Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT
Fergus Nash- The Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT incorporates travelling functionality to the cult classic diver
- It also introduces three colour schemes in Pepsi, Root Beer, and Lume
- The movement is the relatively new Miyota 9075 with true GMT functionality, allowing independent adjustment of the hour hand
It’s been five years since Bulova first launched their reissue of the Devil Diver, named for the cheekily printed ‘666 Feet’ water resistance rating. Back in 1972, the Bulova Oceanographer was riding high on a wave of cushion-cased divers with quirky aesthetics, and now it’s become a cult classic. Although it’s debatably outshined by Bulova’s own moonwatch, the Devil Diver reissue has its own loyal fanbase who are being treated with this new Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT.
As charming as the ‘666 Feet’ detail is, the Devil Diver is unique in a bunch of ways. The cushion case profile is charming and rugged, with polished surfaces that glint in the sunlight. The crosshair on the dial adds a touch of military atmosphere, drawn from Bulova’s experience in supplying the US military. