Decompression timers are one of the most niche scales you can find on a watch. They are a niche within a niche – designed to show divers the amount of time they need to spend on decompression stops as they resurface. The likelihood that they will actually see practical use is miniscule when diving computers exist. As such, they’ve almost become an aesthetic alternative to the clean, barren dials found on most dive watches, offering a cool and often colourful design. Case in point, the new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition in black PVD.
As the name of the watch suggests, this watch is a revival of a design from 1961. Mido have been revisited this design a handful of times in recent years, with the first time being the 2020 edition 2020 edition, which is a watch that arguably caused an upsurge in the niche design’s popularity. Since then, we have seen popular Decompression Timers from the likes of Delma and Christopher Ward.
This latest limited edition from Mido features many of the same features as the previous editions. The dial has the signature colourful rings that form the timer scale in yellow, green, pink and blue. You use it by finding the coloured ring that corresponds to your depth then follow it clockwise the number of minutes you have spent at that depth. Then, the black markings tell you how much time you need to spend on decompression stops while resurfacing.
Where the new limited edition differs is the case, which has a black PVD coating for the first time in the Decompression Timer series. It gives it a dark, sporty appearance that would be stealthy if it weren’t for the bright dial.
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 measures 40.5mm in diameter in steel with a matching black unidirectional rotating bezel. PVD, or to give it its full name Physical Vapour Deposition, gives a watch a thin coating that is very tough, ideal for rugged tool watches like the Ocean Star. Although if you do manage to scratch it, which is an impressive feat, the scratches will be more apparent due to the colour of the steel showing from beneath.
Inside, protected by a solid caseback, is the Mido calibre 80. It’s an ETA C07.621 base automatic movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Considering that the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 in black PVD is priced at £1,270, that’s solid value. Especially as it’s a limited edition of 1,961 pieces. What do you think of the combination of the retro design of the Decompression Timer and the modern, sleek aesthetic of the PVD case?
Price and Specs:
More details at Mido.
