BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
In our opinion, Mido tends to offer some of the best value watches around, combining cutting-edge design and technology with classy looks. It’s difficult to tell where they sit in the Swatch Group’s hierarchy. I think they’re somewhere around Rado and Hamilton but slightly below Longines. Anyway, that doesn’t matter; what does matter is that the Ocean Star line of diving watches has a new addition.
The Ocean Star watch range has a history stretching back to the 1940s, but this new watch is a first for Mido’s diving watches, that being a case made of carbon fibre. Although little has been said about how the 42.5mm x 12.3mm (122 grams) case has been made, it’s safe to assume that it’s been done via the traditional method which is to use heat and pressure (plus a bonding agent) to form them into a watch case. We do know that it has a PVD-coated stainless steel caseback featuring the Ocean Star classic starfish image and 200m of water resistance.
The dial side of the watch is a visual treat, with orange accents and a carbon fibre dial adding a unique touch. The ceramic bezel not only enhances the watch’s aesthetics but also makes it suitable for a wide range of technical applications. The watch is designed for easy nighttime reading, thanks to the SuperLumi-Nova on the hands, markers, and the lume pip on the bezel. The dial also features a date and day window, adding to its practicality.
Inside this new piece is the self-winding Mido calibre 80, which is actually an ETA C07.821 movement, also known by other Swatch brands as the Powermatic 80 movement. This calibre has a 3Hz beat rate and a long power reserve of 80 hours. It’s also COSC chronometer certified thanks in part to a silicone balance spring, for those of you who appreciate that.
Presented with two interchangeable straps, one made of rubber and one of fabric, this new piece is a limited edition run of 888 watches priced at $2200. Does that make this a carbon bargain? Possibly. I can’t think of anything that isn’t a fashion watch offering a carbon fibre case at this price point. Correct me if I’m wrong.
