Vintage Bulova ‘J’ snorkel

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 3, 2022

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.

 

Posts

8,683

Likes

61,672

TexOmega

·Apr 3, 2022

Looks correct even the super-compressor crown.

Paging @JwRosenthal our resident SNORKEL guy.

 

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 3, 2022

What do you think of the asking price?

 

Posts

8,683

Likes

61,672

TexOmega

·Apr 3, 2022

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

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,010

JwRosenthal

·Apr 3, 2022

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.

 

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 3, 2022

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'?

 

Posts

809

Likes

2,771

Mafkees

·Apr 7, 2022

Note that the top right lug is bent.

 

Posts

453

Likes

1,100

alane24

·Apr 9, 2022

Mafkees

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.

 

Posts

809

Likes

2,771

Mafkees

·Apr 9, 2022

Anthony Lane

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.

 

Posts

453

Likes

1,100

alane24

·Apr 9, 2022

Mafkees

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

 

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 10, 2022

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.

 

Posts

96

Likes

115

wrist time

·Apr 10, 2022

jantjewgm

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!

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,010

JwRosenthal

·Apr 10, 2022

wrist time

We need photos!

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

 

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 14, 2022

😀😀😀

 

Posts

649

Likes

1,606

jantjewgm

·Apr 14, 2022

Where can I find the 666 thread?

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,010

JwRosenthal

·Apr 14, 2022

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