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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The black PVD Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is reference M026.807.33.051.00. It pairs a 40.5 mm case and 200 m water resistance with a colorful decompression-time display, and was reported as a limited run of 1,961 pieces. Its dial is a distinctive watch feature—not a substitute for dive training or modern dive-planning equipment.
Identify the exact black PVD model
The reference for the black PVD version is M026.807.33.051.00. Macy’s lists the same watch using the unpunctuated style number M0268073305100. The PVD-coated stainless-steel case and mesh bracelet distinguish it from the earlier steel 1961 Decompression Timer, reference M026.807.11.031.00. Fratello’s 2024 coverage describes the black PVD model and its finish; Macy’s listing identifies the matching style number.
Do not confuse it with the Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer. That is a separate variation with GMT/world-time functionality; the black PVD 1961 Timer discussed here is not established as having GMT. Mido’s Worldtimer product page describes that separate model.
Case, movement and edition details
Fratello reports a black PVD-treated stainless-steel case measuring 40.5 mm across, 47 mm lug-to-lug and 13.4 mm thick. It lists sapphire crystal, 200 m (20 ATM) water resistance, a 21 mm strap width, and Mido Caliber 80 with an 80-hour power reserve. Specialist sources disagree about the movement’s precise ETA base, so the safest supported description is Caliber 80. Fratello and Time+Tide both report the 80-hour reserve.
#1 Best Overall
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic MIDO caliber with Date calendar function - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: Diver-style stainless steel case with black color PVD coating and black rotating bezel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this watch offers optimal protection against water.
- Case Size: 40.5mm - Case Thickness: 13.43mm - Decompression design black dial offering hand and indexes filled with Super-Luminova - Crystal: Glassbox-style sapphire crystal.
- Band Type: Stainless steel milanese bracelet with black PVD coating and sliding clasp closure. Additional blue rubber strap and black leather strap with pin buckle closure included- Lug Width: 21mm
The edition quantity is reported as 1,961 pieces by Fratello and Hodinkee. This describes the announced run, not how many remain available. Hodinkee’s 2024 coverage also identifies the limited edition.
How to read the decompression rings
Mido’s manual describes four colored concentric rings keyed to depth bands. The decompression times are printed around the rings; color identifies the relevant depth range:
Rank #2
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic MIDO caliber with GMT function and Date calendar - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: Diver-style stainless steel case with blue rotating bezel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this diver watch offers optimal protection against water.
- Case Size: 40.5mm - Case Thickness: 13.43mm - Decompression worldtimer design blue dial offering hand and indexes filled with Super-Luminova - Crystal: Glassbox-style sapphire crystal.
- Band Type: Stainless steel milanese bracelet with sliding clasp Additional rubber strap with pin buckle closure included- Lug Width: 21mm
| Ring | Depth range |
|---|---|
| Yellow | 25–29 m (80–94 ft) |
| Green | 30–34 m (95–109 ft) |
| Pink | 35–39 m (110–129 ft) |
| Blue | 40–44 m (130–144 ft) |
These are the ranges specified in Mido’s Analogue Mechanical Watches user manual. The manual explains the display, but does not establish the watch as a replacement for a dive computer, dive tables, current dive planning, or proper training. Do not use the watch alone to plan or conduct a dive.
What comes with the black PVD edition?
Fratello reports three wearing options: a black PVD Milanese bracelet, a blue rubber strap and a black leather strap. The retailer listing describes a coated-steel mesh bracelet. Package contents can differ by market or listing, so confirm the exact set with the seller before buying. Fratello’s model coverage describes the strap choices, while Macy’s listing describes its bracelet.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: The MIDO Caliber 80 represents a major advance in self-winding movements. Thanks to its new-generation technology, it offers up to 80 hours of power reserve
- Case Type: Stainless steel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown
- Case Size: 40.5mm - Case Thickness: 13.4mm - Retro Style Red-and-Black Chequered Dial with Day,Date Calendar - Wordtimer bezel design - Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Band Type: Black leather Strap with red stitching, paired with a bund-style black leather strap. Pin Buckle closure - Band Width: 21mm
Price and availability depend on the listing
Prices reported for this watch are snapshots from different markets, not directly comparable current quotes: Fratello gave a launch-era price of €1,620 in 2024; Time+Tide listed A$2,350; and Macy’s showed $1,670 when its page was crawled. Stock and prices can change, and those listings do not establish broad current availability. Check the seller’s live listing, market, and included accessories before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Care and water-resistance checks
Mido recommends having water resistance checked once a year by an approved service centre. It also advises a general check every 3–4 years through an approved MIDO retailer or service centre, with the interval potentially shorter depending on use and climate. These are the manufacturer’s recommendations in its user manual.
Rank #4
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber - Power reserve 80 hours - COSC Certified
- Case Size: 40mm - Band Width: 21mm - Case Thickness: 11.3mm
- Case Type: Stainless steel - See-through case back - Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet - Folding clasp with push-buttons
- Rinse the watch in fresh water after immersion in salt water.
- Avoid direct contact with solvents, detergents, perfumes and cosmetics.
- Use an approved Mido retailer or service centre for checks and service.
Mido’s manual says spare parts for standard watches are guaranteed for at least 10 years after production stops. That policy does not establish parts availability for this limited edition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GMT Swiss Watch: The practical GMT function makes it possible to display two time zones simultaneously thanks to an additional hand that makes one complete revolution in 24 hours and uses a bezel graduated over 24 hours to indicate a second time zone.
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber 80 with Navichron balance spring which reduces magnetic interference and is remarkably robust against impacts and the effects of time. This caliber ensures exceptional autonomy of up to 80 hours.
- Water Resistance: This Swiss-made MIDO timepiece is capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this watch offers optimal protection against water.
- Case Size: 44mm - Case Thickness: 13.38mm. Stainless steel case with blue ceramic bezel and Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment - Lug Width 22mm
- Strap: Tapered, Blue Fabric Strap with Pin Buckle
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
