2020 MIDO Decompression 1961 Re-issue Hodinkee Edition 40mm

Here we have a MIDO Decompression 1961 Re-issue Hodinkee limited edition of 1,961 pieces based on the original 1961 Mido Powerwind 1000, ref. 5907, which had a production run until 1965, was sold to Hodinkee shoppers; it was globally exclusive on their website since they are a Mido Authorised Dealer. The polished 40mm stainless steel case curves over your wrist with tapered lugs, a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm and a case thickness of 13.5mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side is a signed screw-down crown. A unidirectional dive bezel has a lume pip at 12 o’clock and large printed numerals holding a box sapphire crystal above the striking decompression dial. Lume-coated baton indexes at the hour surrounding four rings in blue, pink, green and yellow with the all-important timings for decompression where a diver stops for a set time to remove the chance of the “Bends” where nitrogen dissolved under high pressure in the bloodstream normally through the process of respiration forms bubbles in the blood when the pressure decreases too rapidly, these bubbles can be lethal. In the centre, we have Arabic numerals 12, 3, 6, and 9 with baton indexes coated in luminance marking the hours, and at 3 o’clock, a date window. The hands consist of a long minute hand and a shorter hour hand filled with lume, complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the number out of 1,961 and the details of the watch engraved around the edge, in the centre in relief of the Ocean Star starfish, inside an automatic Mido Cal. 80, 25 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour, the movement has a base of the Swatch-owned ETA C07.621. It comes paired with its 21mm vintage-style mesh bracelet with a signed clasp, plus two additional straps in the box, and the watch comes with its Mido presentation box and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Mido box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original 21mm vintage-style mesh bracelet with a signed clasp, plus two additional 21mm Mido straps in the box. The watch is from August 2020 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in very fair condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

When this watch was first released, I had a few come across my desk, and all sold before they could hit the website. Now that things have settled down, we can now bring one to the website at an incredibly fair price. Most of you know my love for vintage Mido, I own multiple and am always on the lookout for great examples. This "Rainbow", as it was often referred to, is an incredibly difficult vintage model to find, so this re-release is perfect and brings all the charm with modern build quality and reliability. I wouldn't hesitate on this one!

Reference : M026.807.11.051.00
Movement : Automatic Mido Cal. 80
Age : August 2020
Year : 2020
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 13.5mm
Lug to Lug : 46.5mm
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Mido was established in 1918 by Mr. Georges Schaeren in the picturesque backdrop of Switzerland. During the 1920s, Mido continued to innovate by producing timepieces that echoed the aesthetic of radiator grills from iconic car manufacturers such as Buick, Bugatti, Fiat, and Ford, blending the worlds of horology and automotive design, and they were explicitly marketed as “motorist watches,” catering to the growing automotive culture of the time One notable piece, crafted from platinum, was presented to the King of Spain in 1927, highlighting the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and luxury. The name "Mido" is derived from the Spanish phrase "Yo Mido," which translates to "I measure." This origin reflects a meaningful concept of measurement and precision. In 1934, Mido pushed the boundaries of watch technology by introducing the Multifort, which was significant for being the first Mido watch equipped with a self-winding automatic movement. The Multifort quickly became a commercial success, dominating sales for the brand from the 1930s through the 1950s, thanks to its innovative mechanics and stylish design. The post-war era brought further advancements; in 1945, Mido unveiled the central-read chronograph, a pioneering watch that featured all of its stopwatch hands positioned in the centre of the dial, enhancing readability and functionality. By 1954, Mido launched the POWERWIND mechanism, recognised as the world's most efficient winding system at that time, further solidifying Mido’s reputation for technological innovation. 1959 marked a turning point with the introduction of the Mido Ocean Star, which featured a groundbreaking single-shell case design that enhanced waterproofness and durability. Throughout the 1970s, Mido expanded its offerings, introducing luxurious variations of the Ocean Star model that incorporated semi-precious stones, appealing to a clientele that valued both elegance and performance. In 2002, Mido took inspiration from architecture with the launch of the All Dial watch line, designed to echo the grandeur of the Roman Coliseum, showcasing the brand’s artistic flair. The year 2008 was significant as it celebrated Mido's 90th anniversary, a testament to its rich heritage and enduring influence in the watchmaking world. Continuing its journey through time, in 2012, Mido introduced the "Great Wall" collection, drawing inspiration from the Great Wall of China, which resonated with themes of strength and endurance. Most notably, in 2018, Mido commemorated its 100th anniversary with the Big Date model, a celebration of the values and craftsmanship that have defined its identity over the century. Today, Mido is proudly part of the Swatch Group, continuing to innovate and inspire, while staying true to its roots in precision engineering and timeless design.