VINTAGE BULOVA chronographe & divers

Larry S · Oct 21, 2020

Radiozoop
I've been looking for a devil diver, but eBay (as we all know) is full of landmines and completely unrealistic asking prices. I'm not proud to admit I've gotten into a few arguments with sellers on the 'Bay trying to get them to take a realistic and fair price, but alas, I guess what's fair is up to them. What's the fair price for a decent, wearable condition example? I just refuse to spend upwards of $1000 on a devil diver when $1000 can buy you a whole lot of watch in the vintage Omega market.

I think this reflects a schism emerging here on OF. There is a point where buying the best example you can find departs from Whatever’s the definition of “realistic and fair”. Do your homework, negotiate hard but if you turn your nose up at a pristine example at 1k+ and buy a fixer upper for 700. You won’t be happy acquiring a beater when what you really wanted Is a collector grade watch. I will add that these are incredible pieces and a pleasure to wear.

JwRosenthal · Oct 21, 2020

Radiozoop
I've been looking for a devil diver, but eBay (as we all know) is full of landmines and completely unrealistic asking prices. I'm not proud to admit I've gotten into a few arguments with sellers on the 'Bay trying to get them to take a realistic and fair price, but alas, I guess what's fair is up to them. What's the fair price for a decent, wearable condition example? I just refuse to spend upwards of $1000 on a devil diver when $1000 can buy you a whole lot of watch in the vintage Omega market.

I waited for at least a year or two after I got serious about looking for one and not just waiting for a fluke deal. I realized that I needed to buy at the top the market to get above the bargain hunters, but I wasn't going to pay stupid prices some want (expect). We know that beaters can be had around $3-400, pristine in box (which is very rare) upward of $1k- but are they selling for that? Most of the activity on these is on the bottom end of the market as clean ones are truly rare- so we can't keep thinking that becuase the bulk of them sell for $400, that's what they are worth- you have to take into consideration condition.
When I finally found the right one, I verified it was all correct with a fellow member here who knows these better than anyone and pulled the trigger for $700. Was it a great deal-no. Was it a fair price considering the rarity of a flawless dial, bright colored lume, crack free bezel and original bullet bracelet- yes. Would I have loved to find it for $300- hell yes, but that's not gonna happen on an Oceanographer anymore.

You just need to be patient and persistent and be ready to jump on it when you see it- and pay the premium (but not the stupid daydream of which you are very familiar). The good ones do pop up at fair prices, but they don't last long.

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

BULOVA SNORKEL 666ft.

JwRosenthal · Oct 21, 2020

hmmmcamu
BULOVA SNORKEL 666ft.

Now you're just being cruel 😉

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

JwRosenthal
Now you're just being cruel 😉

he he he

Paulomega · Oct 21, 2020

Hey @hmmmcamu, now I know why we (the guys without one) can't find any. You are hoarding more than your share buddy.

Geart collection though and all of them are beautiful thank you for sharing. 👍👍

Paulomega · Oct 21, 2020

A question for the wise and learned ones ( @hmmmcamu, @JwRosenthal) on the forum was the original design for these watches created by Bulova or some other watch company? Who made the cases. Any other watch company copied this design in their watches? Thank you for sharing.

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

PSA ...

BEZEL ring should look like this .... note the grooves

Paulomega
A question for the wise and learned ones ( @hmmmcamu, @JwRosenthal) on the forum was the original design for these watches created by Bulova or some other watch company? Who made the cases. Any other watch company copied this design in their watches? Thank you for sharing.

some background info

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

Bulova
Doxa
Seiko 6309
[image borrowed from cyberspace]

Paulomega · Oct 21, 2020

Very informative, thank you. It appears from the picture that the Bulova is the thinnest, right?

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

Paulomega
Very informative, thank you. It appears from the picture that the Bulova is the thinnest, right?

correct but the watch sits nicely on the wrist despite the photo above the watch measures 41mm minus the crown

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

1973 one year production run only
BULOVA SNORKEL " G "
Day and Date
Case ref# 7095-1 [orange dial snorkel V uses case ref.# 7095]
this along with the orange dialed snorkel V uses a FRICTION MOUNTED BEZEL [no click]

Paulomega · Oct 21, 2020

I just saw Devil Diver Reissue for sale for 370 euro and it says it is 44mm in diameter, Miyota 821 movement. Now, I am not interested in that as I like the vintage watches. The vintage watch is much smaller right? as you said 41mm less crown.

hmmmcamu · Oct 21, 2020

Paulomega
I just saw Devil Diver Reissue for sale for 370 euro and it says it is 44mm in diameter, Miyota 821 movement. Now, I am not interested in that as I like the vintage watches. The vintage watch is much smaller right? as you said 41mm less crown.

yes 41mm minus crown

JwRosenthal · Oct 21, 2020

Paulomega
I just saw Devil Diver Reissue for sale for 370 euro and it says it is 44mm in diameter, Miyota 821 movement. Now, I am not interested in that as I like the vintage watches. The vintage watch is much smaller right? as you said 41mm less crown.

