Mido’s Ocean Star Decompression Timer from the ‘60s is still one of the most collectible timepieces on the vintage market. Back in 2020, the Swiss brand revived the diver, taking a big swing by keeping the cool rainbow-colored decompression table in the center. The risk paid off and the aptly named Rainbow Diver reissue was a hit, limited to 1,961 pieces and selling out quickly. Since then, Mido has released a new Decompression Timer nearly every year since, including two worldtimer GMT versions in 2023.
For 2024, the watchmaker has announced its latest iteration will be the swan song model, for now at least. Let’s take a look at the all-black version of the diver.
A Legend of Its Time
The 1960s saw an explosion of iconic timepieces that are among the most revered references ever produced. Brands like Seiko, Heuer, and Zenith were coming into their own, as was horology in general, with huge moves made in the worlds of divers, chronographs, and GMT.
One such model is the Rainbow Diver from Mido. Debuting in 1959, the watch sported an innovative single-shell case to preclude water intrusion. And then in 1961, the company added the decompression scale on the dial and also beefed up the case for a more capable 300m of water resistance. The multi-color scale was a bold choice back then especially but has become a cult favorite for a reason.
Mido Ocean Star Decompresion Timer 1961 Black PVD
Taking after the 2020 model, the finale of the Decompression Timer series brings back the black dial but extends the color to the case and the steel mesh bracelet using a glossy black PVD coating, which both makes the rainbow decompression scale stand out more and adds a striking aesthetic to your wrist.
Housed in a 40.5mm steel case, the reissue is powered by an ETA-base Mido Caliber 80 automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve. There’s also a unidirectional timing bezel around the dial and a closed caseback which features a starfish embossing. The date wheel is also colored black like the 2020 version.
If you’re not into the mesh bracelet style, there’s also a black leather strap with colored side stitching (in four different options that each match one of the decompression table colors) and a blue tropic-style rubber strap you can choose from.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 40.5mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47mm
Case Thickness: 13.4mm
Case Material: Black PVD stainless steel
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Mido Caliber 80 automatic
Band: Black steel mesh bracelet, black leather strap, or blue tropic-style rubber strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1,961
Pricing & Availability
Best of all, the pricing on the new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 in black PVD is pretty darn reasonable at $1,480. Limited to 1,961 pieces once again, this diver is available now from Mido’s website and boutiques.
Recap
Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Black PVD
Mido is ceasing production on the Ocean Star Rainbow Diver reissues for now, but not before it can release this all-black version, which pairs well with the multi-colored decompression table at the dial center.
