Hello OF, I have the opportunity the buy this vintage Bulova Snorkel ‘J’ for 1350€. I am not so familiar with this particular model, only with the more common Snorkel. What do you guys think? As far as I can tell after comparing to other ones online, I see that apart from the crown, everything looks original to me. Would appreciate any input.

 

Looks correct even the super-compressor crown.

Paging @JwRosenthal our resident SNORKEL guy.

 

What do you think of the asking price?

 

Haven't followed this Market, but 10-12 years ago they were $3-500 at the high end all over.


Wait for JW to chime in

 

Hardly and expert but I do love the Snorkel and this model has alluded me ( @hmmmcamu has one or two I believe).
As for this one, Looks fine, Rotor is ‘67 which is correct, case is sharp, and despite the clumsy back scratches, all the text is there. Bezel is crack free which is a big deal.
I’m not crazy about the color of the hands, I would personally have them rulumed to match the dial indices- but since I have that capability it wouldn’t stop me from buying it. That wouldn’t bother some people.
Price seems about where they have been selling lately. We can forget what things sold for a few years ago- we could buy subs all day for $4k and Speedy’s for $2k, so we have to look at recent comps (I still gasp when I see beater 386’s sell for more than $400).
If there is room to negotiate, of course go for it. Mechanical parts are abundant for these as the 11ALAC was used in thousands of other watches. Cosmetics parts however, are not.

 

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I think I am gonna go for it!
Is it true that this particular model was only in production for one year, 67'?

 

Note that the top right lug is bent.

 

Maybe. I would raise that question and as for a straight on shot of the lugs.

I have owned one of these and from what I can see everything looks right. The hands would bother me, but as J mentioned you could have them matched to the dial.

 

There is a straight shot. Nothing maybe about it IMO.

 

to bend a lug would require a lot of force. I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m just telling OP to get a couple more photos for a more conclusive look.

Lens distortion can make things that are otherwise straight look a little off.

a shot like this will tell the truth

 

Thanks a lot for your input. I pulled the triggr and received the watch, and actually really like it! The lug on the photos looks bend, but I think it is the angle of the photo because it is straight.

 

We need photos!

 

^^Yup! - and you need to add it to the 666 thread.

 

Where can I find the 666 thread?

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-bulova-divers-666ft-the-devil-diver.65919/page-16