For sale is a fantastic unpolished example of the legendary Caravelle "Sea Hunter" 666, a timepiece widely known and adored by collectors as the "Devil Diver." This specific example features the highly coveted "Explorer" dial configuration, making it one of the most desirable iterations of this 1960s skin diver. The “NO” Bulova date code on the caseback dates this to 1970, and makes for a great birth year watch. The unpolished case is very sharp and original case finishing is perfectly visible.
This watch is defined by its rebellious history and perfect proportions. In the 1960s, when Swiss manufacturers typically rated their dive watches to 600 feet, Bulova (Caravelle's parent company) rated theirs to 666 feet, a playful "one-up" that earned the watch its "Devil Diver" nickname due to the number's biblical association. This model features an unpolished case and the rare 3-6-9-12 numeral layout, often called the "Explorer Dial" because of its resemblance to the Rolex Explorer 1016. The case creates a classic "skin diver" profile, thinner and more refined than modern divers, thanks to its reliable manual wind movement. The matte black dial features "Waterproof" text, confirming its production prior to 1971, and boasts honest patina on the indices and hands that collectors look for.
Key Features:
Brand: Caravelle (Bulova Division)
Model: Sea Hunter "Devil Diver" 666
Reference: 666 Feet "Explorer Dial" Variant
Era: 1960s (Pre-1971 "Waterproof" marked)
Case Size: Unpolished 36.5mm case (Classic Skin Diver dimensions)
Lug Width: 20mm (Excellent for strap changing)
Dial: Rare "Explorer" layout (12-3-6-9 numerals) with original matte finish
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical (Likely Caliber 11DP)
Condition: Honest vintage condition with desirable warm patina on lume plots.
Why Collectors Love It: The Caravelle "Devil Diver" offers one of the best value-propositions in the vintage watch market. It combines genuine history—the famous "666" depth rating war with the Swiss—with a design that rivals watches ten times its price. This specific "Explorer Dial" variant is the one to have; the Art Deco-style numerals give it a distinct character that separates it from standard dot-marker divers. Furthermore, the manual wind movement allows for a slimmer case profile that slides easily under a cuff, unlike many bulky automatic divers of the era. It is a robust, stylish, and conversation-starting piece of 1960s tool-watch history.
For sale is a fantastic unpolished example of the legendary Caravelle "Sea Hunter" 666, a timepiece widely known and adored by collectors as the "Devil Diver." This specific example features the highly coveted "Explorer" dial configuration, making it one of the most desirable iterations of this 1960s skin diver. The “NO” Bulova date code on the caseback dates this to 1970, and makes for a great birth year watch. The unpolished case is very sharp and original case finishing is perfectly visible.
This watch is defined by its rebellious history and perfect proportions. In the 1960s, when Swiss manufacturers typically rated their dive watches to 600 feet, Bulova (Caravelle's parent company) rated theirs to 666 feet, a playful "one-up" that earned the watch its "Devil Diver" nickname due to the number's biblical association. This model features an unpolished case and the rare 3-6-9-12 numeral layout, often called the "Explorer Dial" because of its resemblance to the Rolex Explorer 1016. The case creates a classic "skin diver" profile, thinner and more refined than modern divers, thanks to its reliable manual wind movement. The matte black dial features "Waterproof" text, confirming its production prior to 1971, and boasts honest patina on the indices and hands that collectors look for.
Key Features:
Brand: Caravelle (Bulova Division)
Model: Sea Hunter "Devil Diver" 666
Reference: 666 Feet "Explorer Dial" Variant
Era: 1960s (Pre-1971 "Waterproof" marked)
Case Size: Unpolished 36.5mm case (Classic Skin Diver dimensions)
Lug Width: 20mm (Excellent for strap changing)
Dial: Rare "Explorer" layout (12-3-6-9 numerals) with original matte finish
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical (Likely Caliber 11DP)
Condition: Honest vintage condition with desirable warm patina on lume plots.
Why Collectors Love It: The Caravelle "Devil Diver" offers one of the best value-propositions in the vintage watch market. It combines genuine history—the famous "666" depth rating war with the Swiss—with a design that rivals watches ten times its price. This specific "Explorer Dial" variant is the one to have; the Art Deco-style numerals give it a distinct character that separates it from standard dot-marker divers. Furthermore, the manual wind movement allows for a slimmer case profile that slides easily under a cuff, unlike many bulky automatic divers of the era. It is a robust, stylish, and conversation-starting piece of 1960s tool-watch history.
