Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 (Reference M026.807.11.051.00)
This new limited edition dive watch takes inspiration from the vintage charm of the Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch, a popular 1960s Mido model.
The new timepiece is limited to 1,961 pieces – in reference to the year the original model was released – and features a polished 40.5 mm case. It uses the best of current technology to revive the striking codes of the time, namely a rotating bezel with countdown timer and a coloured table beneath a ‘glassbox’-style sapphire crystal.
The Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is driven by the reliable Caliber 80 self-winding movement, which offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The stainless steel case back of the watch is decorated with a starfish engraving.
Each model comes with three easily interchangeable strap options to vary the ways in which this extraordinary creation can be worn.
To facilitate calculations before and during a dive, the Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch from 1961 indicated decompression times 6 metres below the surface. These times were displayed around contrasting coloured circles for enhanced legibility: yellow for a diving depth of 25 to 29 metres, green for 30 to 34 metres, pink for 35 to 39 metres and blue for 40 to 44 metres. By simply placing the minute hand at 12 o’clock before immersion, the wearer could read off the information on the table throughout the dive. The rotating bezel allowed diving time or decompression stops to be calculated.
The new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 pays tribute to the model created by Mido in 1961 and its innovative decompression scale function. Against the black background of the dial, Mido reproduces the bright colours of the original table – a subtle nod to the aesthetics of its predecessor that is by no means intended to replace modern diving rules and instruments.
The depths are indicated at 12 o’clock: in metres (left) and feet (right). Super-LumiNova® adorns the diamond-cut hour and minute hands, as well as the polished indexes, for perfect visibility underwater. The Mido logo from the 1960s also features as a polished applique on the black dial, and as an engraving on the case back, crown and strap clasps.
A modern version of the ‘glassbox’-style crystal from the 1950s-60s (less prone to scratches than the original) reinforces the vintage feel of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. For added radiance, Mido has polished the case of the Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 crafted from durable stainless steel.
At 12 o’clock, a large Super-LumiNova® dot provides a point of reference on the fluted black aluminium unidirectional rotating bezel. The screwed crown and case back further enhance the durability of the watch, which is water-resistant up to 200 metres.
Presented in a special box with a limited edition certificate, each of the 1,961 timepieces comes with a choice of two leather straps and a metal bracelet: in black calfskin with four stitches in the colours of the table, in leather with a black synthetic coating and yellow stitching, and in braided polished steel. A user-friendly system with spurs facilitates quick strap changes.
Technical details
Model: Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 (Reference M026.807.11.051.00)
Movement
Automatic Mido Caliber 80 (ETA C07.621 base), 11½’’’, Ø25.60 mm, height: 5.22 mm, 25 jewels, 21,600 vph
Finely decorated Elaboré-grade movement, oscillating weight decorated with Geneva stripes and the Mido logo
Functions: HMSD + day
Adjusted in 3 different positions for high accuracy
Up to 80 hours of power reserve
Case
Polished stainless steel
Unidirectional rotating bezel with black aluminium ring, large dot in neutral Super-LumiNova® at 12 o’clock
Ø40.5 mm, 2 pieces
Box sapphire crystal
Polished screwed crown with original Mido logo and screwed case back with polished starfish in relief, engraved serial number + limited edition number
Water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m/660 ft)
Dial
Black, with polished indexes adorned with neutral Super-LumiNova®, date at 3 o’clock
Polished applied original Mido logo
Hands: Flat diamond-cut hour and minute hands with neutral Super-LumiNova®, flat diamond-cut seconds hand
Bracelet
Braided polished stainless steel, brushed clasp with original Mido logo and safety catch
Bar with spur system for quick changes.
Additional strap 1: Black leather (calfskin) with matt finish. 4 stitches on the case side recalling the 4 coloured circles on the decompression scale. Polished pin buckle embossed with the original Mido logo. Bar with spur system for quick changes.
Additional strap 2: Leather with black synthetic coating and yellow stitching. Polished pin buckle embossed with the original Mido logo. Bar with spur system for quick changes.
