Introducing the Mido Ocean Star Diver 600

In terms of brand presence, value, and overall quality, Mido is probably watchmaking’s dark horse. Over the past few years of loud and dramatic action among our community, Mido has quietly assembled one of the better rounded lineups in entry-level luxury, and with their newest addition to the Ocean Star Diver line they’ve added some serious technical achievements to the list as well.

The Ocean Star Diver 600 marries a helium escape valve, ceramic bezel, improved Super-LumiNova Grade X lume, and a COSC-chronometer grade movement with a host of proprietary parts into a package rated for an impressive 600 meters of depth. With all this going for it, this could be the watch to finally bring Mido into the spotlight for enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look.

The Ocean Star 600 is a beefy watch by any standard, befitting of its heavy-duty depth rating. Measuring 43.5 millimeters across with classic diver lines, it’s definitely on the larger side, but it manages to balance that size well. The watch comes equipped with a helium-valve, and though 99.9-percent of owners never truly need a helium valve, even among recreational SCUBA divers, it goes to further reinforce the Ocean Star 600 as a technically robust diver. The bezel shows off its advanced materials and finish proudly with an engraved ceramic insert filled with the brand new Super-LumiNova Grade X compound, which is sure too make this a lume monster. The sapphire crystal features double AR coating.

The Ocean Star 600’s dial, while not technically impressive, is certainly well executed in both black and petrol blue sunburst, with iconic diver cues translating well into Mido’s sporty modern design language. The former is paired with a black DLC case and rubber strap, and the latter is coupled with a stainless steel case and matching bracelet. 

It’s underneath this dial that Mido hides its crown jewel—the Caliber 80 Si. Although this movement is loosely based on an ETA design, Mido has worked in a raft of in-house upgrades including a massive 80 hour power reserve, a reinforced mainspring made from ELINFLEX, a balance spring made from silicon, and a steady 21,600 beat rate. All this comes together to form a movement worthy of COSC chronometer certification, an impressive enough feat on its own in this price bracket. Mido isn’t content to leave the Caliber 80 Si as just a mechanical marvel, however, and gifts the movement with a wide array of decoration. With all this going for it, this latest serious contender in Mido’s stable is further proof of the brand’s quiet success. Only time will tell if this leads to wider appeal, but if you’re interested in jumping on board both the black and blue dial versions of the Ocean Star Diver 600 are now available through Mido’s website for $1,700. Mido