Mido is rightfully considered one of the pioneers of waterproof watches, with a history spanning nearly a century.
In the 1930s, the company introduced the innovative Aquadura sealing system using cork material, which became the foundation for creating waterproof wristwatches. This experience led to the creation of the Ocean Star collection, a name patented in 1944, with the first series of models released in 1959. Since then, Ocean Star has remained a central line of Mido's dive watches. Today, the brand presents a new generation of Ocean Star 200 - an updated version of one of the most affordable and versatile models in the collection, featuring a completely redesigned design while maintaining the practicality and reliability of the original.
Case: Modern Design with a Focus on Functionality
One of the key changes is the redesign of the case. The diameter has been increased to 41 mm, the thickness reduced to 11.65 mm, and the lug length is a comfortable 47.03 mm, ensuring ease of wear on the wrist. The new Ocean Star 200 features a more aggressive and defined design thanks to the expanded bevel on the upper edge of the case, giving the watch additional expressiveness. Enlarged protective projections around the crown emphasize the technical and instrumental character of the model.
The unidirectional bezel has also been redesigned: enlarged numbers and markers on the aluminum insert have improved readability and visual perception of the watch. Despite a more "muscular" appearance, the model remains quite thin and retains important characteristics of a modern dive chronometer - a screw-down crown, water resistance up to 200 meters, and sapphire glass with double-sided anti-reflective coating.
Under the sapphire glass lies a completely reworked dial that uses space much more efficiently than the previous version. While the old Ocean Star 200 was characterized by a relatively simple layout with long applied markers and open space, the new model looks more focused and technically thought out.
An elevated flange frames the dial, creating a sense of depth and bringing the minute scale closer to the wearer. More massive applied indexes give the watch an expressive and cohesive look. The new model is available in four color options: classic blue with a matching bezel, contrasting white with a silver bezel, and two monochrome options - all black and a black bezel with a white dial.
The textured grainy finish is a significant departure from the flat polishing of the previous model. This surface dynamically reacts to light, creating the effect of a living dial. Combined with a multi-layered construction, thicker hands, and the brand's signature orange accents on the second hand and Calibre 80 inscription, the dial looks professional, modern, and functional.
Movement: Reliability and Innovations of Calibre 80
The updated version continues to use the Mido Calibre 80 automatic movement, based on the ETA C07.621. One of the main advantages remains the extended power reserve of up to 80 hours - a significant plus for daily use. The movement is equipped with a Nivachron balance spring, which enhances resistance to magnetic fields, improves accuracy, and protects against temperature fluctuations.
The movement is hidden behind a solid case back with embossing, visible only to the watchmaker. It is decorated with the traditional Côtes de Genève pattern and adjusted in three positions. The main focus is on reliability and stable performance rather than complex functions, which aligns with the status of Ocean Star as robust and practical dive watches.
Bracelet: Combination of Style and Comfort
The new three-link stainless steel bracelet completes the model's look. The outer links have a matte finish, while the central ones are polished, giving the product a premium and refined appearance. Functionality is ensured by quick-release spring bars and a diver's extension, allowing for easy adjustment of the bracelet under the thickness of a wetsuit or simply for additional comfort.
Conclusion: A Balanced Update of a Classic
Overall, the new generation Ocean Star 200 is precisely the update the series needed. Without excessive retrospection and radical experiments, Mido focused on modern, technical, and expressive design. As a result, it has become one of the strongest and most harmonious versions of the Ocean Star 200 in the collection's history.
Technical Specifications and Price of Mido Ocean Star 200
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mido |
| Model | Ocean Star 200 |
| References | M026.930.11.051.00 (black), M026.930.11.041.00 (blue), M026.930.11.031.00 (white), M026.930.11.011.00 (black-white) |
| Case Size | 41 mm (diameter) x 11.65 mm (thickness) x 47.03 mm (lug length) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters, screw-down crown |
| Crystal | Sapphire with double-sided anti-reflective coating |
| Dial | Black, blue, white, black-white with sandblasted texture |
| Bracelet | Three-link stainless steel, folding clasp with diver's extension |
| Movement | Mido Calibre 80 (ETA C07.621), automatic |
| Power Reserve | Up to 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date |
| Availability | On sale |
| Price | 1,400 Australian dollars |