Mido Special Edition Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Ref. M026.829.17.051.00 - A Colourful Throwback with a Modern Traveller's Soul, A Review (plus Video)

The day I got this watch, was a bittersweet day. The career jump that I was expecting didn't materialize. To sooth my sadness, I decided to get something that will be unique to the collection. I chose a Mido, I chose colours to brighten my feelings and I chose a special edition timepiece for a trifecta of meaningful factors. What I got is Mido Special Edition Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer with a matte black dial.

This watch was launched in March 2023. I was eyeing it since then but I did not commit as there were other priorities that I wanted to get first. Anyway, the day arrived where I did commit. The icing-on-the-cake is that I got a good discount on it too. 

 

Mido does not get as much exposure where I come from. Hence, the brand was not deemed to be significant to me when it comes to horology. However, on investigating the brand, I noted a lot of innovations and iconic designs. Despite my many years in this hobby, I still have a lot to learn.  

Seiko Presage Classic Series 145th Anniversary Limited Edition (HCC004J1) - A Quiet Celebration of Japanese Watchmaking, A Review (plus Video)

A month ago, while visiting my favorite watch dealer, he showed me a limited edition piece from Seiko to commemorate its 145th anniversary. It was the Seiko Presage Classic HCC004J1. I really liked it but I was preoccupied with something more urgent. A month later, I was visiting another shop and inquired whether the model was still available. Unfortunately, due to its limited edition nature, cannot find one in Kuala Lumpur. Oh well, perhaps it was never meant to be. Anyway, I was at my dealer's shop asking the same question when he mentioned that perhaps his branch in Johor Bahru may have one. Sure enough, there is one still available.

I picked it up when it came to the shop. The box was rather simple in appearance. 

Seiko's 145th Anniversary Limited Edition Models

The story of Seiko began in 1881 when its founder, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop in Tokyo’s Ginza district for the sale and repair of timepieces. In the years since, the company has grown alongside Japan’s largest metropolis, creating innovative timepieces that reflect the rich culture and aesthetics that Tokyo has cultivated over generations.

Long Term Assessment: Deep Sea Engineering & Titanium Realities - An Analytical Review of the Tudor Pelagos 500M Blue Dial (Ref. M25600TB-0001)

When examining Tudor, it is impossible to ignore its deep corporate lineage. Registered in February 1926 by watch dealer Philippe Hüther for Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf and formally established as Montres TUDOR S.A. in March 1946, the brand was created to deliver Rolex-level manufacturing standards and reliability at a more accessible price point. Today, with a price differential between contemporary Rolex and Tudor models sitting at roughly 1:2, Tudor represents a compelling alternative for collectors seeking genuine manufacturing quality without extreme brand premiums.

  

After evaluating several options in the brand's catalog, I acquired my very first Tudor timepiece: the Pelagos Blue Dial (Reference M25600TB-0001) back in July 2018. Derived from the Greek word Pelagos meaning "deep sea," this mixed-gas saturation diver stands as the most technically advanced tool watch in Tudor's entire lineup.

Long-Term Assessment: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116520) - A Genuine "Grail" Watch

Having developed a strong preference for Rolex Oyster Professional sports models that feature a flat crystal rather than a cyclops lens, my options within the catalog were restricted to just six specific references. Four years after acquiring my first Rolex—the Deepsea Sea-Dweller in 2010—I added my fourth model from the brand, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520, to my collection. Purchased through an authorized dealer in Kuala Lumpur, the final choice came down to an in-person wrist comparison between the black and white dial variants, with the white dial ultimately winning out for its striking legibility and contrast.