Editor’s Note: Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH) has moved online and Baselworld 2020 is canceled, but that hasn’t stopped watch brands large and small from debuting their new wares. Stay on top of this year’s best new watch releases here.
Mido finally did it. They brought back the Powerwind “Rainbow Diver” from 1961 — for which we at Gear Patrol had enthusiastically advocated. Well, at least they brought back the Powerwind’s colorful dial, while housing it in an otherwise pretty modern package. Nevertheless, the new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 looks as eye-catching and unique as the original.
The official name for the watch Mido debuted in 1961 was the Powerwind 1000, so called due to its quoted water resistance of 1,000ft, or 300m. Housed in a retro-sized 40.5mm steel case, the new Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 is only rated to 200m — bu this is, of course, more than sufficient for diving and general durability.
The vintage Powerwind’s name also referred to its movement with its efficient automatic winding system. The modern interpretation’s chronometer-certified ETA C07.661 seems an appropriate choice, being the next-generation movement from Mido’s parent company, the Swatch Group, and featuring an 80-hour power reserve.
Then, of course, there’s that “rainbow” dial. As many people love dive watches for their toughness and handsome looks, one could easily enjoy the Mido Decompression Timer 1961 without knowing how to read its vibrant dial. Though if you’re curious, the chart on the dial is for timing decompression stops while diving — stops a diver has to make while ascending from a dive in order to avoid the onset of “the bends” as nitrogen leaves the body. (A dive computer is generally used to time these stops nowadays.)
The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 comes on a mesh bracelet along with two black leather straps and is limited to 1,961 examples, with a price of $1,250 each.
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