The Watch
.
In this Bulova, you get a great Vintage Diver with a cool patina.
.
The vintage Bulova obsession in the watch community is very real and here to stay! The unique and funky watches that Bulova made from the 60s-80s are always a conversation spark.
.
This 1966 Bulova Snorkel ref.386 skin diver has all of the elements we love about the mid to early "Golden Era" divers. Not only has it aged to reflect a beautiful patina, but it's also a devilishly attractive watch, hosting an occult-inspired depth rating of 666 feet.
.
Powered by an automatic caliber; it's truly in the looks department that this Bulova is a winner, though. The "Explorer" dial is stunning, with large lumed indexes, The steel rotating bezel enhances the sporty look, while the unusual dauphine shape of its handset evokes some of the best of vintage Zenith style. Not too shabby for a 35mm diver, is it?
.
Age: c.1966
Reference: 386
Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds and Date Wheel.
Calibre: 11 ALACD
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Serviced April 2022
Dial: Original Bulova Dial.
Service History: Serviced April 2022
Dial: Original Bulova Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/37.8mm End to End: 43.3mm
Bezel: Wonderful Steel Rotating bezel.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Unusual Original Dauphine Hands.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal. Not Original.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal. Not Original.
Crown: Original Bulova Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new Hirsch Rally Light Brown Leather Strap with Stainless Steel buckle.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
.
Bits that stand out:
- Absolutely love the Dial, it has aged beautifully and the "explorer" layout is the Cherry on top.
- Steel Case and Rotating bezel.
- Unusual to find Dauphine Handset.
.
Nitty Gritty:
- Small faint scratch to the Plexi.
-Some scratches to the Case.
.
Overall this Devil is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely patina'd condition, however it does have some very very minor marks which is to be expected of a now 56 year old.
Steel Case is in good nick, with some scratches throughout.