Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 'Devil Diver', c. 1969

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

When we think of watches from the 1970's one thing comes to mind: Funky case shapes! Brands from all over the world experimented with obtuse, asymmetric, and innovative case designs around this time for both sport and dress watches alike. Bulova was one such brand. Thriving in the 1960s-1970s, the American company had a seemingly endless catalog of funky sports watches, particularly in the dive and chronograph categories. Divers featuring a "666 Feet" depth reading on the dial have colloquially become known as 'Devil Divers' and have developed a cult-following. This particular piece, a Oceanographer Snorkel - known as a Devil Diver, dates to circa 1969 and features a 43mm stainless steel cushion case with an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a screw-down caseback, a red and black dive bezel, a matte black crosshair Tritium dial with applied 'crystal' indices, and an automatic movement within. Paired to a perforated black rubber strap with an unsigned pin buckle, it remains in very good condition throughout - clearly spared of the normal abuse that watches like these were subjected to in the ear it was birthed. With all of these fine details, features and designs, it is easy to see why these 'Devil Divers' are quickly developing a cult following. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, it's hard to go wrong with a stylish, automatic-winding dive watch such as this - and from a good strong brand like Bulova.