Mido, a brand under the Swatch Group, may not enjoy the same level of recognition as some of its counterparts, especially in the United States. The brand has an array of remarkable watches including the Commander and Multifort. The Ocean Star series has been a prominent collection of the brand’s dive watches. The Ocean Star Captain V, succeeding the Captain IV, takes the spotlight in this regard. Mido offers both steel and titanium models of the Ocean Star Captain V, but it is the latter that truly exudes a unique appeal, particularly when considering its affordability.
Let’s take a closer look at the Mido Ocean Star Captain V dive watch and examine its significant distinctions. With the Captain V, Mido took the opportunity to revamp the timepiece, giving it a more sophisticated and timeless design. While the Mido Ocean Star Captain may be considered a conservative watch, it possesses an understated elegance in all the right ways. The watch places a strong emphasis on functionality, eschewing unnecessary flamboyance. As a result, you experience a remarkable sense of owning a tool watch that exhibits Swiss-level precision and craftsmanship.
Upon first handling the predominantly satin-brushed titanium case, you’ll immediately notice the meticulously polished beveled edges. This subtle yet significant ornamental detail on both the watch and bracelet is executed with remarkable finesse, surpassing expectations given its price point. Shifting focus to the bracelet, take a moment to appreciate the deployant clasp, which features a delightful micro-adjustment mechanism. Although it may not rival the renowned Rolex GlideLock system, it performs admirably and fulfills its purpose. Once you’ve experienced the convenience of a watch bracelet equipped with such a micro-adjust feature, reverting to one without can prove challenging.
The most flamboyant aspect of the Mido Ocean Star Captain V resides in the deeply embossed depiction of a sea star adorning the back of the case. It exudes a somewhat amateurish charm reminiscent of oceanographic art, though I must admit to having encountered considerably inferior examples of watch caseback artwork. The case boasts water resistance up to 200 meters, shielded by an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal atop the dial. Notably, the case’s slim profile sets it apart in the realm of dive watches. While Mido may not establish any dimension records with the Mido Ocean Star Captain V, its slender form gracefully hugs the wrist and effortlessly slips beneath shirt cuffs, likely measuring under 11 mm in thickness.
Impeccably crafted with precise and deliberate angles, the Mido Ocean Star Captain V showcases a titanium case measuring 42.5mm in width, offering a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes. The dial exhibits a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetics, featuring a variety of matte surface finishes complemented by sleek, polished elements for the bold hour indicators and contemporary sport watch-style hands. While the skeletonization of the hands is not a necessity, it doesn’t compromise legibility due to the sparse nature of the textured matte dial.
In order to establish its true diving capabilities, Mido thoughtfully positioned a luminescent pip at the 12 o’clock position. The presence of lume is appreciated; however, the circular dot creates a curious juxtaposition against the rectangular marker it resides within. Nevertheless, this is merely a minor idiosyncrasy.
I appreciate Mido sport watches for their attractive pricing and their ability to create a distinctive yet elegant dial. Although many consumers may not be able to pinpoint exactly what sets the dial apart from other watches, there is a clear sense of uniqueness. Mido excels in skillfully combining textures, shapes, and colors to achieve this effect.
The Mido watch houses the Caliber 80 movement, which is manufactured by ETA exclusively for Mido. It is worth noting that ETA, a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, is responsible for producing some of the most advanced movements in the industry, although this information is not always effectively communicated by brands like Mido, Longines, Hamilton, and Certina.
The Caliber 80, also known as the ETA C07.621, originated from the 2824-2 movement. It boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours, which is longer compared to other Swatch Group brands’ variations such as the Hamilton H-10 or Powermatic 80. Operating at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 beats per hour), the movement offers functions such as timekeeping, date display, and day of the week indication. It is important to note that the reduced frequency contributes to the movement’s increased power efficiency and extended lifespan, but there is more to the story. Furthermore, there exists a version of the Caliber 80 that has received COSC Chronometer certification, attesting to its precision and reliability.
The timepiece utilizes a Nivaflex NM mainspring manufactured by the Swatch Group, contributing to enhanced power and efficiency. To ensure optimal performance, friction within the movement has been minimized. Fine adjustments are predominantly accomplished through laser-assisted automated processes. The Swatch Group has garnered significant admiration for their remarkable efficiency in watch assembly and production, all the while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Although the Caliber 80 remains concealed within the watch, it receives meticulous decorative treatment, including exquisite Geneva stripes and blued steel screws. Mido diligently fine-tunes the timepiece in three different positions to achieve accurate timekeeping. While it may not be the most extraordinary Swiss mechanical movement in existence, considering its affordable price point, it undeniably stands as an impressive choice.
For those seeking a daily watch that can endure regular use or a stylish sports diving watch with a touch of flair (and a hint of orange), the Mido Ocean Star Captain V titanium proves to be an excellent option. Its lightweight nature, reliable movement featuring a day/date complication highly sought after by consumers, comfortable wearability (and hypoallergenic properties), and overall appealing aesthetics make it a compelling choice.
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