by Brent Robillard
If there’s one collection in the MIDO lineup that consistently punches above its weight, it’s the Ocean Star. Rugged, refined, and refreshingly well-priced, these watches have long served as the backbone of MIDO’s sporty catalogue. And now, the Ocean Star is going global—in style.
Enter the Ocean Star GMT in Gold PVD (M026.629.37.291.00): a bold, travel-ready companion that builds on the robust DNA of the Ocean Star diver while adding a practical GMT complication. Whether you’re boarding a red-eye to Tokyo or chasing golden hour on a Mediterranean coast, this watch has your time zones covered—with style.
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Key Features of the MIDO Ocean Star GMT in Gold PVD
Design & Case: Big Presence, Balanced Details
At 44mm, this is no shrinking violet. But thanks to short lugs and a wearable lug-to-lug length, it hugs the wrist better than the spec sheet suggests. The case is crafted from stainless steel with a yellow gold PVD coating, giving it an upscale edge that steers clear of gaudiness. Paired with the matte brown ceramic bezel and black dial, the two-tone effect hits a sweet spot: dressy enough for a blazer, rugged enough for a wetsuit. Heck, let’s just call it chocolate.
The ceramic bezel is unidirectional (it is still a diver, after all), with engraved markers that echo the sharp precision of a compass rose. A screw-down crown and 200m water resistance mean this GMT doesn’t just talk the talk—it can also swim the swim.
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Dial & Functionality: Dual Time, Clean Execution
This is where the Ocean Star GMT earns its keep. The dial is clean, legible, and thoughtfully laid out. Sharp, lumed indexes keep things focused while the 24-hour GMT scale is tucked neatly into the inner rehaut. A fourth hand—finished in contrasting gold—tracks a second time zone with clarity, allowing you to keep “home” and “away” time at a glance.
A date window at 3 o’clock adds everyday practicality, and the sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating ensures everything remains glare-free, even in bright sunlight or over a foggy tarmac.
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Movement: Caliber 80, Ready for Takeoff
Inside beats MIDO’s Caliber 80, based on the ever-reliable ETA C07.661. With an impressive 80-hour power reserve, this movement was built for long-haul travel. The time zone engravings on the case back are a neat bonus—both decorative and functional when you’re adjusting time on the fly.
The GMT functionality itself is “flyer-style”, meaning the hour hand is independently adjustable. It’s ideal for tracking two time zones simultaneously—just what you need when hopping continents or keeping in sync with colleagues abroad.
Strap & Wearability: Adventure-Ready Rubber
The Ocean Star GMT comes on a supple brown rubber strap with a Fold PVD folding clasp and diving extension (comfort adjust)—a thoughtful touch that makes it easy to adjust on the go, even over a wetsuit. The texture is sporty, but the overall look still leans sophisticated, thanks in part to the rich gold-brown-black palette that defines this model.
At 160 grams, it’s solid without being overbearing, and the 22mm lug width means strap-swapping is a breeze if you ever want to change the vibe.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel /w Gold PVD 44mm Diameter 50mm Lug to Lug 13.8mm Thick 22mm Lug Width 120-Click Unidirectional Bezel Screw Down Case Back & Crown 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Black Dial Applied Indexes Diamond-cut, Faceted Hands C3 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | MIDO Calibre 80 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Brown CTS Silicone /w Gold PVD Clasp and Comfort Adjust |
MIDO Ocean Star GMT in PVD Gold
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Final Thoughts
MIDO has taken everything that makes the Ocean Star such a sleeper hit—robust build, excellent value, sharp design—and given it a global twist. The M026.629.37.291.00 delivers a GMT complication in a dive-ready package that doesn’t skimp on style. It’s bold, beautifully finished, and packed with purpose.
If you love the Ocean Star collection—and I do—this GMT is a logical evolution: a classy travel watch with a diver’s soul. You get legitimate tool watch specs, a travel-friendly complication, and a look that can hold its own in any time zone.
Pricing & Availability
The MIDO Ocean Star GMT retails for $1600 USD ($1920 CAD). For more information, check out the brand website.
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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