On Holden’s list, Absolute Favorites
Mido Ocean Star GMT
The Mido Ocean Star GMT (M026.629.11.051.01) is a GMT travel watch from Mido: a 44 mm 316L Stainless Steel case, 13.4 mm thick and 50 mm lug to lug, with an automatic Mido Caliber 80 movement and 200 m water resistance.
Going by its 50 mm lug to lug, it should sit within the flat top of a wrist of about 6.8 inches (17.2 cm) or larger.
Research found it at $1,490 list in the US (checked October 2026), $1,085 on the street (October 2026) and $800 used (October 2026).
It's on my GMT list for Mido's 80-hour movement and the value. At 44 mm the size doesn't bother me, because for me thickness matters more than diameter.
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mido |
| Reference | M026.629.11.051.01 |
| Category | GMT / Travel |
| Production | In Production (introduced 2020) |
| Case and size [1][3][2] | |
| Case diameter | 44 mm |
| Lug to lug | 50 mm |
| Thickness | 13.4 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Case material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 200 m (20 bar / 660 ft) |
| Weight | 205 g |
| Movement [1][4][2][3] | |
| Movement | Mido Caliber 80 (ETA C07.661), Automatic |
| Power reserve | 80 hours |
| Accuracy | -5/+15 sec/day (factory adjusted in 3 positions; user reports typically +3 to +7 sec/day) |
| Bracelet [1][3][2] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Stainless steel 3-link bracelet (Mido ref. M605017098) |
| Clasp | Milled folding clasp with fold-over safety lock, dual push-button release, and ratcheting sliding diver extension |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][2][5][6] | |
| List price (US) | $1,490 |
| Street price (US) | $1,085 (October 2026) |
| Used price (US) | $800 (October 2026) |
| Warranty | 2-year international manufacturer warranty |
Will it fit?
A watch wears comfortably when its lugs stay on the flat top of the wrist. Here is the 50 mm lug to lug against the flat top estimated for common wrist sizes.
| Wrist | Flat top | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in 15.2 cm | 47 mm | Likely overhangs |
| 6.5 in 16.5 cm | 51 mm | At the edge |
| 7 in 17.8 cm | 55 mm | Comfortable |
| 7.5 in 19.1 cm | 59 mm | Comfortable |
| 8 in 20.3 cm | 63 mm | Comfortable |
Check it against your own wrist An estimate, not a guarantee; how the method works is on the tool page.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- Genuine 'flyer' / traveller GMT movement with independently jumpable 12-hour local hand and bidirectional date correction for under $1,500 MSRP.
- Powermatic-derived Caliber 80 delivers exceptional 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron anti-magnetic balance spring.
- Robust 200m water resistance combined with a 60-minute ceramic dive bezel retains genuine diver credentials alongside GMT tracking.
- Solid stainless steel bracelet features a tool-free ratcheting on-the-fly micro-adjust clasp.
- Caseback features a deeply engraved 24-city global timezone reference chart.
Weaknesses
- Large 44mm case diameter and 50mm lug-to-lug make it unwieldy for wrists smaller than 7.25 inches.
- Heavy 205g total mass on bracelet makes it noticeably hefty for long daily wear.
- Thick case profile at 13.4mm.
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 7.2 |
| Value at a realistic price | 8.8 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.2 |
| Movement and engineering | 8.3 |
| Wearability and proportions | 5.8 |
| Versatility and durability | 7.0 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 6.0 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other gmt / travel watches on his list.
- Seiko Field GMT HDB002
- Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT 42
- Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT L3.812.4.63.6
- NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer 790.S4
- Grand Seiko Automatic GMT SBGM221
Sources
- MIDO Ocean Star GMT - M0266291105101 midowatches.com · read October 13, 2026
- Introducing Mido Ocean Star GMT (Specs & Price) monochrome-watches.com · read October 13, 2026
- A Double Hands-On With Two Mido Ocean Star GMT Watches fratellowatches.com · read October 13, 2026
- User's Manual - GMT Calibre 80 Watch midowatches.com · read October 13, 2026
- Mido Ocean Star GMT Men's Watch M026.629.11.051.01 watchmaxx.com · read October 13, 2026
- Mido Ocean Star GMT Stainless Steel M026.629.11.051.01 Price Overview watchcharts.com · read October 13, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.