AboutTime #14 | Page 55

Captain Mido Although Mido may not be the most recognized name in watches here in North America, the brand has a substantial track record around the globe making popular priced watches that offer a lot of bang for the buck. Benefitting from its membership in the Swatch Group, Mido makes a strong argument for your business in the Ocean Star Automatic. Inside is a COSC -certified Mido Cal 80 (base ETA C07.621) automatic mechanical movement that stretches a 21,600 bph frequency to an enviable eighty-hour power reserve. Surrounding the ETA base movement is a 42mm solid titanium case rated to 20atm. All the other expected quality points: sapphire crystal, SuperLuminova and fully shock resistant. No matter how you look at it this Mido is an excellent option for a ‘branded’ watch at only $1,040. “Squale” Means Shark Re-launched in 2010, Squale watches have managed to gain traction in a (pardon the pun) fully saturated diver’s watch market. Clean and easy-to-read designs, off-theshelf Swiss mechanical movements, and a back story that gives them a leg-up on the competition has allowed these simple watches to regain a bit of their past glory. Priced to sell and not yet over-produced, Squale watches are an excellent value option that seems to be holding its value online - even in the secondary markets. This version of the 1521 series is offered in a 42mm brushed steel case rated to 50atm that moves the crown to the four o’clock position. At $900 the Squale 500 is Swiss made and uses the ETA 2824-2 centersecond automatic mechanical movement with date. Find your Squale at www.longislandwatch.com AboutTime Magazine | 55