Bulova 1970 Oceanographer

Submitted by Shabazan on December 30, 2014 - 7:22am
Snorkel
Manufacture Year
1970
Movement Model
11BLACD
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3-209894
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

We found this watch in my uncle's belongings, without a strap or bracelet and it looked pretty rugged. It was functioning but going way fast. I really like the look of it and the fact it looked like my uncle actually used it so I had it repaired (quote detailed "Rotor poster, Auto bush") and also replaced the glass. I’ve been trying to find out more details on the model the but Bulova Snorkel 666’s design varies and had troubles pinpointing the details for this model. I was finally able to find some info suggesting this is a "ref 774" model. The year per the back plate is 1970 (N0). I am not eager to remove the back cover, hence no movement pics, I only recently received it back from the repair shop and I don’t want to take risks but if there is anything else I can provide let me know.

Snorkel 666 - 1970
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
William Smith
Posted December 31, 2014 - 12:27am

Maybe some Oceanographer variant.  Here's a snippet from a 1970's French set of ads Bobbee found.  The full ad is on page 2 of the 1970's forum decades thread.

Geoff Baker
Posted December 31, 2014 - 6:17am

Hi Shabazan, welcome to myBulova. This is a great looking watch. I'm a big fan of family heirlooms, you're fortunate to have this one. Wear it well but don't forget to had it serviced every couple years. Bulova made a lot of variants to the Oceanographer/Snorkel type watches, this is one of the most distinctive. 774 is probably the case reference number. I think the movements are 17 jewel. The 666 is the dive depth rating ( 200 meters). Normal scuba diving generally limits at about 100-125 feet.

I would say this one should go into the dB as Snorkel 666.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 1, 2015 - 2:21am

Wow now that's cool!

Snorkel or Oceanographer? The age old question.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 1, 2015 - 6:59am

I seem to recall a discussion where it was postulated that 'Oceangrapher' was indeed the model series, and that 'Snorkel' was a sub type, like 'Bulova Accutron- RR', So, 'Bulova Oceanographer- Snorkel'. 

Probably not the best comparison, but of course now I can't find the reference. 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted January 1, 2015 - 10:43pm

I believe that Oceanographer is the general series, whilst Snorkel is the variant.

We see a good number of Oceanographer models, ranging from plain 333ft versions, through to the Snorkel 666ft full-on diver versions.

I don't think they are separate models. If you Google image search 'Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel' you'll see that both are synonymous with one other.

So I'm leaning towards Oceanographer with Snorkel as the variant. This train of though may be wrong, but if it's correct we may need to revisit a few older watch entries.

The same principle can be applied to the Accutron Snorkel models.....Accutron is the series and Snorkel is the variant.

plainsmen
Posted January 2, 2015 - 1:49am

I'm good with Oceanographer.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 2, 2015 - 6:11am

I'd be OK with Oceanographer. I'm usually the one postulating the 'Snorkel as variant' argument, although I do think there was a line of watches in the early to mid 60's that were called "Snorkel". I always though that post 67-68 they were Oceanographers. There are examples of the proper name of the watch being on the dial, Oceanographer being one of them so I can probably go either way on this one.

jabs
Posted January 2, 2015 - 7:56am

Agree with  Oceanographer too