After four successful releases, MIDO’s Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is back and once again pays tribute to its original 1961 model, the Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch. Limited to 1,961 pieces, the edition with a glossy black case contrasting with the bright colors of the legendary multicolored decompression scale perfectly combines expressiveness and an irresistible vintage look. Connoisseurs take note!
In 2020, MIDO attracted attention. The brand, which has been a pioneer in waterproofing since the 1930s, reissued the famous Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch from 1961. Highly valued by divers of the time, this watch made it easier to read the decompression levels thanks to a multi-colored table that quickly became legendary. In 2020, 2021 and 2023, the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 has been successfully reinterpreted again and again using high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technologies, while always remaining true to its unique original aesthetic. This year MIDO unveils a new, very exclusive limited series of Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 with an expressive case made of polished stainless steel with black PVD coating.
This sports watch still retains its historical codes associated with the underwater world: multicolored table, unidirectional rotating bezel, glass box-style sapphire crystal reminiscent of the earlier Plexiglass and a modest diameter of 40.5 mm – as was the case back then. The MIDO Caliber 80, a mechanical movement of excellent reliability, can count on an enviable power reserve of up to 80 hours and a high-tech NivachronTM hairspring. The symbol of the Ocean Star collection, which is currently celebrating its 80th anniversary, is engraved on the caseback: the starfish, which is a reminder of MIDO’s expertise in waterproofing. Three versatile, interchangeable bracelets – made of shiny black stainless steel in Milanese style, made of leather and made of rubber – each give the model a different touch. Modern performance and seductive vintage looks continue the exhilarating spirit of Sixties scuba diving.
Black and multicolored
The multicolored Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is an inspiring eye-catcher on the wrist with its seductive appearance. Against the black background of the dial, MIDO takes up the bright colors of the decompression scale of the original model – a wink that does not replace modern diving instruments, but continues the fascinating aesthetics of bygone times. Yellow, green, pink and blue – a table with colored circles shows the recommended levels. The signature unidirectional rotating bezel with aluminum ring allows you to measure elapsed time, with a generous luminous dot serving as a marker. With a watch like this, readability is crucial, both in the sun and at depth. Therefore, the diamond-cut hour and minute hands and the polished indices are provided with Super-LumiNova®. A detail with historical charm is the former MIDO logo as a polished application on the black dial and as an engraving on the case back, crown and bracelet clasps. A glass box-style sapphire crystal effectively protects the dial and underlines the vintage look of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961.
For even more shine and expressiveness, MIDO has completely polished the robust stainless steel housing of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. A black PVD coating gives it an intense shimmer. The screw-down crown and screw-down caseback – hallmarks of the Ocean Star collection – further increase the durability of the watch with a remarkable water resistance of up to 200 meters. At the heart of the case, the impressive Caliber 80 offers excellent reliability thanks to its power reserve of up to 80 hours. The particularly durable spiral spring made from NivachronTM is exceptionally resistant to magnetism and shock.
Each of the 1961 examples comes in a special case. This includes a limited edition certificate and three straps: a Milanese strap in polished stainless steel with black PVD coating, a blue strap in semi-gloss textured rubber and a black strap in genuine cowhide leather with stitching in the colors of the table on the dial . Thanks to a quick-change system that requires no tools, the look of the watch can be varied depending on the occasion.
The Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition impresses with its irresistible look, highlighted by the iconic multi-colored decompression table and the beautiful jet black case.