The Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black DLC Special Edition

Mido, the accessible brand owned by the Swatch Group and known for its well-executed and streamlined collections, is no stranger to the dive watch. Indeed, the name Ocean Star dates back to the 1940s. It would later become a proper diving instrument, and this name is still in use today to present strong, fully-equipped watches offered at a fair price. Last year, the brand presented a new version of its robust and no-nonsense modern dive watch, the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer – a watch that impressed us in terms of quality and equipment. Now, it comes back in Black DLC with an even more daring look. 

Talking Ocean Star, the 600m water-resistant model is the most technical and sophisticated in the collection. The 600m was presented in 2018 and sits alongside models like the Ocean Star 200 or the cool Decompression Timer. But while the latter models might have a certain vintage appeal and a lifestyle orientation, the Ocean Star 600 is a true instrument with a modern touch. It has been updated last year, with subtle evolutions to be seen on the bezel and the dial, resulting in a more appealing, slightly more refined look, yet with the same focus on reliability and diving capacities.

This year, the brand comes with a special edition (and as usual with the Swatch Group’s strategy, it isn’t limited) that is all about dark materials and luminous elements. As such, the case of this new Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black retains the same proportions and specifications as the standard steel model. It means a 43.50mm diameter, 14mm thickness (all in all, a respectable watch) that is classically shaped. More interestingly, this watch is all about the equipment. As indicated by its name, it comes with a 600m water-resistance. The rest is everything you’d expect from a solid dive watch; screw-down crown with guards, screwed caseback, sapphire crystal with AR coating, unidirectional bezel with diving scale and screwed steel back. And finally, a helium escape valve in the side of the case at 9 o’clock.

What’s new with this special edition of the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer is the DLC coating applied on all the parts (case, caseback, crown, bezel). It is even said to be fingerprint-proof. The bezel retains the same design as the classic model, is still made of black ceramic and features here a fully luminous 60-minute scale with green emitting SLN.

The same inspiration is found on the dial, which has also been redesigned last year. The base is black lacquered with polished applied markers for the hours, a simple yet legible printed minute track on the periphery and large hands for the hours and minutes. All elements are here coated with green-emitting SLN. Small touches of orange are found at the tip of the seconds hand and for the chronometer mention. The date window sits at 3 o’clock but features a tone-on-tone disc.

Complementing the case, this Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black DLC is delivered with a steel, brushed and polished bracelet that’s also DLC coated. It’s closed by a folding clasp with diving extension. Also included is a black rubber strap with its own DLC-black pin buckle.

Under the caseback decorated with a starfish logo is the Calibre 80 Si, a strong, powerful and precise movement produced by ETA. An evolution of the 2824 architecture, it boasts a comfortable 80h power reserve and is here fitted with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. Its precision is here chronometer-certified by the COSC.

Availability & Price

The Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black DLC Special Edition is now available from the brand’s website and retailers (not limited) and priced at EUR 1,650 – once again, a competitive price considering what you’ll get in return, and only EUR 160 more than the classic steel model on bracelet. For more details, please visit www.midowatches.com.