Same great specs in a sharp new look – the Mido Ocean Star GMT is back with a new black, white, and orange reference.
In the watch world, every price point has its dominant player. You hear about them all the time: from Rolex in the luxury space to Seagull in the budget beater category, and Seiko everywhere in between. Conversely, this also means there are dark horses: underrated brands that offer powerful alternatives to the usual suspects. Rather than playing second fiddle, however, discovering them often makes you realise they’re operating on a different level entirely.
This is especially true of Mido, which has long been a definitive dark horse of the entry-level price point. Anyone would think it difficult to stand out in such an arena, especially when surrounded by Swatch Group peers like Tissot and Hamilton. However, Mido carves out its own niche with strong specifications, clean aesthetics, and an accessible price tag to boot.
One of Mido’s premier model lines is the Ocean Star GMT, released in 2020 to widespread acclaim within the watch community. Bringing an often-luxurious complication, the flyer-style GMT, to a wider audience made the Ocean Star GMT a prized pick in the entry-level field. Recently, Mido expanded the line to seven references with a new colourway, further cementing the collection’s place within the brand’s catalogue.
Destined For The Depths
At 44mm in case diameter, 50.1mm lug-to-lug, and 13.4mm thick, the new Mido Ocean Star GMT is a sizeable watch. Encased in stainless steel, its wrist presence is not soon forgotten. Despite this, it maintains reasonable wearability. The lug-to-lug measurement is surprisingly compact relative to the case diameter, while the polished chamfering along the case flanks softens what would otherwise be a much blockier silhouette.
As is the case with most boldly built timepieces, the Ocean Star GMT has the specifications to match. A 200m water resistance rating, ceramic unidirectional diving bezel, and sloping crown guards complete the profile of the Ocean Star line’s diving pedigree.
The watch’s wearability is further enhanced by the use of a black textile fabric strap. It’s a feature we haven’t seen from Mido since the original Ocean Star GMT in 2020, so it’s nice to see it finally return to the roster. While a rubber strap, as seen on the yellow-gold PVD reference, would have been equally compelling, the fabric allows for a greater degree of articulation. As such, it should wear truer to its case specifications than many of its older siblings.
A Dash Of Orange
Following the same design cues as the rest of the collection, the Ocean Star GMT is equipped with a series of high-contrast finishes that allow it to serve its dual-purpose nature effectively. The black dial is highly legible and comes complete with a matching date window.
Moving outwards, a set of blocky indices encircle the semi-skeletonised hands, all of which have been generously lumed for low-light readability. A small splash of orange has been applied to both the seconds hand and fourth GMT hand, the watch’s only orange accents, allowing for easy distinction at a glance.
Perhaps my favourite feature of the dial, however, is Mido’s execution of the internal GMT track. Because the Ocean Star GMT is a diver-GMT hybrid, the bezel cannot be rotated. Instead, it has been finished in black and white to denote day and night, with a perfect split at 6am and 6pm (1800 hours on the 24-hour timescale).
I immediately drew comparisons to one of my favourite discontinued watches: the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Ref. 215.33.44.22.01.001. Nicknamed the “Oreo” for its resemblance to the chocolate biscuit, it’s a design choice I’ve rarely seen executed well. In my view, only Omega, and now Mido, have truly nailed it.
Sea & Sky
Turning the watch around, you won’t find an exhibition caseback. What you will get instead is an engraved caseback featuring all 24 time zones. Executed in a similar fashion to a world timer dial, it doesn’t really serve a practical purpose, but it’s a nice decorative touch that reinforces the GMT identity of the Ocean Star GMT.
Speaking of which, the watch is powered by the Calibre 80, a ubiquitous movement at the entry level of the Swatch Group. Based on ETA 2824-2 architecture, the movement’s beat rate has been reduced to 3Hz (21,600VpH) to achieve a remarkable 80-hour power reserve. Furthermore, Mido’s flyer-style GMT module allows for independent adjustment of the hour hand, making it ideal for frequent travellers without compromising the watch’s diving capabilities.
Initial Thoughts
“Two-faced” is not usually a term that carries positive connotations. My mind immediately pivots to high-school drama or Aaron Eckhart’s magnetic performance as Harvey Dent in 2008’s The Dark Knight. In the case of the Mido Ocean Star GMT, however, it’s both a positive and an apt descriptor.
Both a diver and a flyer-style GMT, Mido has once again created a watch with two faces. Better still, it has done so without compromising either aspect of the design. With strong specifications, clean aesthetics, and an accessible price tag to boot, this latest expansion of the Ocean Star line further cements Mido as a dark horse in its division, operating on a level entirely separate from the usual suspects.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | M026.629.17.051.01 |
| Dimensions | 44mm case diameter x 50.1mm lug-to-lug x 13.4mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Black & white with orange accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed, Engraved |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 80 with flyer-style GMT & date complications |
| Power Reserve | 80h |
| Beat Rate | 3Hz / 21,600VpH |
| Water Resistance | 200m / 20bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Interchangeable black textile strap with steel pin buckle |