BULOVA – 70’s Oceanographer Diver Watch 96B320

70’s Oceanographer

The Bulova 70’s Oceanographer Diver Watch is a tribute to the brand’s original design. With a cushion shaped case and bright retro inspired dial, the 1970’s design cues are plain to see. Printed with “666 feet” on the dial, the original Oceanographer (or Snorkel Watch) earned itself the nickname “Devil Diver”. Consequently, the watch became popular not only for its cool alter ego but for its affordability too.

Case & Dial

At 44mm in diameter the new Oceanographer is larger than the original. Additionally, the new version has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal which is an upgrade from the original watch. However, in many ways Bulova have remained faithful to the original design. In particular, the blue dial has the same cylindrical tube hour markers. These are filled with lume to ensure that the dial shines brightly in the dark. This is a great retro detail. However, it does mean that the hour and minute hands are necessarily short in order that they don’t touch the tall hour markers. Similarly, the hands are also luminous as well as the triangle on the uni-directional bezel. Yellow detailing on the blue dial and bezel provides a great contrast and looks really smart. Moreover, Bulova have even kept the same linked lettering on the logo as the original. The insignia on the screw down crown is also a retro “BULOVA” rather than the modern tuning fork.

Diver

With a water resistance of 20 bar (200m), the Oceanographer is not a watch for the serious diver. As the dial indicates, it is suitable for snorkelling and swimming. Indeed, Bulova’s own 1970’s advertisement openly conceded that “not everybody who wears the Snorkel is an aquanaut. It just makes you feel like one. It’s that kind of a watch”. However, it is undoubtedly a great timepiece and perfect for getting active and channelling that 70’s retro vibe.

Bulova

Bulova is an American brand with a history of innovation. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, there are many examples of the brand’s pioneering spirit. These include developing the world’s first fully electronic watch with tuning fork technology (at the time the most accurate watch in the world), collaborating on 46 NASA space missions and making America’s first radio and television commercials. Since 2007 Bulova has been owned by Citizen. The brand continues to innovate. In 2010 they launched the Precisionist Collection with a continuous sweeping second hand. Additionally, in 2016, Bulova launched Curv, the world’s first curved chronograph movement.

The Bulova 70’s Oceanographer Diver Watch offers an automatic watch with vintage styling which represents excellent value for money. Covered by a 3 Year Warranty, peace of mind is guaranteed.

• Automatic Miyota movement
• 42 hour power reserve
• Hours, minutes, date
• Stainless steel case, 44mm diameter, 13mm depth
• Uni-directional bezel
• Screw caseback
• Screw-down crown
• Blue dial, luminescent markers
• Stainless steel bracelet, double folding clasp with push button release, safety and extender
• Box shape sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective coating
• Water resistant 20 bar (200m)/666 ft
• Three Year Manufacturer’s Warranty