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What the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer does
The black-dial model is reference M026.829.17.051.00. Mido combines a red GMT hand and city-marked rotating bezel for tracking another time zone with a date display and a four-ring decompression scale. The design draws on the brand’s 1961 Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch, while the modern version adds GMT and world-time features. Mido’s US product page lists these functions and specifications.
Key specifications
| Specification | Mido’s listed detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | M026.829.17.051.00, black dial |
| Case | 40.5 mm steel; 13.4 mm average thickness |
| Lug width | 21 mm |
| Crystal and crown | Sapphire crystal; screw-down crown |
| Functions | GMT and date |
| Movement reserve | Up to 80 hours |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. Mido’s page listed a US price of $1,490 and showed the watch out of stock when accessed; both price and availability can change. The brand directs US customers to authorized retailers.
How the GMT and world-time bezel work
The watch is a true GMT: its separate red hand indicates a second time zone, while the bezel carries major world-city names. Weiss noted that the bezel also has 10-minute graduations, but turns in both directions. That combination gives the watch a travel-time function as well as a dive-watch visual language; a bidirectional bezel should not be treated as a substitute for a dive timer.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 black 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 black 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
Weiss wore it on a trip with only a two-hour time difference and called a world timer for that journey “overkill.” That is his account of one trip, not a general verdict on the usefulness of the GMT function.
How to read the decompression rings—and their limit
The dial’s four concentric colored rings correspond to depth bands in Mido’s manual: 25 m (80 ft), 30 m (95 ft), 35 m (110 ft), and 40 m (130 ft). The diver selects the ring corresponding to the relevant depth range. The manual explains the scale, but its safety warning is explicit: “This decompression scale is indicative; under no circumstances is it intended to replace modern diving rules and instruments.”
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
Accordingly, the scale is not a dive computer, dive plan, or current safety guidance. Use proper modern diving instruments and planning procedures; do not rely on this watch’s rings to plan or conduct a dive. In his wear account, Weiss said he found the rings confusing even after reading an explanation, and suggested that some owners may appreciate their colors more than use them as a dive scale.
What Weiss reported about wearing it
Weiss described the watch as a multifunction dive-and-travel piece. His comments reflect his personal wear experience, not an independent test. He preferred wearing it on the rubber strap during his time with the watch. The colorful rings and city markings make the dial visually busy, which is part of the model’s distinctive look but may make it less immediately legible than a simpler travel watch.
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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
Strap and reference details
Mido’s product overview describes an additional interchangeable strap. The manufacturer lists a 21 mm lug width; Mido also lists replacement strap reference M603018678. Confirm fit and compatibility with the seller before ordering a third-party strap.
The black-dial US listing is reference M026.829.17.051.00. Weiss’s article also mentions the blue-dial reference M026.829.17.041.00 and gives A$2,100 as the article’s price at the time it was written. Those are historical article details, not confirmation of current price or availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: Stainless steel with blue ceramic 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: 42.5mm - Case Thickness: 12.25mm - Blue wave design dial with individually applied indexes coated with white Super-Luminova - Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment
- Band Type: Stainless Steel Bracelet - Folding Clasp with Diving Extension - Band Width: 22mm
Rank #4
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber - Power reserve 80 hours - COSC Certified
- Case Type: Stainless steel and ceramic bezel - Screw-down crown
- Case Size: 43.5mm - Band Width: 22mm - Case Thickness: 14.55mm
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet - Folding clasp with diving extension
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.
