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.

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.

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.