusion of three interchangeable straps in the box. The quick-release system allows for effortless swapping, making it easy to adapt the watch to any setting. The options include:

• A stylish Milanese bracelet, perfect for a dressier look.
• A turquoise fabric strap, ideal for sporty and casual wear.
• A patinated leather strap, adding a vintage touch.

This versatility enhances the watch's value, as it can transition from a business meeting to a weekend adventure without missing a beat.

Why the Hype?

The immediate sell-out of the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 can be attributed to several factors. First, the vintage-inspired design is both unique and visually striking, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Second, the limited production of 1,961 pieces creates exclusivity and urgency. Third, the watch offers exceptional quality for its price point, a hallmark of the Mido brand.

While the original price was a reasonable