Ocean Star 200 Silver Ref. M026.930.11.031.00

The Swiss have been highly regarded as the pinnacle of the watch industry with a rich history of producing watches of the highest quality standards. At the top of the food chain for luxury mechanical watches, it comes as no surprise that haute horlogerie watches command astronomical prices. However, not every Swiss timepiece has to break the bank. In particular, historic Swiss watch manufacturer Mido prides themselves to produce exceptional Swiss-made watches at a surprisingly affordable price point.

Mido Ocean Star 200 Silver Ref. M026.930.11.031.00

For over more than 100 years, Mido has stood for watches that combined innovation, aesthetics and functionality since its beginnings. Founded by experienced watchmaker Georges Schaeren in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland back in 1918, the name "Mido" was derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo Mido", meaning "I measure". Today, Mido is based in the town of Le Locle, in the heart of the beautiful Swiss Jura Mountains. With the rise of scuba diving, Mido has invented numerous cutting-edge technological innovations such as the revolutionary single-shell case and their pioneering cork-crown "Aquadura" Crown Sealing system that became the foundation for their modern day dive watches.

While the Mido Ocean Star collection was born to conquer the ocean as a robust diving companion, the reality is that many of us are more likely to wear a dive watch for "desk diving" at the office. Recognizing this, Mido's latest iteration cleverly bridges both worlds, blending professional functionality with an exceptionally appealing architectural design that looks just as captivating on land as it does underwater.

Calibre 80 offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours and features a Nivachron™ balance spring

As a sturdy diver, the Mido Ocean Star 200 bears a solidly-built 316L stainless steel case construction, boasting superb durability and corrosion resistance that will stand the test of time. Naturally, dimensions play an essential role to find the right fit for the wrist of the modern gentleman. Mido hits the dimensions right out the park with a case diameter of 41mm, a lug to lug distance of 48mm, a tasteful size that many will definitely enjoy. Together with its sleek case profile of 11.7mm, this latest Ocean Star 200 has been slim down to a slightly thinner and smaller profile compare to previous model.

The Ocean Star 200 has a well executed finish all around with immaculate satin brushing on the top of the lugs, as well as on the side of the case. Finishing is rather simple, however it is done to the highest possible standards with attention to the finer details. A cleanly polished bevelled edge on the lugs completes the case with a smooth and refined appearance. The mix of brushed and polished surfaces is coherently carried down to the impressive 21mm stainless steel bracelet with a high polish centre link and brushed outer links, secured firmly on the wrist with a push button deployant clasp.

Stainless steel case with 200m water resistance

Framing the dial is a sleek, silvery unidirectional bezel optimized for tracking dive times at a glance. It features oversized, ultra-legible minute markers, with the crucial first 15 minutes detailed in a vibrant orange hue—a fantastic, functional touch for divers. To ensure instant orientation beneath the waves, the bezel pip at 12 o'clock is treated with powerful Super-LumiNova for immediate low-light visibility.

Diving into the dial, the Ocean Star 200 showcases impeccable craftsmanship with a beautifully grained silver texture, a refreshing and distinctive new aesthetic for the lineup. The applied indices and semi-skeletonized hands are generously coated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring they glow like a torch when the lights go down. A matching silver minute rehaut frames the dial perfectly, while a cleanly executed day-date window is seated at 3 o'clock. Protecting this stunning layout is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a double-sided anti-reflective coating, keeping the view crystal-clear for your viewing enjoyment.

Super-LumiNova®-coated indexes

At the core of the Ocean Star 200 lies the Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement, a modified 25 jewel ETA C07.621 day/date movement. The movement's main highlights include the boosted 80-hour power reserve achieved by lowering the 4 Hz beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour to 3 Hz (21,600 beats per hour). The lowered beat rate also translates to a more robust movement due to the lesser friction produced between the parts over time. With the screw-in case back and a screw down crown at the 3 o'clock position, this piece is equipped with a capable water resistance of 200m (660 ft), ready for some underwater adventures.

Mido has grown leaps and bounds over the past century, upholding their spirit of producing reliable Swiss timepieces while giving their watches a facelift to match the needs of the 21st century. The Ocean Star 200 exhibits outstanding price-performance ratio with the introduction of a high quality ceramic bezel and an attractive dial design. Overall, the right mix of great proportions, a dependable Swiss automatic movement and Mido's watchmaking expertise of over 100 years has proven to be a compelling formula for a watch worthy to be named a diving masterpiece.

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