Bulova
1967 Bulova Snorkel Skindiver (Ref. 386-1) “Devil Diver”
The vintage Bulova obsession in the watch community is very real and here to stay! The unique and funky watches that Bulova made from the 60s-80s are always a cause for conversation. Ranging from colorful diving chronographs to eccentric electric watches like the famous Accutron.
This diver, nicknamed the "Devil Diver" because of its depth rating of an oddly specific 666 feet (which, for those on the metric system, is roughly 202 meters) was actually designed for skin diving and snorkeling rather than deep-sea diving, which meant that Bulova could make the case less chunky – and thus more naturally wearable and aesthetically pleasing. And at 36mm, it's a small-by-today's-standards dive watch that will look great on just about anyone's wrist, even if they're only desk diving.
This 1967 Bulova Snorkel ref. 386-1 skin diver has all of the elements we love about the mid to early "Golden Era" divers. Not only has it aged to reflect a beautiful patina, but it's also a devilishly attractive watch, hosting an occult-inspired depth rating of 666 feet.
SPECS
| Stock # | BLV3681-5 | |
| Brand | Bulova | |
| Style | Snorkel "Devil Diver" | |
| Model | 368- 1 | |
| Serial | M7 | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | JB Champion SS Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The wonderful 36mm stainless steel case has been lightly polished and is in excellent condition with long and slightly curved lugs that display light signs of use. It retains its original Bulova-signed crown. The original rotating shows minimal signs of use and no longer retains its enamel. The case back is clean and retains its original Bulova medallion. The era-correct JB Champion bracelet is in great condition retaining 21 links that exhibit normal stretch for the style of the bracelet and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The beautiful matte black dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing consistent but light aging that amplifies the watch's vintage aesthetic. The dial features numeric hour markers at 6, 9 and 12 o'clock, and rectangular markers for the remaining hours with a date window replacing a marker at 3 o'clock. The markers have aged to a deep tan / sandy patina. The original sword hands have been professionally restored with tritium to coordinate with the dial.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.