Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer

The Reference

Modern Bulova is a mixed bag for us. There are some models we love such as the Breton, Hack, and Chronographs A/C, and there are a lot of models that we really don’t like. I’m looking at you Harley Davidson and Precision collections. What the models we like seem to have in common is a clear path to the brand’s past and this modern Devil Diver most certainly fits into that category. What we love even more is that these watches aren’t just carbon copies of their past selves but rather an evolution of a model of many generations (see: Ford Mustang). If you love the look of vintage Devil Divers but like the peace of mind that comes with new watches then this could be the piece for you.

The Case and Bracelet

The 44mm cushion-style case is in very good condition with some scratches from normal wear. The entire case is finished with a mirror polish. The shape and complexity of the case do a lot to give the watch an authentic vintage vibe. The bezel features a 120 click unidirectional like the original and features an identical acrylic bezel. The watch comes on its original bracelet with a complete set of links that will fit up to an 8-inch wrist. The clasp is a simply stamped dive clasp with a safety and a divers extension. Bulova is engraved in the clasp in a mid-century modern font. The inside of the clasp still retains its original protective plastic. The crystal has a small scratch in the center that should be noted.

The Dial and Hands

The dial is the star of the show. It takes the classic devil diver design and executes it at a modern level. The lettering is all period-correct, the hands are chunky and vintage looking, and the indices are the same giant cups full of lume as on the original. The large indices create a very 3-dimensional look that is accentuated by the boxy sapphire crystal. Stylistically, the face is quartered by a large red cross-hair, and the depth is listed in feet as 666 (hence the nickname “Devil Diver”).

The Movement

This watch features an automatic Miyota movement. The watch is running and the service history is not known.

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