Modified [Bezel & Crystal] 1970 BULOVA Oceanographer SNORKEL 666 ft Automatic = MODIFICATIONS : ... BEZEL and CRYSTAL mounted on this watch are not original to this watch also paired with an 18mm after market rubber with orange stitching and stainless steel buckle strap = Original PARTS Specs. for case Ref# 714 [ stamped inside of case ] = Crystal: 714AWD with 6mm date magnifier mounted on the underside of cystal [not used on this watch]
Crown: 386-3W = Gasket: G796 = Bezel: Black and Red Uni-directional, indexed w/ 60 clicks = Bezel Ring: B194 = Movement ring: MR511 = Case Clamp: 191-9-11AL = Case screw: 45C-11AF = Case: Three-piece (case ref# 987678) brushed/polished stainless steel tonneau-shaped case and stainless steel case back (no personal engravings) with rotating divers bezel and semi hidden band attachments. Dial: Original matte black enameled painted metal dial with faceted acrylic markets, Baton steel white painted and luminous filled hour/minute hands, red painted crosshairs, date window at three o'clock position, inter minute’s chapter and red sweep center-seconds hand. Movement: Bulova, Swiss made high-grade mechanical with self-winding automatic calibre 11 BLACD, seventeen (17) jewels gold-plated movement. Quad Signed: dial, case, crown and movement. Band: 18mm [in picture is an after market rubber with orange stitching and stainless steel buckle strap] Diameter: Width 41mm (not including the crown) x thickness 13mm x lug end -to-lug end 43mm.
Hello camu, welcome to myBulova, you have a very nice Oceanographer watch here. I think this is one of the most recognizable watches Bulova made. There are many variants in color and dial. A truly iconic Bulova watch. It certainly is one of my favorites.
I'm curious about the mention of a replacement bezel. The Oceanographer "G" has a bezel that is quite a bit different than the one you have on your watch. We tend to be a bit fussy about exact matches to names as we have so many people hat rely on us for accurate identification of their watches. I would agree that you have an Oceanographer here but I would have to stop short of adding that is the "G" variant.
By the way, I like the strap you've paired with this watch, great addition.
In reply to Hello camu, welcome to by Geoff Baker
Geoff , Thank U for the response. yes the Bezel is not the original for this watch nor is the crystal which i will soon remedy [ crysrtal hunt in process] the bezel does rotate and is all black as oppose to the "red and black " that should belong to this watch I would like some help concerning bring the time piece up to speed involving proper GASKETS that might be needed to try and make the time piece water tight again and any input / advice or tips would be helpful from any and all memebers here ...... a source or contact for parts that are needed .... ???
from a fellow BULOVA fanatic
That's a fairly heavy duty gasket in the case back, looks ok, but I would condition it with silicone. You'd also have to see what condition the gasket(s) in the crown are like. Without a screw down crown, there is no way this watch would be functional at 200m, the equivalent of 666 ft. Pressue tests are conducted statically, and any movement through water greatly increases the rating requirement. Even with gaskets replaced an conditioned, I would never advise anyone to swim with these types of watches. Salt water voids certain factory warranties even on rated modern watches, and hot water likewise. Heat shrinks rubber, so no hot tubs, no showers, etc.
I would recommend getting the gaskets checked and the pressure rating tested by any qualified watchmaker if you plan to get this baby wet.
In reply to That's a fairly heavy duty by Reverend Rob
In reply to Also agree with by Andersok
Thank U for the shared advice .... now the fun begins .... I would like to secure parts for the case [ref# 714 ] ... manged to secure a NOS 714AWD crystal and a case screw 45C-11AF ... need to find a supplier or parts dealer for the following parts ..... to try to atleast get the case [minus the bezel] secured and correct ...
Crown: 386-3W
I'm good with Oceanographer. No or unknown variant.
I don't get any of my older waterproof watches anywhere near water. At least not any of my Bulova waterproof watches. I discard my dive watches to the top drawer after a couple years of use, before they leak. I do this whether they remain waterproof or not. Kind of like changing the timing chain before it breaks vs rebuilding the motor after the timing chain breaks.
....but wet or dry, this is a beauty!