1973 Bulova Snorkel (Devil Diver) From Original Owner

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Up for grabs is this charming Bulova Oceanographer (c. 1973), nicknamed the "devil diver" for its 666 ft depth rating. These are perhaps one of the most uniquely designed skin divers of their day, with the introduction of their signature raised hour markers - translucent cylinders which are perched in place like mounted diamonds for extreme legibility. This example features a red and black (coke) bakelite bezel, with additional red accents on the dial. My favorite of all the Oceanographer colorways. No doubt, this diver is funky as hell (more dad jokes on the way, don’t worry)! 👹

WHY IT'S SPECIAL 

Why is this particular variant so special? It features a day date function, as opposed to the more common date only window - a complication I have personally only seen matched with this case shape in 1973 issued models. To add to the uniqueness of this dial, it is stamped solely with the "Snorkel" moniker. The Snorkel line was technically discontinued in the late 60's, but remained on the dials of several Oceanographer divers well into the 1970's. "Snorkel" is rarely seen stamped on a dial unaccompanied by the "Oceanographer" namesake, as it is here, on these date-date models. In short, this is a particularly rare bird. 

Yet another standout feature on these iconic 70's divers is the pungent red cross-hair pattern, beautifully contrasted against a matte black dial.

CONDITION & SPECS

Serviced just within the past two or three years, this example is in excellent condition - all original, and unpolished. Mounted on the watch is the original stamped crown. The lume on all the hands, including on the exceptional red painted lollipop sweeping seconds hand, has aged evenly into a rich dijon mustard colour. Original crystal was left on the watch during last service, despite some scratches and light cracking at the 4 o'clock edge, since it is still functional. The bakelite bezel is in excellent condition, aside from a small hairline crack that runs through the upper left corner. Light wear on the case, appropriate for a watch of its vintage, with crisp edges, on an unpolished case. 

Brand: Bulova
Model: Oceanographer "G" (Snorkel stamped dial)
Production Year: 1973 (N3)
Case Reference: 7095-1
Complications: Day-Date
Case Material: Steel
Case Diameter: 40.5mm (minus crown)
Dial Color: Matte black
Depth Rating: 666 ft 
Bezel: Black and red (Coke) bakelite, bi-directional, friction-mounted (no click) bezel
Lug Width: 18mm
Case Shape: Tonneau (read more about this case shape here)
Movement Caliber: 11AOACB (Automatic)

Read Buying a Vintage Watch before making your purchase.