What I believe I have here is a 1968 Snorkel, however it does not say "Snorkel" on the dial. Everything else points to a Snorkel, but I am unsure of the variation. Date code definitely puts it at 1968. Some Snorkels have "Selfwinding" on the dial and mine has "Automatic". Was Bulova inconsistent with what was put on the dials or do these slight variations appear at certain times in the manufacturing run? This has a tropical dial, creamy lume that still glows, "ballerina" case back. I picked it up yesterday and have been wearing it ever since. It's keeping great time
This looks like it is a Snorkel "H" to me and a nice example. There are some models that noticed changed from self-winding to automatic on the dials. Not sure if it was a year thing or a batch thing etc. If you could add a photo of the back of the watch in the comments that would be super. It is nice to verify the year. Looks like the bezel should have black numbers and dashes so it may have been replaced? Ad from Jun 21, 1968, The Talk Town, Louisiana.
1968 Bulova Snorkel "H"
The bezel is quite faded and is missing its black enamel, but I think its original. The back of the case is the "ballerina" case back with no identifying numbers. I didn't think to snap a pic when the guy I bought it from had the case open. I covered all the bases but that one. I'll have to grab ahold of a proper tool to open the case and get some pictures of the inside of the case.
I do know both the movement and case are stamped M8, which pinpoints it to 1968.
In reply to The bezel is quite faded and by august1410
Some better photos, with some better lighting. The strap that is on it is from an old Timex military watch I had around. It gives it the rugged look I was hoping for. The guy I got it from purchased it from the son of the original owner. The original owner and his watch saw some time in Vietnam. I'm glad to have it and be able to give it the attention and love it deserves.