The Cool and Accessible new Mido Ocean Star GMT Special Edition

It isn’t the first time we’re talking about the Mido Ocean Star GMT. It’s not even the first time we’re talking about a special edition of this model. Nothing dramatic here, since this accessible and robust watch is one of the best examples of a true GMT watch in this price range. And it also brings diving capacities to the table. This year, however, Mido (a brand owned by the Swatch Group) is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its Ocean Star collection and for the occasion releases a new special edition Ocean Star GMT. But there’s more to this model than just a new colour scheme. It is actually quite different from the other GMT Special Edition we’ve reviewed here. 

To quote the brand, “the Swiss watch brand is starting the festivities by releasing an irresistible special edition with a highly practical GMT function, and a host of vintage touches.” And for once, I must admit that the statement is not just a marketing speech. If at first, we could have imagined Mido releasing just a new colour of dial and a different bezel insert, this new Ocean Star GMT changes multiple elements of its case and feels quite different indeed from the blue-red version of 2022.

Like other members of the Ocean Star collection, Mido offers two styles of cases. We’ve seen the regular GMT watch in a rather modern execution but this new special edition has a far more vintage vibe. Diameter? Now 40.5mm instead of 44mm. Shape of the case? Entirely different, with more slenderness and no crown guards. Sapphire crystal? It’s now a box-shaped element with a retro vibe instead of a flat one. I could go on and on, but let’s just say that this version is a brand-new model altogether. And it now goes in line with the Ocean Star Tribute and the very appealing Decompression Timer 1961.

Besides the evolution of the case and its drastic reduction of size, the whole 2024 Ocean Star GMT Special Edition brings evolutions, with a bidirectional bezel with a sleek 24h scale over a navy blue aluminium insert. But if it is first and foremost dedicated to the GMT function, this watch retains the classic diving capacities you’d expect from an Ocean Star, with a screw-down crown, screwed back and 200m water-resistance.

The dial also brings a fair amount of evolutions, with its glossy navy blue base, triangular applied markers and alpha-shaped hour hand and thin minute hand – none of which can be found on the standard 44mm Ocean Star GMT. Small touches of red, on the GMT hand and the GMT logo, add a nice look and the watch has a generous amount of lume. The radially-brushed internal flange with odd-numbered hours is also a nice touch. And the most important is that we’re here talking about a true GMT watch (a.k.a flyer GMT or traveller’s GMT), something that is both extremely practical and rare in this price range.

Under the solid steel back is the Mido Caliber 80, a dual-time version of the Powermatic 80 movement, with its 3Hz frequency, anti-magnetic Nivrachron hairspring and solid 80h power reserve. This special edition is worn on a multi-link stainless steel bracelet (with a clear retro look), closed by a folding clasp with a diving extension. An additional NATO-style navy blue strap with a grey centre line is also included.

Now available and not limited, the vintage-inspired Mido Ocean Star GMT Special Edition is priced at EUR 1,440. For more details, please visit www.midowatches.com.