In the early 1970s, Bulova, the ingenious American watchmaker with a knack for marketing, decided to put a cheeky twist on the classic Swiss-standard depth rating of 656 feet. They birthed a dive watch named “The Snorkel,” boasting an impressive depth resistance of 666 feet, playfully embracing the “Number of The Beast” on its dial. This bold move paid off, and those who proudly sported the 666 feet mark on their watch dials earned themselves the moniker of “Devil Divers.” Fast forward to the 21st century, and Bulova is resurrecting the rugged charm of its 1972 Oceanographer, infusing it with GMT functionality to cater to the globetrotters of today. Let’s dive into the details of this revived classic.
Bulova’s reimagined Oceanographer GMT collection offers three unique color combinations that pay homage to its ’70s roots. Each variation brings a touch of modernity while retaining the watch’s fun-loving spirit.
The first variant features a black dial complemented by a brown “root beer” GMT bezel, all housed within a rose gold PVD coated stainless steel sport bracelet.
For those who appreciate tradition, there’s the classic blue and red “Pepsi” GMT bezel option. This one comes with a stainless steel bracelet, offering a timeless look that’s sure to turn heads.
Last but not least, we have a white and black colorway with a fully luminous dial, paired with a comfortable rubber strap. It’s a bold choice for those who seek visibility and style, even in the darkest depths.
The revamped Oceanographer GMT series pays tribute to the quirky case design of the 1970s original. With a wearable 41mm diameter and a compact 43mm lug-to-lug distance, it should sit comfortably on your wrist. The double-domed crystal not only adds character but also keeps the watch a slim 14.6mm thick. Sapphire crystal ensures durability, making this timepiece a practical choice for daily wear. Thanks to a reliable screw-down crown, these Devil Divers maintain their legendary 666 feet of water resistance.
One of the standout features across the Oceanographer GMT lineup is the abundant use of Super-LumiNova coating. The hands and hour markers glow brilliantly in low-light situations, ensuring that you can read the time when it matters most.
Powering these Devil Divers is the robust 9075 Miyota automatic movement. It allows for independent manipulation of the hour hand to track a second time zone with ease. With an accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day and a respectable 42-hour power reserve, you can trust this watch to keep up with your adventures.
Bulova’s Oceanographer GMT collection offers a delightful blend of ’70s heritage style, the intrigue of the “Devil Diver” legacy, impressive dive watch capabilities, practical GMT functionality, and a range of captivating color options—all without breaking the bank. With prices below US$2,000, these timepieces are a steal for those who crave both style and substance in their wristwear.
