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The Mido Ocean Star Tribute was first launched in 2019 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Mido’s Ocean Star collection. In terms of design, the all-new khaki green diver’s watch is based on the great models of the 60s. I was allowed to test the model for you!
The anniversary watch
In the world of diving watches, the traditional watch manufacturer Mido can look back on an eventful history. Thus, the popular Ocean Star collection already celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2019. For this moving occasion, Mido had not missed the opportunity to release an anniversary model – and with this year’s three new models now in no less than five different color variants. The timeless diving watches are in the upper three-digit price segment. Like other models in the Ocean Star collection, they have a reputation for offering particularly high quality at a fair price. I was already amazed to discover this with the Mido Ocean Star Chronograph and the Mido Ocean Star GMT.
So now Mido sent me the Ocean Star Tribute with the reference number M026.830.18.091.00 in a khaki look. In this color, the model is probably the most unusual of the five Tribute models. And since functional watches with a touch of military look are currently very popular again, I am very curious about the diver. How does the Mido Ocean Star Tribute perform in the test?
A diver in khaki green
The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is recognizable at first glance as a true diver’s watch. With its polished stainless steel case, reduced and easy-to-read dial and unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel, it has exactly the characteristics that watch lovers appreciate in classic timeless diver’s watches. “A reinterpretation […] of the diving watches from the 1960s,” Mido says. The watch glass, whose classic curvature is familiar from models from precisely this era, also gives the appearance.
A bit unusual at first, but exciting is the color tone. Khaki green is still quite rare so far, as the classic dial colors of blue and black still dominate the market. However, in my opinion, the color is a welcome change, especially for my watch photography. In contrast, the second hand is in the typical Mido orange; one of the trademarks of the Swiss manufacturer. The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is worn with a synthetic strap, also green, with calfskin embossed on the inside. I free the buckle from its protective film and put the diver’s watch on for the first time.
The Mido Ocean Star Tribute on the wrist
On the wrist, the Ocean Star Tribute cuts a particularly fine figure. In my opinion, this is primarily due to the case diameter. It is quite compact at 40.50 millimeters – a typical feature of historical watches. The moderate diameter is matched by the sporty height of just 13.43 millimeters, which means that the Mido Ocean Star Tribute sits very flat on the wrist. For an automatic watch, this is remarkable. The weight is similarly positive. With 96 grams on the wrist, you hardly feel the Mido Ocean Star Tribute in everyday life. That is true luxury!
With the predominant khaki green color, I would recommend the Mido Ocean Star Tribute to you if you want to wear a diver’s watch on your wrist that stands out from the blue and black crowd. At the same time, the automatic timepiece is characterized by straightforwardness, functionality and seriousness. These are qualities that make the Mido Ocean Star Tribute a real daily rocker. The diver has no real “specialties”. Whether in business, sports or on a dive. The Mido Ocean Star Tribute’s home is everywhere.
The case of the Mido Ocean Star Tribute
A compact case curves into the lugs. Mido relies on classic 316L stainless steel for the material. The manufacturer justifies this among other things with the corrosion resistance of the material, the insensitivity to magnetic fields, compatibility on the skin and the very good durability. The case feels good and appears to be manufactured to a very high standard. In any case, it is in no way inferior to the more expensive models in the collection in terms of quality. The stainless steel surfaces are mostly highly polished, which gives the Ocean Star Tribute a very classy look.
I find the six-screw caseback particularly appealing. This is where the watches in the Ocean Star collection stand out, with the stylized starfish engraved very neatly into the back – a refreshing alternative compared to the usual viewing windows. Further specifications can be found on the edge, including the water resistance. Mido specifies this with a value of 20 bar. For a diver’s watch, that’s very solid.
The Mido Ocean Star Tribute also scores points for its crystal. Its curvature makes it stand out far above the bezel. As befits its status, Mido uses sapphire crystal here. It is particularly shock-resistant and pressure-proof. Its durability is also as good as that of the stainless steel. Overall, it stands out for its above-average sharpness, which is especially important under water and in high sunlight.
Midos caliber 80 – a real workhorse
With the screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, I wind the movement for the first time. It is extremely easy to operate, thanks to the fluted sides. It is flanked by a crown protector, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in everyday life. The engraved Mido lettering is emblazoned on the top.
Despite the good usability, after a few days I can say that you actually hardly ever use the crown. And that’s not just because of the simple seconds, minute, hour, day of the week and date functions. The automatic caliber inside the Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a real workhorse. With a power reserve of up to 80 hours, the Caliber 80 puts most movements to shame. So you could even let the watch disappear in the drawer for three days at a stretch without having to rewind it afterwards. Especially in view of the price segment, you would hardly expect a caliber with these key data.
Dial and bezel of the Mido Ocean Star Tribute
When it comes to the dial, the Mido Ocean Star Tribute doesn’t experiment. Easily readable through the transparent watch crystal, it remains above all businesslike and clear – just as you would expect from a good diver’s watch. The dash-shaped indices are applied and stand out due to their size. For daily use, the day of the week and date display at 3 o’clock are not impractical. A good dial doesn’t need much else, does it?
Typical Mido is the second hand. It is in the familiar shade of orange, a feature that many other timepieces from the Swiss brand also possess. I personally like the contrast with the rather calm khaki green of the dial.
The unidirectional bezel is one of the most important features of a good diving watch. It indicates how much time has already elapsed on a dive. Since the diver’s bezel can only be turned counterclockwise, it ensures that if you accidentally adjust it, you can only shorten the dive time and not surface too late.
The diver’s bezel on the Mido Ocean Star Tribute makes it easy to operate. Its haptic feedback of the clicks engaging is convincing.
The bracelet – with best wearing comfort
At first glance, you would not believe the first-class wearing comfort of the green bracelet. From the outside, the strap made of synthetic material looks and feels quite robust. But the impression is deceptive. On the underside, Mido has processed embossed calfskin, which makes the wearing comfort of the Mido Ocean Star Tribute first-class. Embossing such as the manufacturer’s lettering or the reference number of the bracelet (M604017778) further increase the value.
The stainless steel buckle guarantees a secure fit and rounds off the Mido Ocean Star Tribute successfully.
My conclusion about the Mido Ocean Star Tribute
Mido celebrates its more than 75-year history of the Ocean Star collection and gives it a worthy model with the Ocean Star Tribute, which has what it takes to become a timeless classic. The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a thoroughly good diver’s watch that knows how to surprise again and again. Be it in the material processing, in loving design elements or in the automatic caliber, whose 80-hour power reserve is record-breaking in this price category. $ 950,- is the price Mido calls for the Ocean Star Tribute – more than fair, in my opinion.
This model variant with the reference number M026.830.18.091.00 is certainly the most unusual of the five Ocean Star Tribute watches. If you don’t like the khaki green color, you should have a look at the alternatives in the store. With the purchase of your Ocean Star Tribute, Mido will also give you a watch winder.
More about Mido and the Ocean Star Tribute
Mido Ocean Star Chronograph Review
