Bulova 1971 Oceanographer "V" Snorkel Watch "Devil Diver" Watch 666 Feet Automatic Wristwatch

Watch Overview

This vintage Bulova 1971 Oceanographer “V” Snorkel is widely known among collectors as the “Devil Diver,” a nickname earned from the bold “666 Feet” depth rating printed on the dial. This playful yet confident marking highlighted Bulova’s professional dive capabilities at the time and became one of the most recognizable features of the model.

Powered by an automatic mechanical movement, this Swiss-made self-winding dive watch features a sweep seconds hand and a practical day/date display positioned at 3 o’clock. The striking orange dial is fitted with applied round hour markers, a white minute and seconds track, and luminous silver-tone hands, offering excellent legibility. The dial is signed “Bulova Automatic” and “Snorkel 666 Feet,” reinforcing its tool-watch identity and deep-diving purpose.

The watch is housed in an approximately 40mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped case, fitted with a rotating diver bezel and a screw-down crown for enhanced water resistance. Its bold case design with integrated lugs is characteristic of early 1970s dive watches. Paired with a black two-piece rubber strap, this Oceanographer presents well with honest vintage wear consistent with age. Fully inspected, authenticated, and currently running and wearable.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Bulova
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: Oceanographer “V” Snorkel
• Year / Era: 1971 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: Orange
• Features: Round hour markers. luminous hands. Day/date indicator

Movement

• Type: Self-winding
• Some Features:
  • Sweep-second hand
  • Day and Date indicator

Case & Band

• Material: Stainless steel
• Case Shape: Tonneau/Barrel
• Bezel: Rotating. Dive
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Screw-down
• Band: Black rubber two-piece strap
• Water Resistance: 200 meters / 666 feet / 20 ATM
• Case Back Markings: Bulova Stainless Steel 666 Feet 227448 N1

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 40
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 42.4
• Case Lug to Lug: 42.8
• Case Thickness: 13
• Lug Width: 18
• Band Width: 18

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The watch is in good condition, some signs of wear consistent with its age and use, a solid case, bezel lugs and nice dial.
• Extras: Fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear and enjoy.

History & Legacy of Bulova

The Bulova Watch Company is a distinguished American watchmaker with a legacy spanning more than 140 years. Founded in 1875 by Czech immigrant Joseph Bulova in New York City, the company quickly earned a reputation for innovation and precision in timekeeping. Originally producing high-quality pocket watches and jewelry, Bulova became a pioneer in the wristwatch market by the early 20th century. Notably, the brand introduced the first full line of men's wristwatches in 1919 and was among the first to implement standardized production across its timepieces. Throughout the decades, Bulova led numerous horological milestones, including the launch of the first television commercial in 1941. In 2008, Bulova was acquired by Citizen Watch Co. Ltd. of Japan, forming Citizen Watch America. Today, Bulova continues to offer a diverse range of watches—from classic automatics to cutting-edge precisionist models—renowned for their craftsmanship, reliability, and iconic American style.

About Second Hand Horology

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