{"id":52448,"date":"2024-06-30T09:10:20","date_gmt":"2024-06-30T07:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.horbiter.com\/?p=52448"},"modified":"2025-01-20T18:59:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T17:59:55","slug":"mido-ocean-star-39-watch-hands-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.horbiter.com\/en\/mido-ocean-star-39-watch-hands-on\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mido Ocean Star 39 watch hands-on"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

We have followed\u00a0the evolution of the contemporary Ocean Star collection since its launch, and the upcoming 39 mm model is a milestone. If I had to discuss the three-handers, I\u2019d claim that no significant revolution ever occurred along the way.<\/p>\n

The 200-meter WR model underwent minor upgrades from generation to generation while preserving its uncluttered\u00a0style<\/strong>, no-frills design, and attainable all-around sports watch. However, it took many years before the\u00a039 mm was revealed, and I presume Mido took plenty of time to design such a trend-setting size.<\/p>\n

A rare mix of vintage and modern<\/h2>\n

Did you mind the Ocean Star Captain Titanium and its steel siblings<\/strong><\/a> when they first appeared? It is still a seasoned yet trendy product. Add some touches here and there, and rest assured it\u2019ll become a hot\u00a0seller again.<\/p>\n

As we wrap up the new Ocean Star 39, we cannot avoid spotting the form and function we experienced in the 1980s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"mido<\/p>\n

The lines are simple and recognizable, yet every profile was\u00a0slimmed down and stretched. Touching the lugs, bracelet, and bezel will show you how the design flows naturally<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The 39 mm size across has a lovely 10.5 mm thickness and a lug-to-lug distance of up to 46 mm. Please don\u2019t get annoyed with the specs sheet; I wrapped this watch around my wrist and can confirm that comfort and functionality are outstanding.<\/p>\n

\"mido<\/p>\n

The three-link bracelet\u00a0is pure elegance. The folding clasp with two safety push buttons and adjustment makes it the ultimate Ocean Star<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Whether you are\u00a0wrapping it around your wrist or diving suit, rest assured that there is nothing comparable to Mido\u2019s in this product category. So much so that I suggest most competitors look down on the Ocean Star 39 mm and learn the lesson.<\/p>\n

It comes standard with a quick-release mechanism, but I suggest not replacing it. The bracelet is perfect<\/strong> and plays a primary role in building the Ocean Star 39 experience.<\/p>\n

The dial is brilliant.<\/h3>\n

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Yet, the new dial design is a head-turner<\/strong>. Mido often introduces\u00a0unexpected dial designs on its diving watches, some attractive, others less successful.<\/p>\n

When a designer is assigned to create a three-hand sports diving watch with a three-link bracelet, he has little room for creativity, and the outcome might be a concept not as outstanding as the effort provided.<\/p>\n

\"mido<\/p>\n

An unseen wavy pattern shakes things up, making the\u00a0watch distinctive<\/strong> and adding a 3D\u00a0effect. It mimics the sea waves and has a\u00a0two-tone shade, which extends to the unidirectional turning bezel, adding a lively identity.<\/p>\n

The caliber 72<\/h3>\n

The watch does not house the famed calibre 80, and it is\u00a0easy\u00a0to understand why. Equipping the Ocean Star 39 with such a calibre wouldn\u2019t guarantee the expected thickness, downsized from 11.8 mm (Ocean Star 200) to 10.5 mm thanks to the adoption of the calibre 72. That\u2019s much bang for the buck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Equipped with a Nivachron\u2122 balance spring, it comes standard with the day of the week, enhancing a clean design. Seventy-two hours of power reserve are more than enough; hence, missing eight additional hours is not a deal breaker<\/strong> for what you get.<\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/h2>\n

The designers and marketing team overperformed with the Ocean Star 39\u2019s launch, and the equation works<\/strong>. Any add-ons? Yes, please release a no-date OS 39. Any further? Make it in grade 5 titanium, too.<\/p>\n

The\u00a039 mm Ocean Star is excellent news as we have entered\u00a0the summer holidays; we\u2019d love to see additional dial combinations anytime soon. We love the elegant black and grey livery<\/strong> and prefer it over the flagship black and blue one, for example.<\/p>\n

An Ocean Star 39 keeps\u00a0retailing for around 1,000 Euros, and we applaud\u00a0Mido for maintaining its\u00a0average selling price while every\u00a0other brand keeps raising its price lists\u2014the steel model pictured above costs 1,190 Euros.<\/p>\n