Bulova’s Archive Collection has been a wonderful way for the brand to rework its most historically significant models. Fans of the American heritage brand have enjoyed a selection of reissues with its famed moonwatch, the Lunar Pilot, being a particular high point. Other highlights include the military-inspired Hack and the Surfboard – a striking piece that celebrates 70s surf culture.
Up there with the best of Bulova’s back catalogue is the notorious Devil Diver, a watch revisited in 2018. Fast forward to 2023 and Bulova has wowed watch enthusiasts with a trio of new Oceanographer models, now with a GMT upgrade.
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Despite its memorable colour palette, the original Oceanographer was a functional model with its roots in Bulova’s development of military watches. But in a light-hearted move, Bulova defied current convention – and the norms of the Swiss watch industry – and displayed the water resistance rating on the dial in an imperial measurement – 666ft rather than 200M – gaining the watch its Devil Diver moniker.
Building on the success of the 2018 reissue, Bulova has dropped three exciting new iterations of the Devil Diver. The latest models target the modern traveller while still retaining the essential dive watch functionality. The famed 666ft of water resistance is still there, as is the sapphire crystal and the screw-down crown. But there’s the addition of a GMT function – a fourth hand that can be used to display a second timezone. It’s a must-have feature for frequent travellers and a handy extra for digital nomads.
The three new colourful variations feature the Oceanographer’s signature cushion case, which with a diameter of 41mm and a height of 14.6mm, is very wearable. The dial is faithful to the 1972 original with the same distinctive short, thick hands and this modern iteration boasts a reliable Japanese automatic movement.
The most eye-catching model of the trio is the Root Beer which features classic brown and black tones reminiscent of the legendary Rolex GMT watch. The case and accompanying bracelet have stunning rose gold IP plating and contrast beautifully with the more restrained Lume model.
This monochrome variant sports a gunmetal finish and a very practical fully-lumed dial. Rounding out the new releases is the most mainstream model. It pairs a blue and red Pepsi bezel with a vibrant blue dial. All three watches are available now and priced at US $1,295 for the silicone strap model and $1,395 for the two variants with stainless steel bracelets.
Bulova Oceanographer GMT Root Beer
Reference: 97B215
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 14.6mm
Case: Stainless Steel with Rose Gold IP Plating
Movement: Miyota 9075 Automatic
Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Water Resistance: 666ft (200M)
Price: AU $2,099
Bulova Oceanographer GMT Lume
Reference: 98B407
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 14.6mm
Case: Stainless Steel with Gun Metal IP Plating
Movement: Miyota 9075 Automatic
Strap: Grey Silicone Strap
Water Resistance: 666ft (200M)
Price: AU $1,950
Bulova Oceanographer GMT Pepsi
Reference: 96B405
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 14.6mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Miyota 9075 Automatic
Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Water Resistance: 666ft (200M)
Price: AU $1,950
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