Bulova 1961 Snorkel

Submitted by kgordon on January 15, 2011 - 10:47pm
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
11AFAC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
351084
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

  36mm wide not including the original oversized and crosshatched crowned

  • Dial is original
  • Lume aged to mellow yellow
  • Acrylic crystal is original
  • Bezel is not original - bi-directional
  • 17 jewel Bulova caliber 11AFAC
  • Service History unknown
  • Runs smooth and keeps time
  • Europelli custom strap fits wrists up to 6 3/4 to 7 inches
Snorkel 1961 Bulova watch
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 16, 2011 - 4:36am

Possibly a 666' Oceangrapher. 2nd model would be the 333'.  - can You post a picure of the caseback?

Below is a known 1961 666' with a rare rare mov't.

 

 

 

kgordon
Posted January 16, 2011 - 11:41am

I know the bezel is not original. Looking for an original bezel to replace. Any ideas/suggestions on where to search? Thanks.

hammerite
Posted September 8, 2012 - 11:47am

I recently stumbled across one of these in near perfect condition. Works perfectly, looks great! Considering selling it. I'll try to get the serial off the movt and post some photos soon.

zappatore88
Posted September 18, 2019 - 9:03pm

Does yours have an original bezel? Let’s make some molds !!! 

hammerite
Posted September 18, 2019 - 9:56pm

I sold it to another member years ago for a steal. The bezel was indeed original. A part of me wishes I kept it, but it definitley meant more to him than me.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 16, 2011 - 12:24pm

I said Oceanographer in My first post, My mistake, I meant to say Snorkel.

Your watch is a 1961 666' Snorkel if the Date code is M1.

Should be added to the database. Nice piece, looks very clean.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 16, 2011 - 3:08pm

You're welcome.

The Bell Dive helmet on the rear of the case is a trademark of Ervin Piquerez S.A., developer of the sealing technology of the screw back case. Basically the deeper the watch goes the more pressure is placed on a seal. Most were rated to 600', Bulova pushed that limit to 666' with these watches.

In the Dive community this watch would be referred to as a Single Crown Super Compressor.

giorgio2609
Posted February 24, 2013 - 12:14pm

If you search google for pictures you'll come across several watches with the same bezels shown above - so not sure if the are not original. Both the steel and the plastic bezel are abundant. I just bought  exactly the same as shown on the first pic.