Mido has been a partner of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series since 2019. In September 2021, some of the world's best divers (including brand friend Alessandro De Rose) jumped into the Adriatic Sea from a platform in Polignano a Mare, Apulia. On the occasion of the event, which we attended, the brand presented a new version of the Mido Ocean Star 600 chronometer with some updates - and all at the same affordable price. We invite you to take a look at these reliable and straightforward modern diving watches.
The origins of the Mido Ocean Star collection date back to the 1940s when its name was registered. Naturally, the first Ocean Star watches had little in common with the modern diving watches they are today, particularly the 600-meter water-resistant model, the most technically advanced in the collection, initially introduced in 2018, which also includes watches like the Ocean Star 200 or the cool decompression timer.
The 2021 version of the Ocean Star 600 is a subtle evolution, incorporating minor aesthetic and technical updates. Overall, the case is identical to the previous version with the exact same dimensions. The 43.5 mm x 14.05 mm stainless steel case appears robust and well-crafted. The screw-down crown is complemented by a pair of protective covers. The large unidirectional bezel features a blue ceramic insert. It operates crisply, the knurling provides a secure grip, and it requires a push down to rotate, preventing unintentional adjustments.
The screw-down case back has an embossed starfish engraving. The water resistance is 60 ATM or 600 meters. The two-part case is equipped with a helium valve at the 9 o'clock position. Two subtle technical improvements: the case back is slightly more rigid, and the bracelet is more durable.
The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on both sides for enhanced contrast and readability. The dial design has undergone minor changes compared to previous versions and is now even more “classic.” On the gradient deep blue dial, the hour markers are now round and rectangular with a large triangle at the 12 o'clock position. As befits serious diving watches, for optimal readability in the dark, a luminescent material (white Super-LumiNova Grade X) is used for all markers, on the hands, and on the bezel. The brand's logo is embossed, and the date is displayed through a small window at the 3 o'clock position. At the 6 o'clock position, two lines of text are now displayed instead of three: Ocean Star 600 / Chronometer. Finally, the hands have been updated, particularly the lollipop-style seconds hand and the partially skeletonized hour and minute hands.
The Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer remains equipped with the automatic Mido Calibre 80 COSC Si. This movement, also referred to as ETA C07.821, is an evolution of the time-tested ETA 2824 with an extended 80-hour power reserve and is used only by accessible luxury brands within the Swatch Group. The diameter of this COSC-certified movement is 25.60 mm. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring.
The Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer features a three-link stainless steel bracelet, with the center links now polished to give the watch a more luxurious appearance. The bracelet is equipped with a safety folding clasp with a diver's extension, if you need a little extra space on the wrist or to wear the watch over a wetsuit. On the wrist, these 43.5 mm watches with a super-strong depth rating are not small by any means but are quite comfortable to wear.
The pragmatic Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer diving watch with a classic design offers everything needed for a reliable diver. These no-nonsense watches are made to work… and they do it well! The overall build quality and the movement with an 80-hour power reserve give high marks for reliability and price. Indeed, the watch costs 1,490 euros, 1,700 USD or 1,590 Swiss francs. The watches are also available with a classic black dial and bezel.
For more detailed information and online ordering, visit www.midowatches.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – MIDO OCEAN STAR 600 CHRONOMETER
Case: 43.50 mm diameter x 14.05 mm height – satin-finished and polished stainless steel – unidirectional rotating steel bezel with blue or black ceramic insert – sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides – screw-down crown and case back – water resistance 600 meters
Dial: lacquered reverse gradient dark blue or black dial – silver hands and applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova Grade X luminescent coating
Movement: Mido Calibre 80 COSC Si (ETA C07.821 based on ETA 2824) – automatic – COSC-certified chronometer – 25.60 mm x 5.22 mm – 25 jewels – 21,600 vibrations/hour – 80-hour power reserve – anti-magnetic silicon hairspring – hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Bracelet: 3-link polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp with diver's extension
References: M026.608.11.041.01 blue dial/bezel
M026.608.11.051.00 black dial/bezel
Availability: Now available in retail and on Mido's website
Price: 1,490 EURO
SWISS FRANC 1,590
USD 1,700