Lot #3674
Mido Ocean Star Powerwind "Rainbow" Diver 5907 Luminous Non-Date Black Meters Dial
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Introduction
Originally launched in 1961 as the Powerwind 1000 that was part of the Ocean Star line that debuted just two years before, the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer harkens back to the birth of recreational diving as a hobby and pastime, a time which saw the proliferation of the skin divers and the advancement of dive watches as a whole. Discontinued in 1965, the Powerwind 1000 was popular for its bright dial, which featured a colorful decompression table that informed its wearer how long they would need to spend underwater resurfacing, provided they reached a certain depth for a certain amount of time, to avoid developing decompression sickness, or 'The Bends' - a sickness that would often claim the lives of divers. Offered here we have an original Ocean Star “Rainbow” with its beautifully colorful decompression table dial, a simple 37.5mm stainless steel case, a wonderful black tropic rubber strap, and its bi-directional bezel. An early skin diver that stands as remnant of just how important functional tool watches were for some tasks and professions prior to the invention of their digital counterparts, this timepiece is a true piece of horological history.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Mido
Dimensions
37.5mm
Model
Ocean Star "Powerwind" Rainbox Diver
Movement
Automatic cal. 1137 OC
Reference
5097
Bracelet
Rubber strap
Year
Circa 1960s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Multi-colored

THE DIAL
Featuring a brightly colored decompression table, the Ocean Star Powerwind's rainbow-like dial can tell you how long a decompression stop is required so as to avoid developing 'The Bends' while resurfacing.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a relatively simple construction so as to not distract from its functional role as a tool watch that divers would rely on to safely resurface, the Ocean Star's 37.5mm stainless steel construction is without any unnecessary details.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case has some wear, with scratches and nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. The case back engravings are still well defined. There is an "ESS" engraved on the caseback. The original MIDO winding crown is still present. The bezel has some surface scratches, with most of the enamel filling still intact in the numerals and markings. The dial is in beautiful condition with vibrant colors and little to no visible surface wear. Luminous indexes are evenly toned, wiht a few plots showing areas of discoloration. Watch has original hands, but the hour hand is devoid of luminous material. Original crystal shows extensive crazing, but still has the "MIDO" mark visible in the center. The watch is fitted with a black Tropic strap in excellent condition. Please note that the watch ticks at the time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
An iconic dive watch that really shows just how instrumental tool watches were for some professions and tasks before the invention of their digital replacements, the "Rainbow" provides a window into the unique and wonderful world of mid-century horological design.