Mido Launches Its Latest Limited-Edition Take on the Retro Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961

Mido is no stranger to the needs and necessities of the diving world and has been experimenting with crafting water-resistant timepieces since the early 1930s. In 1961, the brand launched a new type of diver, the Ocean Star Skin Diver, equipped with a scale for safely timing dive ascents right on the dial, executed in bright rainbow colors that quickly made it a fan-favorite tool watch. In 2020, the brand turned to its heritage design vault to resurface its “rainbow diver,” reviving it as a series of limited-edition releases now dubbed the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 (including one ‘Worldtimer’ edition from last year). Today, the brand unveils its latest member of this limited-edition collection, now complete with a black PVD-coated stainless steel case that makes this retro dive icon feel more contemporary than ever before.

Decompression sickness, or “the bends,” is no joke. Caused by the sudden change in pressure from surfacing from a dive too quickly, a case of the bends can attack with symptoms including joint pain, vertigo, numbness, strange skin changes, trouble walking and talking, and more. Though symptoms typically resolve after a few hours, it’s not something one would willingly choose to experience – no one in their right mind, anyway. 

Features like Mido’s Decompression scale were essential tools for divers, allowing them to safely time assents and avoid unnecessary comfort. But even if you aren’t planning on charting new underwater terrain any time soon and have no plans on putting the decompression scale to use, I would argue that its funky looks are fun enough to just enjoy for purely aesthetic reasons. Utility be damned. 

So, back to the watch at hand. As I alluded to earlier, one of the most novel features of this iteration of the contemporary Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is its case. While it measures 40.5mm in diameter like its siblings in this series of limited releases, the stainless steel case has undergone a black PVD-coating treatment. Not only does this choice impart this vintage-inspired design with a touch of contemporary style; it also helps boost the overall scratch resilience of the piece against both everyday wear-and-tear and more adventurous expeditions. Making it feel even more premium, the surfaces of the case have all been polished to a bright sheen. Speaking of black PVD, among the three strap options this watch comes with is an all-black PVD-coated Milanese-style bracelet that just makes the whole blacked-out concept really come together. I would say that I think the additional turquoise rubber strap is also a great option for hot summer days – preferably on the beach or at least poolside. 

The colors of the decompression scale on this model have returned to their original hues of pink, yellow, green, and blue, this time, set against a black backdrop which compliments the case quite nicely, if I do say so myself. As another callback to the heritage model, the brand has gone with a “glassbox” style sapphire crystal with a dramatic profile that feels very appropriate to the '60s. The unidirectional safety bezel, Super-LumiNova-coated details, screw-down caseback (complete with the brand’s signature starfish motif), and screw-down crown all serve to ensure this piece is as truly dive-ready as it's intended to be, and you are free to explore depths up to 200 meters with this thing on your wrist. 

As far as the movement is concerned, the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 utilizes the Mido automatic Caliber 80, which is a modified version of the ETA C07.621. This movement is equipped with a Nivachron balance spring for enhanced anti-magnetism and has a power reserve of 80 hours. 

If I were to choose an all-time favorite out of the five contemporary Ocean Star Decompression Timers out there, I would say that I’m still most partial to the original model – the one with the white dial and turquoise bezel – which is no longer in production, and my favoritism boils down to a matter of color preferences. But I will say that for someone who isn’t afraid to rock a blacked-out case and hasn’t gotten their hands on one of these yet, now is your chance. And, I will say that I have heard rumblings that there might not be another take on the rainbow diver for a long, long time. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is available now, priced at $1,480 For the time being, you can only buy it online in our shop. This piece ships with a special collectors box, a black PVD-treated Milanese mesh stainless steel bracelet, a blue rubber strap, and a black calfskin leather strap.

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition

Case: 40mm

Dial: Black with rainbow decompression scale 

Case Material: Black PVD-coated stainless steel 

Crystal: “Glassbox” style sapphire crystal

Water Resistance: 200 meters 

Movement: Mido automatic Caliber 80

Limited Edition: Yes, unique serial number on caseback