BULOVA – Devil Diver Oceanographer Archive Series Watch 96B350

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer Watch is from the popular Archive Series. Created as a tribute to an original 1970’s design, this statement watch has  a cushion-shaped case and bright retro inspired dial. 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

Firstly, with a 41mm case diameter, this model is smaller than the other Oceanographers in the Archive Collection (see 96B320 and 98B320). Combined with it’s cushion-shaped stainless steel case, it feels comfortable to wear. Secondly, the orange dial has the same cylindrical tube hour markers as the original watch. These are filled with lume to ensure that the dial shines brightly in the dark which 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. Additionally, Bulova have even kept the same linked lettering on the logo as the original. Moreover, 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 professional diver. As the dial indicates, it’s 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’s 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). Also, they collaborated on 46 NASA space missions and made America’s first radio and television commercials. Citizen has owned Bulova since 2007 and the brand continues to innovate launching the Precisionist Collection in 2010 and Curv, the world’s first curved chronograph movement in 2016.

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer offers an automatic watch with vintage styling representing excellent value for money.

• Automatic Miyota movement
• 42 hour power reserve
• Hours, minutes, date
• Stainless steel case, 41mm diameter
• Uni-directional bezel
• Screw caseback
• Screw-down crown
• Orange dial, luminescent markers and hands
• Polyurethane rubber strap, stainless steel pin buckle
• Sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective coating
• Water resistant 20 bar (200m)/666 ft
• Three Year Manufacturer’s Warranty