The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Returns In A New Limited Edition

One of the most memorable watches released in 2020 for us was a revival of the original Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer from the 1960s. This limited-edition release was one of the most anticipated releases from Mido in recent memory, and the HODINKEE Shop partnered with the Swiss company for a period of global exclusivity. One year later, Mido has returned with a second Decompression Timer Limited Edition – a watch that's somehow even more colorful and vibrant than its predecessor.

Once again, the HODINKEE Shop is excited to offer an opening period of global exclusivity. Starting today, the new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition is available for purchase in the HODINKEE Shop; the watches will ship within one week. All watches will be delivered with complimentary domestic and international shipping inside a special limited-edition box with a mesh stainless steel bracelet and two additional straps.

The Mido Ocean Star Powerwind 1000 ref. 5907 from 1961 (the watch on which the new model is based) was immediately recognizable thanks to the presence of a multi-colored decompression scale on the watch's dial. This eye-catching dive watch was marketed toward early skin divers, as the scale on the dial could indicate the required length of a decompression stop during dives of varying depths and durations. This function-first tool watch was produced from approximately 1961 to 1965, and it has aged gracefully over time: vintage examples in good condition can today fetch five figures.

Its contemporary popularity has led directly to the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition, which bears a close resemblance to its predecessor but comes complete with all the benefits you'd expect from a contemporary sport watch. That means an automatic movement with 80 hours of running autonomy, a color-matched date window at three o'clock, applied hour markers and hands that are filled with Super-LumiNova, and 200 meters of water resistance. The hands are in the same style of the original Powerwind 1000, meaning a short, dauphine style for the hour hand and a pencil shape for the minute hand. The dial of the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition is protected by a domed, box-style sapphire crystal, and the closed steel caseback features an engraved starfish logo that is characteristic of the Ocean Star line. The signed, screw-down crown is protected by crown guards, and the unidirectional, 60-minute countdown bezel has an attractive turquoise aluminum insert with a luminous pip at the zero marker.

The polished case of the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition measures in at 40.5mm in diameter and 13.4mm in height, a slight upgrade from the vintage model's 38mm sizing but still quite wearable for today. It helps that the triangular lugs are quite short, ensuring a comfortable fit on most wrists. Speaking of the fit, Mido has paired each Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition with three total options for straps and bracelets. There's a vintage-style mesh bracelet in stainless steel, a brown calfskin leather strap, and a turquoise strap made of synthetic fabric with multi-colored stitching. All strap and bracelet options come with quick-change, tool-less spring bars.

The new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is a limited edition of 1,961 pieces and offers a new generation of dive watch enthusiasts the opportunity to own one of the most visually distinctive dive watches ever built. The thought to include a decompression scale on the dial of a watch was innovative and bold in the 1960s, and today, Mido pays tribute to its 100-plus-year history with this colorful and fun new release.

In looking at the past, the Mido Ocean Star Powerwind 1000 was one of very few dive watches to ever feature a decompression scale on the dial. While its colorful look appeals to collectors of all types today, it was originally designed for completely utilitarian purposes for divers to utilize when under water. How? Well, divers can develop gas bubbles in their blood that can cause illness due to water pressure if a diver ascends to the surface too quickly. To clear the gases prior to leaving the water, a diver must perform decompression stops on their way to the surface. But – and this is key – the individual stopping time will depend on both the length and the depth of the dive.

That's why each colored ring on the new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition corresponds to a depth (yellow for 25 to 29 meters, green for 30 to 34 meters, pink for 35 to 39 meters, and blue for 40 to 44 meters). The 1960s models were designed to feature either feet or meter indications, but the contemporary edition includes both (meters on the left; feet on the right). All that is required to use the dive table is to set the minute hand of the watch at 12 o'clock once a dive begins and then identify the depth of the dive in meters, or feet, on the black 12 o'clock scale. Once the minute hand reaches the number marked in black on the corresponding ring, you'll know how many minutes of decompression time are required on the dive.

For example, if your dive reaches 35 meters, or 110 feet, your decompression time will be indicated on the pink ring of the dial. Once the minute hand reaches 30 minutes (indicating you've been at 35 meters underwater for that length of time), you will need 25 minutes of decompression time prior to reaching the surface. If that dive extends an additional 10 minutes to a total of 40 minutes (while still at 35 meters underwater), you will require 40 minutes of decompression time. It's all displayed in a simple and intuitive manner thanks to the color-coded design.

Each Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition purchased from the HODINKEE Shop comes with the HODINKEE Guarantee, which includes an extra year warranty (three years total), expedited delivery, and digital paperwork storage. All watches will be delivered inside a special limited-edition box with the mesh bracelet and the two additional straps pictured above.

The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition is available right now in the HODINKEE Shop for $1,250, and if our experience last year is any indication, our allocation won't last long; act quickly and pick up yours today, right here.