Bulova 1972 Oceanographer

Submitted by chris on June 26, 2014 - 4:19am
G
Manufacture Year
1972
Movement Model
11BLACD
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3-356071
Case shape
Oval
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
714AWD
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Found NOS, came with no magnifier crystal, I replaced it with the magnifier version.

Bulova Oceanographer Automatic Snorkel 666 FEET
Geoff Baker
Posted June 26, 2014 - 6:07am

Chris - this is a wonderful watch. Mr 'NOS' says "send it to me today"!

This is THE iconic Bulova Oceanographer, one of my all time Bulova favorites. To have it New Old Stock is a glorious thing.

I'm going with the Oceanographer "G", Ken just found a pretty good ad......

bobbee
Posted June 26, 2014 - 6:37am

Oceanographer Snorkel "G", as explained in the verbiage in this 1969 ad.

I think all 666ft. diver's models are Snorkel models. The crosshairs and "Snorkel" name can be seen oin this ad too.

JP
Posted June 26, 2014 - 10:15am

Ditto all

William Smith
Posted June 26, 2014 - 12:41pm

I remember we discussed this series for a while, and have had several names for various models in series.  In the drop down list for models, we have "Oceanographer" ; "Snorkel 666" ; and "Deep Sea". The ads above name subject model all three.  

Subject watch case not a match to the "G" variant.
Compared to those ads, the subject watch bezel/case is "longer" in the vertical direction on the "bottom" than on the "top".  It is also smooth all around.  Both ads for "M" show symmetry between top and bottom, and also show some "flutted" areas around "10:30 and 1:30" on top, and "4:30 and 7:30" on the bottom.  

I'd give three ticks for "Oceanographer" as we search for possible variant.  It isn't the "G", so I'd give one tick if ID'ed as such.
 

chris
Posted June 26, 2014 - 2:01pm

Hello, I checked the "G" version but as you can see in mine the hands are different and the writing "bulova" on the dial is printed, not applied.

bobbee
Posted June 26, 2014 - 2:29pm

Both ads are not symmetrical, the case is longer than wide in both. The subject is seen from slightly to one side too. The fluting is not there, it is an effect of the light in the bottom ad only. As can be seen on the bottom lugs of subject where the light is most intense, there are lines. This is the "polish"  finish of the case.

Chris, there is a slight difference in the hands, but your watch is  a little younger than the ad or may also have had new hands fitted. What makes you think the "Bulova" in the ads are applied?

I love this watch, BTW!

Here is another ad for the "G".

Snorkel, like it says on the tin.

 

chris
Posted June 26, 2014 - 2:13pm

btw, I also had a NOS case with non ticking bezel and different fluting. I can see now that the case ref on that one was different. I assume mine is 714 but I am not sure 100%.

 

 

 

William Smith
Posted June 26, 2014 - 3:01pm

Am I seeing a small "tuning fork" symbol on the back of Your NOS case? ... at about the 3 O-clock position. ... no alphanumeric date code on Nos case either. Maybe because it was never fit with a movement?

chris
Posted June 26, 2014 - 3:03pm

In reply to by William Smith

[quote=William Smith]Am I seeing a small "tuning fork" symbol on the back of Your NOS case? ... at about the 3 O-clock position. ... no alphanumeric date code on Nos case either. Maybe because it was never fit with a movement?[/quote]

it's a reflection of the inner box

William Smith
Posted June 26, 2014 - 3:06pm

In reply to by chris

Thanks Chris. That explains it!
I've changed my mind now. It does look like the Oceanographer variant G.