Robust and Accessible, The New Mido Ocean Star 200C Titanium

It’s hard to find its way through the vast segment that is the dive watch. Probably one of the most crowded categories, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are in the market for a high-end watch or an accessible model, or if you want an original or a conservative design, the choice is yours. The answer of Mido, an often-overlooked Swatch Group brand, is that of classic designs, competitive price and yet solid equipment overall. The latest addition to the portfolio is, once again, exactly in line with this strategy. A robust, well-equipped and accessible dive watch, here’s the Mido Ocean Star 200C Titanium.

Looking at the brand’s catalogue, the choice is large. There’s of course the highly popular Ocean Star Decompression Timer with its original design. There’s also the vintage-inspired Ocean Star Tribute. Moving to more modern and instrument watches, the top of Mido’s range is represented by the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer, a strong and powerful watch that is made for deep diving. Next to it is the classic, contemporary Ocean Star 200C, which is already available in 3 stainless steel editions, and now also comes in titanium.

The basics remain the same. Design and specifications are identical, but materials and colours have been updated for the occasion. First of all, the slightly conservative case, which measures a respectable 42.50mm diameter, is now made of titanium, with polished and satin-finished surfaces. This will have two immediate impacts on the watch. First, it has a darker, more toolish grey colour. Second, the weight has been drastically reduced. From about 190 grams in stainless steel, the Ocean Star 200C Titanium is now just below 130 grams. And believe me when I say that 50 grams are the equivalent to the weight of a continent on the wrist. Of course, titanium also means better resistant to corrosion, always pleasant in the context of a dive watch.

The rest of the watch is classic, discreet, with a no-nonsense feel. The sapphire crystal with AR coating is framed by a unidirectional bezel with a black ceramic insert and the necessary 60-minute scale. The screw-down crown, well protected, and the solid caseback guarantee a comfortable 200m water-resistance. The watch is worn on a brushed titanium bracelet with folding clasp and diving extension.

The dial of this new version of the Ocean Star 200C is here treated in matte black, a more classic and instrumental take than the colours found on the steel models. This dark dial matches the case and is here presented with a wave pattern in relief. Time is read by large, luminous hands, pointing at applied markers also filled with SLN. This watch is equipped with a day-date function.

Under the starfish-decorated caseback is a well-known movement of Swatch’s catalogue, the Mido Caliber 80, also known as the ETA C07.621 or Powermatic 80. An evolution of the 2824, it now beats at 3Hz and boasts a solid 80h power reserve. Even though hidden, it is here presented in Elaboré grade.

The Mido Ocean Star 200C Titanium is, once again, a competitive watch with everything you’ll need for a recreational dive and more. It’s classic and will look appropriate on land or under the sea. It is priced at EUR 1,150 and is now available. More details at www.midowatches.com.