Franz Linder, the CEO of Mido, once said in an interview that Mido is about innovation, functionality and timeless design without breaking the bank. Attractively priced below RM7,000, its latest diver may be its most ideal embodiment yet.
Tatler Asia
Ocean Star Diver with black rubber strap
Above Ocean Star Diver with black rubber strap

1. The first Mido watch endowed with the new, powerful Calibre 80 Si

Its most advanced movement yet, Mido’s Calibre 80 Si is its latest generation of COSC-certified chronometer. For a watch to be officially known as a chronometer, it must have a tolerance of at least -4/+6 seconds per day after undergoing a stringent test lasting 15 days in 5 different positions and 3 temperatures. It also boasts a remarkable power reserve of 80 hours.

Also see: Besides COSC, these Swiss manufactures practises their own standards of quality

2. Superb precision courtesy of silicon balance spring

A major source of its exceptional precision is the silicon balance spring. Silicon is extremely lightweight but strong. More impressively, it is impervious to magnetism, shock and changes in temperature, while its anti-corrosive quality translates into lesser trips to the service centre. Due to the complexity of manufacturing silicon balance spring, it is more commonly found in high-end watches, which makes its appearance in a mid-segment brand like Mido a rather big deal.

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3. A good-looking and reliable dive companion

Equipped with a helium valve, the dive watch is water-resistant up to 600m in depth, more than enough for the avid scuba diver. For that peace of mind, the watch is certified ISO 6425 guaranteeing its underwater capability.

The ceramic bezel features a unidirectional blocking function to ensure that underwater timing is never compromised. A small incision at ‘9’ releases excess water that may be trapped inside the bezel. In addition, the indexes on the bezel are engraved and filled with SuperLuminova Grade X for maximum legibility regardless of the visibility condition.

Tatler Asia
Ocean Star DIver 600 with stainless steel bracelet
Above Ocean Star DIver 600 with stainless steel bracelet

The stainless steel case is alternately satin-finished and polished, integrated with either a matching bracelet or black rubber strap. The bracelet model comes with a blue lacquered dial while it's black for the rubber strap. The indexes on the dial are also coated with SuperLuminova Grade X. The date aperture can be found at ‘3’.

Continuing the marine theme is the caseback, which is engraved with an image of the starfish. Though hidden from view, Mido has taken the effort to give its movement parts the kind of final flourishes more commonly bestowed upon luxury watches, including Geneva stripes, decorative bridges, jewels and blued screws. The “Si” logo (for silicon) can be found on the balance bridge.

Have you met Citizen’s NY008, an update of a 25-year-old Japanese dive watch?

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