Mido Ocean Star 200
Reference M026.430.37.051.00
By Rami Karaman
When I reviewed the Mido Multifort GMT watch, I hinted at this next watch that I picked up. The Mido Ocean Star 200 reference M026.430.37.051.00. Between the time when I first wrote that review and the one I am writing now, I am glad to say that Mido has been gaining popularity among watch enthusiasts and I have been seeing it pop up more regularly. I would like to take credit, but I can’t. Mido watches speak for themselves! But I think it is more due to the fact that during COVID and lockdown the watch market has exploded. Obviously sport watches from the big brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex or Patek Philippe are leading the charge, but for those of us that don’t have thousands of dollars burning a hole in our pockets, and the lack of availability along with common sense, we look for alternatives. For some any alternative would do, but for myself I could not go with a copy or a homage watch. I wanted something that is its own thing. While I was looking for that GMT previously and I stumbled upon Mido, I started researching and looking into the brand and I came upon their Ocean Star line. What I saw impressed me, and the only hesitation I had was the case size. The case is 42.5 mm wide. But other than that, everything else impressed the hell out of me!
One of the best things about the Swatch Group is that technology is shared between all their brands. The movement in this Mido is a COSC certified Automatic Mido 80 movement based off of the ETA C07.621. The 80 in the name is referencing the 80 hour power reserve. This is an amazing feature!
The PVD coated rose gold case makes it pop on the wrist, Although the 42.5 mm width of the watch might be a bit of a put off for those with smaller wrists, I highly recommend trying one on before dismissing it altogether. The dial is reminiscent of another watch geeks watch that is on the must have list, the Seiko SKX 007. The muted black dial and the sunset orange font for the caliber 80 on the dial brings back my fondness of that watch. But with all things, staying the same is usually boring, and the Mido has all the bells and whistles of an upgraded watch. The applied indexes and the super luminova brings the watch to the here and now, while the caliber 80 movement takes it to the future.
I've been wearing the watch for about a little over a year now, and I've noticed that the rose gold PVD coating isn't as vibrant as it once was. So keep that in mind if you decide to pick one up. For me I really don't mind and just like brass patinas and changes, the PVD will eventually dim a little.
Overall, I feel like MIDO has a lot to offer to the watch geek and I recommend you should pick one up given the opportunity.