While there are a number of different Bulova designs that can often catch the eye, there is no denying that their Oceanographer dive watches (both in classic Devil Diver or with a GMT complication). If you liked the look of those models, but wished they were just a bit more affordable (and perhaps colorful), then you’re in luck with the just-announced Bulova Snorkel.
Bulova Snorkel: what it is
It’s a pretty simple idea – take the basic Bulova Oceanographer design, and swap a quartz movement in for the automatic. That, right there, is going to drop the price, and probably lighten things up a bit. That’s not enough, though, to have us jaded watch folks take notice. So, what else do you?
You take that “boring” stainless steel case, and put in a new (for the brand) material. In this case, it’s hybrid ceramic case. What’s hybrid about it? Rather than being a pure ceramic case (like we’d see from Rado), this is more of a composite. You still get the scratch resistance of ceramic, along with a very soft feel. Not to mention, bright pops of color.
The variants
The Bulova Snorkel is available in four different color palettes, each drawing inspiration (and showcasing a different caseback) from different aquatic creatures:
- Blue Tang: Blue tangs live in the coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea. Although they are known for their deep blue color, they can modulate based on environmental conditions.
- Sea Turtle: There are seven species of sea turtles that inhabit the Earth’s oceans. They rely on beaches for nesting and when they’re not nesting, sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean.
- Clownfish: Clownfish are found in warm waters, such as the Red Sea and Pacific Oceans, in sheltered reefs or lagoons, living in anemones.
- Great White Shark: The Great White Sharks are highly migratory animals, with populations regularly traipsing routes between South Africa and Australasia, as well as from California to the Hawaiian Islands.
Wrapping things up
Now, purists may argue that the Bulova Snorkel isn’t a “real” dive watch. We say, well, that’s just fine. Most of us who like the look of a diver aren’t actually diving, which means the 100m WR rating is more than enough. Past that, we like the look of the thing, and for desk diving, that’s key.
With this new collection, we like that that they’re colorful, relatively affordable, and bring a material along that we normally don’t see at this pricepoint. Frankly, if you’re headed to a warm weather destination this winter, or just want to get your mind in a summer mood, this is an excellent way to do just that, at just $350. Check out the full collection at bulova.com
Bulova Snorkel Tech Specs
- Movement: 2115
- Quartz
- A movement powered by a battery. The quartz crystal regulates the time achieving accuracy to 15 seconds a month.
- Case Width (mm): 41
- Lug Width (mm): 19
- Dial
- Luminous
- Luminous Hands and Markers
- Strap
- Rubber
- Clasp: 3pc Wire Strap Buckle
- Case Material
- Hybrid-Ceramic
- One-Way Rotating Elapsed Time Bezel
- Crystal: Double Curved Sapphire Box Crystal
- Water-Resistance: 100M
- Additional Functions
- 3 Hand
- Date
