Gradient dials are hard to photograph and easy to love in person, and the Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient in gray is a perfect example. In daylight it reads as soft charcoal; tilt it into shade and the edges sink toward black, giving the dial a three-dimensional depth.

The Tribute series honors Mido’s 1960s divers, and this model draws particularly on period skin-diving watches such as the Mido SkyDiver. That shows in the straight lugs, the slim polished bezel with its luminous pearl, the big white indexes and the domed box sapphire. The day and date sit at 3 o’clock, unframed, in keeping with the minimalist dial. Mido’s automatic Caliber 80, built on the ETA C07.621 with 25 jewels, runs for up to 80 hours between windings, and a screw-down crown and back give the case a 200-meter rating.

The black rubber strap is soft and quick to swap, and at 40.5mm this is an easy size for most wrists.

Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient, Reference M026.830.17.081.00

• Case: stainless steel, 40.5mm, 13.4mm high
• Dial: gray gradient, Super-LumiNova indexes and hands
• Calendar: day and date
• Bezel: black, unidirectional, 60-minute scale
• Movement: Caliber 80 self-winding, 25 jewels
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: black rubber with pin buckle, 21mm

A vintage diver with a modern dial trick, and one of the most wearable watches in the Ocean Star line.