Bulova | Oceanographer Blue Dial GMT | 96B405

Bulova Oceanographer Blue Dial GMT

The Bulova Oceanographer Blue Dial GMT Watch brings a new GMT functionality to the brand’s 1970’s original design. With a cushion shaped case and 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 was popular not only for its cool alter ego but for its affordability too.

Case & Blue GMT Dial

Firstly, at 41mm in diameter the new Oceanographer GMT is larger than the original 70’s design. Additionally, the GMT has a sapphire box-shaped 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 (view white dial version here). 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 bi-directional bezel.

The red and blue bi-directional bezel and red GMT hand are used to display a second time zone.  Moreover, Bulova have even kept the same linked lettering on the logo as the original 70’s watch. The insignia on the screw down crown is also a retro “BULOVA” rather than the modern tuning fork.

Oceanographer: Water Resistance

With a water resistance of 20 bar (200m), the Bulova Oceanographer Blue Dial GMT is not a watch for the serious 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), 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 Oceanographer Blue Dial GMT 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, 24 jewels
• 42 hour power reserve
• Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• GMT indicator
• Stainless steel case, 41mm diameter, 14.5mm thick
• Bi-directional 24 hour bezel in blue and red
• Screw caseback
• Screw-down crown
• Blue dial, luminescent markers
• Stainless steel 5 link bracelet, 20mm at lugs, double folding clasp with push button release
• Sapphire box crystal
• Water resistant 20 bar (200m)/666 ft
• Three Year Manufacturer’s Warranty