BY ERIK SLAVEN
2022 is a special year for Mido as it’s been 20 years since the launch of the All Dial, which celebrated the Roman Colosseum with an architectural-inspired theme (case, dial and bracelet). Earlier this year, it released an updated version, the All Dial 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. This was the first of five limited edition watches (from Mido’s flagship collections) that will reference iconic architecture in 2022. The Baroncelli Signature was the second watch, representing the Rennes Opera House in France, and now we have an Ocean Star that looks at the Europa Point Lighthouse. This is fitting given that the Ocean Star is a dive watch.
The Europa Point Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in the Strait of Gibraltar (on the Mediterranean Sea). It’s an all-white lighthouse with a band of red in the center and is sometimes referred to as the Victoria Tower or La Farola. Finished in 1841, it has endured time and harsh conditions, and remains fully operational today (automated in 1994 with LED lighting added in 2016). Mido’s latest piece has a blue dial and bezel, a color it’s known for, but splashes of red give it a unique look. The stainless steel case is 42.5mm in diameter and 12.3mm thick, which is the perfect size for a modern diver. The bezel has a blue anodized aluminum insert with a detailed 15-minute scale, no different than a standard model, but the 22mm blue fabric strap has contrasting red stitching near the lugs (for the lighthouse’s red stripe). The solid case back also has a detailed engraving of the lighthouse and is individually numbered. The screw-down crown is fully guarded and water resistance is rated at 200 meters.
The theme continues on the dial with applied indices that include a representation of the Europa Point lighthouse at 12 o’clock. The lollipop seconds hand also has a red lacquered tip. The hour and minute hands are open-worked for a modern touch, and a day/date window sits at 3 o’clock. The indices, hands and 12 o’clock dot on the bezel have Super-LumiNova for excellent nighttime visibility. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings on both sides protects the deep blue dial. The dial references to the lighthouse are a bit subtle yet clear, which is better than something that’s gaudy and really stands out.
Powering the watch is Mido’s Caliber 80 automatic, based on the ETA C07.621 or “Powermatic 80.” It has 25 jewels, and beats at 3Hz with an 80-hour power reserve (hence the name). Unlike other variants of this movement with silicon escapements and/or balance springs, this uses conventional materials. That’s certainly not a bad thing and the movement is a proven workhorse, originally based on the tried and true ETA 2836-2.
The Ocean Star 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (ref. M026.430.17.041.01) is limited to 1,841 pieces, which is the date of the lighthouse’s inauguration. It retails for EUR 1,060, which is slightly higher than the standard models (EUR 990). That’s a solid price for a stylish, capable Swiss diver with a high power reserve, deep water-resistance rating and unique theme.
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