Mido Ocean Star Worldtimer: Reviving 1970s Adventure Watch Design

In 2025, Mido, a prominent Swiss watchmaker, unveiled the Ocean Star Worldtimer, a re-edition inspired by the adventurous spirit of 1970s timepieces. This new model captures the essence of travel and exploration, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage design and functional simplicity. The Ocean Star series, launched in 1944, has long been celebrated for its robust water resistance and reliability, establishing Mido's reputation in the world of adventure-ready watches.

The Ocean Star Worldtimer is a modern reinterpretation of the Multi Star World Timer, a model renowned for its unique approach to timekeeping. Unlike traditional world time watches, which often feature complex mechanisms to display multiple time zones simultaneously, Mido's latest offering opts for a more user-friendly design. The watch showcases local time alongside a rotating bezel that includes 24 city names, allowing wearers to manually track a second time zone. This straightforward functionality emphasizes practicality over complexity, catering to travelers who appreciate a classic aesthetic without the burden of intricate mechanics.

Measuring 40.5mm in diameter and approximately 47mm lug-to-lug, the stainless steel case is designed for daily wear, echoing the ruggedness of its predecessors. The unidirectional rotating bezel, adorned with a black aluminum insert and engraved city names, enhances the watch’s global appeal. The sapphire crystal, designed to resist scratches, nods to the vintage acrylic crystals of earlier models while ensuring durability in various environments.

Mido's commitment to functionality is evident in the watch's water resistance of up to 200 meters, making it not only a stylish accessory but a reliable companion for aquatic adventures. The dial maintains a retro aesthetic with a silver-toned finish and bold black-and-red chequered markings, reminiscent of 1970s sports watches. Practical features include a day and date display at 3 o'clock, baton hands filled with Super-LumiNova for visibility in low light, and luminous hour markers that enhance readability.

Powering the Ocean Star Worldtimer is the Mido Calibre 80, an automatic movement derived from the ETA C07.621, known for its impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours. This movement includes a Nivachron balance spring, improving resistance to magnetic fields—an essential feature for travelers frequently navigating diverse environments. The watch is finished with a black Bund-style leather strap, offering versatility with a removable under-layer, completing its retro tool-watch aesthetic.

Set at a price of CHF 850 (excluding taxes) or EUR 990 (including taxes), Mido positions the Ocean Star Worldtimer as a favorable option for watch enthusiasts seeking a blend of style, functionality, and heritage. With its accessible price point and robust features, this watch is poised to appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

In summary, the Mido Ocean Star Worldtimer represents a thoughtful revival of classic design principles, marrying vintage aesthetics with modern technology. As consumers increasingly seek authenticity and simplicity in their timepieces, Mido’s latest offering stands out as a practical yet stylish choice for those ready to embark on their next adventure.