Offered here is a standout vintage watch from Bulova’s golden era of dive design: the 1969 Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel, rated to the now-iconic 666 feet depth. This model, often nicknamed the “Devil Diver,” combines bold functionality with colorful character, most notably its original red-and-black acrylic decompression bezel and vivid blue dial. The chunky indices, crosshair detail, and bold hands deliver vintage charm and superb legibility.
This particular example has survived in lovely condition, retaining its original crystal, sword hands, and lume plots with attractive aging. A perfect piece for collectors of mid-century tool watches and fans of vintage dive heritage.
Key Features
• Brand: Bulova
• Model: Oceanographer Snorkel
• Year: 1969
• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 39mm (excluding crown)
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Bi-color aluminum decompression bezel (red/black)
• Dial: Deep blue with crosshair and applied indices
• Water Resistance: 666 feet (not guaranteed)
• Strap: Tropic-style rubber strap
• Features: Date window with red numeral, luminous hands and indices
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with honest wear and patina
Why Collectors Love It
Few vintage watches bring this level of personality. The “666 Feet” depth rating, the playful two-tone bezel, and the clear Oceanographer branding all contribute to the cult status of the Devil Diver. This Bulova is a classic among dive watch enthusiasts and a compelling entry into serious vintage collecting, without the price tag of Swiss competitors. And unlike many tool watches from the period, this one has both style and swagger in spades.
Offered here is a standout vintage watch from Bulova’s golden era of dive design: the 1969 Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel, rated to the now-iconic 666 feet depth. This model, often nicknamed the “Devil Diver,” combines bold functionality with colorful character, most notably its original red-and-black acrylic decompression bezel and vivid blue dial. The chunky indices, crosshair detail, and bold hands deliver vintage charm and superb legibility.
This particular example has survived in lovely condition, retaining its original crystal, sword hands, and lume plots with attractive aging. A perfect piece for collectors of mid-century tool watches and fans of vintage dive heritage.
Key Features
• Brand: Bulova
• Model: Oceanographer Snorkel
• Year: 1969
• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 39mm (excluding crown)
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Bi-color aluminum decompression bezel (red/black)
• Dial: Deep blue with crosshair and applied indices
• Water Resistance: 666 feet (not guaranteed)
• Strap: Tropic-style rubber strap
• Features: Date window with red numeral, luminous hands and indices
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with honest wear and patina
Why Collectors Love It
Few vintage watches bring this level of personality. The “666 Feet” depth rating, the playful two-tone bezel, and the clear Oceanographer branding all contribute to the cult status of the Devil Diver. This Bulova is a classic among dive watch enthusiasts and a compelling entry into serious vintage collecting, without the price tag of Swiss competitors. And unlike many tool watches from the period, this one has both style and swagger in spades.
