Bulova Oceanographer "Devil Diver" - Full Set
At first glance, the Oceanographer looks like another Submariner knock off. But the history of the watch goes deeper (pun intended) than a homage to Rolex’s design. First introduced as the “Snorkel” in 1968, the watch quickly became a favorite amongst the diving community.
(Bulova Ad from 1968 promoting the first ever Snorkel model. Picture From mybulova.com
Throughout the years, we begin to see name changes and different models pop up with the Accutron series getting the Deep Sea in 1969 and later models being known as the oceanographer and the deep sea snorkel in the 70’s.
All of them though, have one thing in common… 6. 6. 6… Feet. All of these watches were rated for a depth of 666 feet. To be a part of the big boys during this era of watches, you had to have at least one watch in your line to have a depth rating of 200 Meters. Since Bulova is an American company first and foremost and the metric system isn’t even real, they went with the imperial equivalent which is 666 feet. With all of these watches having that signature on the dial they all eventually fell under the same banner of the Bulova “Devil Diver” and the legend was born.
So to sum things up, this is not your average vintage watch post. Not only is this a rare Devil Diver, it comes as a full set, original bracelet, fully linked, and about as new as a pre-owned 44 year old watch can get with only minimal scratches on the bracelet. A watch like this truly only comes by about once a year and here’s your chance to own it!
The Bulova Watch Company was established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City. The company initially manufactured fine jewelry, but in 1911, it began producing Pocket Watches Like the "American Maid" and ladies wristwatches with the "Rubaiyat" which were popular at the time.
In 1920, Bulova introduced the first complete range of men's wristwatches in the United States. This was a prominent milestone as wristwatches were gaining popularity and replacing pocket watches.
In the years that followed, Bulova became a well-known brand and a leader in watchmaking, introducing many innovative technologies to the industry.
From Bulova's TV Commercial in 1926, The first television commercial in history.
For example, in 1927, Bulova introduced the first clock radio. In 1941, the company began producing watches for the US military and WWII alongside other American Brands like Hamilton and Waltham.
Throughout its history, Bulova continued to innovate and expand. In 1960, the company Introduced Accutron, the first electronic watch, which provided greater accuracy than mechanical watches. They continued their partnership with the U.S Government through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration AKA NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Vintage Bulova Watch Ad showcasing the Accutron Technology
Bulova was vital to NASA with the use of Accutron timekeeping devices in over 40 space missions. One of the most prominent being Project Vanguard which were the first U.S. manmade satellites to successfully orbit around the earth.
In 2008, the Bulova Watch Company was acquired by Japanese multinational conglomerate, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Today, Bulova continues to produce high-quality timepieces, including both mechanical and quartz watches, as well as clocks and accessories.
The year is 1979, The hazy haze and disco craze are long gone. It’s the 80s baby, time for social elevation and new money making.
Within this transition is where we find our protagonist with paycheck in hand and a determined stride, there’s only one thing on his mind, Bulova’s Brand New “Devil Diver” Oceanographer 12503. With fire in his eyes and cash in hand, he walks in to the jewelry store and walks out with his watch.
The Oceanographer was exactly what he was looking for. Big, bold, and GOLD. The beauty was getting to him, though. “Is this too much to wear every day? What if I scratch it?” These questions were eating away at him and he decided to keep his watch in his safe.
Little did he know that he would leave that watch there for the next 44 years. Untouched and unworn until now. These stories are few and far between, especially for a piece as beautiful and important as this one.
Never has a Bulova Oceanographer 12503 been sold in such impeccable condition and probably never will again.
(Bulova Catalog photo from a 1979 Catalog Showing the Oceanographer 12503.) Picture From mybulova.com
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At first glance, the Oceanographer looks like another Submariner knock off. But the history of the watch goes deeper (pun intended) than a homage to Rolex’s design. First introduced as the “Snorkel” in 1968, the watch quickly became a favorite amongst the diving community.
(Bulova Ad from 1968 promoting the first ever Snorkel model. Picture From mybulova.com
Throughout the years, we begin to see name changes and different models pop up with the Accutron series getting the Deep Sea in 1969 and later models being known as the oceanographer and the deep sea snorkel in the 70’s.
All of them though, have one thing in common… 6. 6. 6… Feet. All of these watches were rated for a depth of 666 feet. To be a part of the big boys during this era of watches, you had to have at least one watch in your line to have a depth rating of 200 Meters. Since Bulova is an American company first and foremost and the metric system isn’t even real, they went with the imperial equivalent which is 666 feet. With all of these watches having that signature on the dial they all eventually fell under the same banner of the Bulova “Devil Diver” and the legend was born.
So to sum things up, this is not your average vintage watch post. Not only is this a rare Devil Diver, it comes as a full set, original bracelet, fully linked, and about as new as a pre-owned 44 year old watch can get with only minimal scratches on the bracelet. A watch like this truly only comes by about once a year and here’s your chance to own it!
The Bulova Watch Company was established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City. The company initially manufactured fine jewelry, but in 1911, it began producing Pocket Watches Like the "American Maid" and ladies wristwatches with the "Rubaiyat" which were popular at the time.
In 1920, Bulova introduced the first complete range of men's wristwatches in the United States. This was a prominent milestone as wristwatches were gaining popularity and replacing pocket watches.
In the years that followed, Bulova became a well-known brand and a leader in watchmaking, introducing many innovative technologies to the industry.
From Bulova's TV Commercial in 1926, The first television commercial in history.
For example, in 1927, Bulova introduced the first clock radio. In 1941, the company began producing watches for the US military and WWII alongside other American Brands like Hamilton and Waltham.
Throughout its history, Bulova continued to innovate and expand. In 1960, the company Introduced Accutron, the first electronic watch, which provided greater accuracy than mechanical watches. They continued their partnership with the U.S Government through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration AKA NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Vintage Bulova Watch Ad showcasing the Accutron Technology
Bulova was vital to NASA with the use of Accutron timekeeping devices in over 40 space missions. One of the most prominent being Project Vanguard which were the first U.S. manmade satellites to successfully orbit around the earth.
In 2008, the Bulova Watch Company was acquired by Japanese multinational conglomerate, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Today, Bulova continues to produce high-quality timepieces, including both mechanical and quartz watches, as well as clocks and accessories.
The year is 1979, The hazy haze and disco craze are long gone. It’s the 80s baby, time for social elevation and new money making.
Within this transition is where we find our protagonist with paycheck in hand and a determined stride, there’s only one thing on his mind, Bulova’s Brand New “Devil Diver” Oceanographer 12503. With fire in his eyes and cash in hand, he walks in to the jewelry store and walks out with his watch.
The Oceanographer was exactly what he was looking for. Big, bold, and GOLD. The beauty was getting to him, though. “Is this too much to wear every day? What if I scratch it?” These questions were eating away at him and he decided to keep his watch in his safe.
Little did he know that he would leave that watch there for the next 44 years. Untouched and unworn until now. These stories are few and far between, especially for a piece as beautiful and important as this one.
Never has a Bulova Oceanographer 12503 been sold in such impeccable condition and probably never will again.
(Bulova Catalog photo from a 1979 Catalog Showing the Oceanographer 12503.) Picture From mybulova.com
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