I know people hate on the reissue but of all the companies that have attempted some form of reissue from their archives- Bulova truly nailed it with that one.

Yes, it has a Miyota, the details are a little less "perfect" than the originals, and it's been puffed up by 3mm (which is a bit), but they really should get kudos for trying to faithfully recreate this very unique watch and not try to "jazz" it up in some rediculous way.
I had the reissue until I got my original one and although it was too large for me (it wears like a Speedy- which is also too big for me- I rarely wear mine anymore), it never felt cheap or like a knock-off, to the contrary- it's a lot of watch for little money on the used market (I paid $310 for mine).
I gave it to my watch savvy friend as a thank you for all he does for me, and he took it to the next level by doing what Bulova (modern Bulova) should have done- which is the red second hand and filling in the lettering with black to make it pop like the originals.

And- it must be noted- they even got the text right and did the cyclops under the crystal- someone on their design team gave a shit.

Paulomega · Oct 22, 2020

My feelings are in line with you @JwRosenthal for the Reissues. They are like the movie sequels, rarely equal to or better than the original. My wrist is small also and the added 3mm is a no go for me. The black outline on the text was subtle but surely made it pop without being cheap.

I am amazed by the generosity of members like you on this forum to share knowledge and experience with anyone trying to learn. Thanks to @JwRosenthal, @hmmmcamu, @Larry S and others.

I guess I will have to wait like many others for a real Devil when someone we all know 😉 stops hoarding.

Meanwhile, I will be satisfied to use the Accutron Devil I have. One of two battery powered watches I have. I absolutely love this one.

JwRosenthal · Oct 22, 2020

Paulomega
My feelings are in line with you @JwRosenthal for the Reissues. They are like the movie sequels, rarely equal to or better than the original. My wrist is small also and the added 3mm is a no go for me. The black outline on the text was subtle but surely made it pop without being cheap.

I am amazed by the generosity of members like you on this forum to share knowledge and experience with anyone trying to learn. Thanks to @JwRosenthal, @hmmmcamu, @Larry S and others.

I guess I will have to wait like many others for a real Devil when someone we all know 😉 stops hoarding.

Meanwhile, I will be satisfied to use the Accutron Devil I have. One of two battery powered watches I have. I absolutely love this one.

I recently got the Accutron devil as well- it's out right now for a service. It is "electric" and not quartz so I give it a pass. It is a mechanical/ electric marvel and they are a steal for what they are (although cost of service may exceed the cost of the watch).
I still am blown away that Bulova couldn't make it whereas Omega, Rolex etc survived the quartz crisis. They made outstanding products.

Larry S · Oct 22, 2020

@Paulomega ... From what I see, and I know for some here this is sacrilege, but your odds of finding a pristine example might be best with dealers. Yes, you will pay, but you will have the watch you want. The vintage Devils are highly sought after now.

JwRosenthal · Oct 22, 2020

Larry S
@Paulomega ... From what I see, and I know for some here this is sacrilege, but your odds of finding a pristine example might be best with dealers. Yes, you will pay, but you will have the watch you want. The vintage Devils are highly sought after now.

I actually just did a quick look on C24 and Watchrecon and there wasn't anything worth buying at any price.
I have said in other threads- everyone goes nuts over how hard it is to find clean Subs/Speedy's/ SM300's, but they are truly a dime a dozen compared to finding excellent examples of these "lower" market watches.

VINTAGE BULOVA chronographe & divers

Larry S

JwRosenthal

hmmmcamu

JwRosenthal

hmmmcamu

Paulomega

Paulomega

hmmmcamu

hmmmcamu

Paulomega

hmmmcamu

hmmmcamu

hmmmcamu

Paulomega

hmmmcamu

JwRosenthal

Paulomega

JwRosenthal

Larry S

JwRosenthal

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