A very lovely & early example of a classic “Devil” diver! - This Bulova Snorkel Ref 714 has a pre-Oceanographer labeled dial with “Waterproof” designation, and steel hands w/lollypop seconds - powered by in house 11BLACD - date stamped M9 to early 1969.
Interesting- didn’t know they did the lolipop with the early hands and pre-OC dial. Mine just has the strait hand. So many small variants.
Like Jeff (bristnj) I also have an M9 stamped Oceanographer, but mine has a different dial layout. In talking with some Bulova folks it seems like this dial was one that was briefly used only in 1969 and no other years. Regardless of which dial version you have, these are super cool. I had cold feet, but pulled the trigger anyway and am very happy that I did.
I can finally join the club I’ve wanted to join for the last two years but as prices climbed, I couldn’t justify it. When this popped up in the eBay bargain thread for sub $600, I didn’t think twice. My 1967 says hi now after an original crown, bracelet, and crystal
Nice grab. After I invested in correct crystal, crown, full parts movement to get the correct date wheel (mine had been replaced with one slightly too small), and then bead/brick bracelet, then another bracelet to get the extra links- I had far more into mine than I would ever get trying to sell it…but that’s not whey we own these, now is it.
For those with the explorer dial Snorkel I thought you might be interested in one of these old print ads. There are a couple on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1851575831...ulGr0yRXnJ2ltigPyjVhkbmCWh|tkp:Bk9SR5D7kffdYAPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
A friend of mine gave me one (an original magazine cut-out) framed as a birthday gift - one of my best gifts ever. He also gave my wife and I the Seawolf/Shewolf his/hers print ad when we got married as we own the pair. Watch friends get it.
" ... we test NOT every 10th watch off the production line , BUT EVERY WATERPROOF WATCH .... " based on the quality standards of BULOVA back then ... I would say this is TRUE !!!
Rare birds, but wonderful pieces of Bulova dive history if found! - 1967 Bulova Snorkel Model J - Ref. 11403W - Cal. 11ALAC
Thanks. Very fair indeed. Was happy to snag it as I had and sold one several years ago and of course had sellers remorse there-after!
I know we talked about this before but I really need to switch to a bracelet. Can I order any generic 18mm bracelet with curved ends?
she looks GREAT ! here is a couple of links https://www.ebay.com/itm/2346689981.../blUmy8XButopvowQboVjd11zQ==|tkp:BFBMovjWmehgPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network