Swatch Group’s Affordable Sleeper Dive Watch Looks More Like an Omega Than Ever

Swatch Group’s portfolio boasts a star-studded lineup of dive watches, including the Seasmaster, Fifty Fathoms and HydroConquest collections, but following in their wake are a few criminally underrated affordable alternatives, like the Certina DS Action Diver and the Mido Ocean Star 39.

While the DS Action Diver is a pragmatic, performance-forward line priced under $1,00, Mido offers more aesthetic appeal and isn’t a bad stand-in for its famous cousin over at Omega. A new dial color scheme solidifies the Ocean Star 39’s place among the best divers available for under $1,500.

Mido

Mido’s broader Ocean Star collection dates back to the 1940s, but the Ocean Star 39 debuted in 2024, shaving 3.5mm off the existing standard model for a more contemporary design.

Its dial is distinguished by a 3D wavy pattern with irregular lines that mimic the ocean’s surface. It is a more natural version of the texture found on many Seamaster Diver 300M dials.

The rest of the design follows the classic dive watch template established by Rolex and Blancpain in the 1950s. It has triangle and dot applied hour markers, a lollipop seconds hand and a dash minutes track.

Mido

There is a date window at 3:00 and the coin edge bezel is fitted with an aluminum bezel insert. The 39mm stainless steel case has a very Submariner-like shape, including an unguarded crown at 3:00.

What sets this particular Ocean Star 39 apart is the new Abyss Blue, which has a greenish, grayish hue, much like deep ocean water. Blue is a crowd-pleasing color for dive watches, but it is refreshing to find an alternative to the navy and royal tones seen again and again.

It takes two

The captivating Abyss Blue spills over onto the bezel and extends to a rubber strap with a steel pin buckle. It features fitted ends with quick-release pins and scored lines, deepening the visual similarity to certain Seamaster references.

Mido

In a first for the Ocean Star 39, the new Abyss Blue dial also comes with the steel three-link bracelet found on existing references. It has quick-release endlinks and a folding clasp.

You’re a star

The most impressive feature of the Ocean Star 39 Abyss Blue isn’t anything new. The “Goldilocks” 39mm case width is complemented by a slender 10.5mm height, making it one of the shortest options in its category.

Mido

Those svelte dimensions are made possible by the ETA Caliber A31.111 automatic movement inside. It is much more compact than the Powermatic 80 movements found in most affordable Swatch Group offerings, but still packs a Nivachron hairspring, beats at 3.5Hz and provides a 72-hour power reserve.

Availability and pricing

The Ocean Star 39 has been around for a few years, but hasn’t made as much of a splash (pun intended) as the specs suggest it should. I think this comes down to the color schemes chosen for all previous references being a bit off.

This Abyss Blue nails the classic look that this watch deserves, and should help boost its status in the overcrowded affordable watch market.

The Mido Ocean Star 39 Abyss Blue is available now from Mido for $1,350, which works out to $100 more for the extra rubber strap.

Mido

Mido Ocean Star 39 Abyss Blue

Specs

Case Size	39mm
Movement	ETA Caliber A31.111 automatic
Water Resistance	72-hours

• $1,350 at Mido

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