Photo Credit: savethetreestoday
1969 Bulova Snorkel Diver Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Buy It Now Price: $595 (price as of 2019; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This vintage Bulova Snorkel diver wristwatch sports a champagne enamel dial, stainless steel case, tritium lume and a timeless stylistic sensibility.
-This 1960s dive watch measures 35 mm (1.38 inches) wide when excluding the crown, and a chunky 11 mm (0.43 inches) in thickness.
-Bulova was originally a New York City jewelry store that began selling table clocks and pocket watches in 1911. After strong sales, the firm very quickly branched into watch manufacturing. Unlike other large American watchmakers of the 20th century, many of Bulova’s movements (like the 11BLACD found in this Bulova Snorkel Diver) were imported from Switzerland instead of being domestically produced.
-Both the case and movement of this vintage Bulova watch can be definitively dated to 1969. This is because Bulova used an alpha-numeric date code system during this time. In this instance, “M9” was separately stamped on the case and movement, indicating the year 1969.
-Bulova fist introduced its Snorkel diver in 1961. After being redesigned in the late 1960s to withstand pressure to a depth of 666 feet (203 meters), it was rebranded as the Oceanographer Snorkel. Because of the Biblical connotations of its 666 foot depth rating, the Bulova Snorkel is sometimes referred to as the “Devil Diver”.
-This vintage dive watch features a 17-jewel, Bulova 11BLACD automatic movement. This Swiss-made workhorse caliber had a date function and was produced from 1968 to 1970. The 11BLACD was not a particularly high-end movement, but nonetheless had a good reputation for robustness and longevity.
-This Bulova Snorkel diver is quadruple signed, which is a good indicator of originality. Quadruple signed means the watch has the Bulova name emblazoned on the dial, crown, case and movement.
-In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bulova Oceanographer/Snorkel wristwatches typically retailed for between $60 and $100. After adjusting for inflation, this would be the equivalent of $423 to $706 in 2019 dollars.
-Given the dramatic price increases that vintage chronograph wristwatches have experienced over the past several years, vintage diver watches are relative bargains.
-I love the classic design language of this Bulova Snorkel diver. Because they are simultaneously sporty and masculine, dive watches are the natural fashion choice for many men. And this Bulova does it better than most, making it a great addition to your watch collection at only $595.
Cons:
-This Bulova Snorkel diver is not in pristine condition, which lowers its desirability somewhat. However, it has what I consider to be good, honest wear coupled with a nice patina. This is an excellent sign that the watch is completely original – a tremendous benefit when Frankenwatches abound.
-Curiously, this Bulova Snorkel diver is not labeled on the case or dial as being waterproof. This is a bit unusual, as diving was the raison d’être of Snorkel watches. But Bulova made a tremendous number of Snorkel variations throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, all of its parts – from the dial to the case to the movement – are period correct as far as I can tell. I suspect that this vintage Bulova is just an obscure, limited production Snorkel model.
-The seller has explicitly stated that he has not serviced this watch. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for a professional servicing after you buy it.
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