By details I don’t mean the technical specs of a watch, I mean the attention to detail, the design, the thought that went into creating a specific piece. Technical watch reviews are a dime a dozen and tons of them get it wrong. If a reviewer can’t even pronounce the brand name or model correctly, that’s a sign. Often they misidentify the sapphire crystal as mineral or the list the wrong movement. If you want accurate tech specs on a watch just go to the manufacturers website. It’s all there. I’ll provide basic specs but will continue to focus on design, wearability and usability. Simply put, does the watch being reviewed deserve a place in your collection and time on your wrist.
One watch that really deserves a spot in any collection is the Bulova Oceanographer, aptly nicknamed the Devil Diver due to its unique depth rating of 666 feet. And, yes, it is ISO certified. This was a brilliant move by Bulova at the time, rating the Devil Diver for more depth than its competitors.
Bulova Oceanographer with green dial and black/green bezel.
Like any dive watch should, it has both a screw down back and crown. One has to question the water resistance of any “dive watch” that doesn’t have both - and yes, they are out there. These watches are water resistant, not water proof. No watch can be claimed to be truly waterproof because you have to allow for human error. Not properly sealed after non-authorized service, not completely screwing down the crown, etc.
Bulova stamped crown.
The Oceanographer, originally released by Bulova in the 1960’s, has recently been reissued - and the design is spot on from those released around the late 60’s and early 70’s. Looking at the reissue side-by-side with an original is striking. It’s all there. The applied logo with connected letters is straight out of the past. So is the crosshair on the dial. The hour markers (applied indices) are identical to the original - clear tubes that appear to be filled with lume and are set on the dial appearing the way a jeweler would set a diamond on prongs on a ring. The minutes track is set more narrowly, inside the hour markers. The hands - thick and painted with lume. Even the writing on the dial is period correct. The Oceanographer, the Devil Diver, is a sight to behold. As far as watches go, it is truly stunning.
It’s a larger watch, but due to its cushion case it wears like a smaller one. Combined with a stainless steel bracelet that reminds me of the Rolex President watch bracelet it’s also one of the most comfortable watches to wear. Not missing the important details, the band not only has micro adjustments but has a dive extension allowing you to quickly add just enough room to the bracelet to get it over your wetsuit sleeve.
Micro adjustments on the band.
On the underside of the sapphire crystal you’ll find an inverted magnifier over the date window. As far as I know this feature was, and is, unique to the Oceanographer. Having the magnifier on the inside removes the “bump” normally seen on other watches crystals that place it on the outside. It also makes for a much cleaner look.
Bulova stamped clasp.
The dial and bezel are now available in a variety of color options such as a green dial with black and green bezel, black dial with black and red bezel, blue dial with a blue and orange bezel and orange dial with an orange and black bezel. I have seen the occasional posting for one with a blue dial with blue and yellow bezel. There’s also a limited edition (if you can find one still available) limited to 666 pieces with an orange dial and orange and white bezel.
Bulova Oceanographer in green/black.
The Oceanographer is a devilishly handsome watch. One you can be proud to wear.
Cushion case makes the larger watch fit and feel “smaller” and comfortable.
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