Mido seems to be moving through the decades like nobody’s business! This time, it’s the 1970s style that’s caught their attention, resulting in a timepiece that has caught ours!
The late 2010s and early to mid-2020s have brought with them an interesting trend in the watch world. With more enthusiasts than ever pouring into this wonderful niche of ours, there’s been a growing interest in the historical significance of all watch brands, big or small. As a result, many brands have found themselves under fire — the good kind, at least — for having discontinued forgotten references that have suddenly skyrocketed in popularity.
For many brands — Mido especially — the best way forward has been to look back. The Swatch Group brand has embraced this notion with noticeable enthusiasm, diving into its archives with gusto. From there, it has managed to revive, remix, and remaster a number of heritage timepieces, blending vintage charm with modern technology to bring them back to the forefront of the contemporary watch scene.
From the dizzying dazzle of the Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer to the pixelated perfection of the recent Commander 1959 ‘Pixels,’ Mido hasn’t just embraced the art of the sequel — they’ve become the very face of it, converting their 108 years of experience into horological excellence. It should come as no surprise, then, that they’ve pulled it off once again with a brand-new Ocean Star Worldtimer.
Related Reading: The Ballad of MIDO – The New Commander 1959 ‘Pixels’
The Ocean Star line has always been the heart and soul of Mido’s entire catalogue. Since its inception in 1944, the collection has epitomised the brand’s dedication to precision, readability, and practicality. In essence, it’s the clearest representation of what the Mido name stands for — Spanish for ‘I measure.’ Thanks to its longevity within the brand, the Ocean Star has taken on dozens of forms over the years. Some eventually spun off into their own distinct lines — like the aforementioned Commander — while others, such as 1971’s Mido Multi Star Worldtimer, became icons in their own right.
Interestingly, it’s that exact Multi Star Worldtimer that Mido has used as the inspiration behind this modern revival. Measuring 40.5mm wide, 47.04mm long, and a manageable 13mm thick, the 200-metre water-resistant Ocean Star Worldtimer runs wild with the aesthetic of its predecessor. This is immediately evident in the wearing experience, as it comes fitted with a Bund-style leather strap. Originally designed to help pilots withstand extreme temperatures and rough conditions, the Bund strap is now appreciated for its added comfort — particularly for those with metal sensitivities. A retro feature in-line with the jet-setting theme, to be sure, but if it’s not for you, the under-layer can be easily removed.
In any case, the old-school aesthetic continues across both the dial and the bezel. Housed beneath a classic ‘glassbox’ sapphire crystal, the dial features striking black and red checkerboard markings that pop brilliantly against the velour silver backdrop. A day-date cutout is neatly positioned at three o’clock, though it satisfies by not disrupting the checkerboard pattern in any way. The logo appears in the heritage Mido font — in line with other revived references — and the whole design is tied together by a bezel insert made from black aluminium. Here, you’ll find the 24 time zones of the world, all delicately engraved into the bezel.
Regarding the ‘worldtimer’ aspect of the Ocean Star Worldtimer, you may be a touch disheartened to learn that it’s not exactly a true complication. If anything, though, it’s actually easier to use — all you need to do is set your local time, then rotate the bezel to match the city or timezone closest to you. It’s remarkably intuitive and doesn’t require any mechanical complexity or come with an inflated price tag.
Speaking of the mechanics, the beating heart inside the Ocean Star Worldtimer should be familiar to most watch lovers: the Powermatic 80, protected by the brand’s signature starfish caseback. Beating at 3Hz (21,600 VpH) with the classic 80-hour power reserve, the movement remains as reliable as ever across all Swatch Group affiliates. This time around, the watch also features a day-date complication, which only enhances its practicality beyond the funky, retro-inspired looks.
My Thoughts
When I think about what I like in terms of watch design, I admit that the ’70s and ’80s don’t typically jump out at me. I usually prefer designs that are older, or at least informed by older aesthetics — think the ’40s to ’60s and thereabouts. The Quartz Crisis seemed to bring out a different kind of beast in the watch industry, where the fight to survive prompted brands to throw whatever they could at the wall.
And while this trial-and-error approach to watchmaking definitely produced a few stinkers, it makes it all the more special when a fun design does stick around. In this case, I believe Mido has pulled off a challenging feat with the (re)introduction of the Ocean Star Worldtimer. Sure, it pays homage to one of my lesser favourite eras in watchmaking, but Mido has done so by reviving one of those unicorns that a watch nerd like me can’t help but love. The checkerboard pattern, while certainly funky, has a strange, otherworldly charm that makes it oddly timeless — even among classical and modern icons.
Thus, the Mido Ocean Star Worldtimer adds yet another feather to the cap of the Swiss brand. Mido has proven time and again that they can both fearlessly and flawlessly revive heritage classics — not content with simply replicating the past, but reimagining it with a sense of fun, function, and forward-thinking design, marrying nostalgia with everyday sensibilities.
Reference: M026.830.16.030.00
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40.5mm case diameter x 47.04mm lug-to-lug x 13mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel with black aluminium bezel insert
- Dial: Silver velour with black and red ‘checkerboard’ pattern and sapphire ‘glassbox’ crystal
- Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80 with day/date complication
- Power Reserve: 80h
- Beat Rate: 3Hz (21,600VpH)
- Water Resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Strap: Black alligator leather Bund-style strap with removable under-layer and steel pin buckle