MIDO / the Ocean Star GMT

Key Highlights

• 44 mm satin-finished and polished stainless-steel case, water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar)
• Automatic MIDO Caliber 80 with Nivachron™ balance spring and up to 80-hour power reserve
• Orange GMT hand tracks a second time zone on a black-and-white 24-hour flange
• Unidirectional black ceramic bezel with white Super-LumiNova® reference dot at 12 o’clock
• Quick-change black textile strap with dual white stitched seams and stainless-steel pin buckle

A Tool Watch Shaped by a Century of Water-Resistance Heritage

MIDO has been building its reputation around water resistance since the 1930s. The brand introduced the Aquadura crown-sealing system in 1934 and, by the 1980s, had earned the distinction of being known as the “King of Waterproof Watches.” The Ocean Star GMT is the direct heir to that legacy — a purpose-built instrument that adds genuine GMT functionality to a platform already refined for aquatic reliability.

The reference M026.629.17.051.01 is defined by a disciplined colour palette: black and white for structure, and MIDO’s signature orange for function. That choice is deliberate. In any lighting condition — the glare of a Gulf afternoon or the ambient darkness of a long-haul cabin — the traveller can read local time, home time, and elapsed time without hesitation.

Dial Architecture and Legibility

The velvety black dial carries applied indexes generously coated with white Super-LumiNova®, matched by diamond-cut hour and minute hands treated to the same luminescent compound. The large seconds hand is distinguished by an orange varnished tip — both a visual signature and a practical reference point. The GMT hand, finished entirely in orange varnish and also coated with Super-LumiNova®, sweeps the inner 24-hour flange, where black sectors denote night hours and white sectors denote day hours. A date aperture sits discreetly at 3 o’clock. The sapphire crystal carries an anti-reflective coating on both sides, minimising glare without distorting colour reproduction.

When the light fades, the luminescence across all hands and indexes ensures that no information is lost — a practical consideration for divers and travellers alike.

Case Construction and the Ceramic Bezel

At 44 mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug length of 50.10 mm, the Ocean Star GMT presents a confident presence on the wrist without sacrificing wearability. The two-piece stainless-steel case combines satin and polished finishing, and the screw-down crown paired with a screw-on case back delivers water resistance rated to 20 bar — equivalent to 200 m or 660 ft. The case back itself is engraved with the world’s 24 time zones and the watch’s serial number.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a black ceramic ring, chosen for its scratch resistance and colour stability under prolonged sun exposure. Characteristic grooves around the bezel edge ensure a secure grip even with wet hands. White varnished markings and a white Super-LumiNova® dot at 12 o’clock complete its functional geometry.

Caliber 80 — Mechanical Endurance Within

The Ocean Star GMT is powered by the automatic MIDO Caliber 80 — based on the ETA C07.661 — beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour across 25 jewels. Its Nivachron™ balance spring provides robust resistance to both magnetic fields and mechanical shocks, two common hazards for a watch worn across airports, desert excursions, and open water. The movement is adjusted in three positions for consistent accuracy and stores up to 80 hours of power reserve — sufficient to bridge a long weekend without winding.

Though concealed beneath the steel case back, the movement is finished with care: the oscillating weight carries Côtes de Genève decoration and is marked with the MIDO logo, reflecting the brand’s commitment to completing work that will rarely be seen.

Strap and Versatility

The black textile strap with two white stitched seams reinforces the watch’s sporty, functional character. A quick-change system allows the strap to be swapped without tools, adapting the Ocean Star GMT’s personality to suit the occasion — from a day on the water to a business dinner.

Why It Matters

For the GCC traveller managing multiple time zones — whether between Dubai and Geneva, Riyadh and London, or Doha and New York — a legible, dependable GMT complication on the wrist is a genuine daily utility. The Ocean Star GMT delivers that functionality within a robust, heritage-backed package at a price point that positions Swiss mechanical watchmaking as accessible rather than exclusive. With MIDO represented by 2,400 official retailers across 70 countries, regional access to the Ocean Star GMT is straightforward for collectors at any stage of their journey.

To stay informed about new MIDO references and regional availability, contact your nearest authorised MIDO retailer or visit midowatches.com to explore the full Ocean Star collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What movement powers the MIDO Ocean Star GMT, and how long is its power reserve?

The Ocean Star GMT is powered by the automatic MIDO Caliber 80, based on an ETA C07.661, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with 25 jewels and a Nivachron™ balance spring. It offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours and is adjusted in three positions for optimal accuracy.

What is the case size and water resistance of the Ocean Star GMT?

The Ocean Star GMT features a satin-finished and polished stainless-steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug length of 50.10 mm. It is water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar, equivalent to 200 m or 660 ft, secured by a screw-down crown and screw-on case back.

How does the Ocean Star GMT display a second time zone?

An orange GMT hand indicates the second time zone on a 24-hour flange, where black segments represent night hours and white segments represent day hours, allowing the wearer to distinguish instantly between AM and PM in a second location.

What materials are used for the bezel, and what purpose does it serve?

The Ocean Star GMT features a unidirectional rotating bezel fitted with a black ceramic ring, white varnished markings, and a white Super-LumiNova® dot at 12 o'clock. The bezel is designed for precise timing of elapsed time, and its characteristic grooves allow easy handling even underwater.

What luminescence features does the Ocean Star GMT offer for low-light readability?

The hour and minute hands, the large seconds hand, the GMT hand, and the individually applied dial indexes are all coated with white Super-LumiNova®, while the reference point on the ceramic bezel also carries a Super-LumiNova® dot. The sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides to further enhance readability in any lighting condition.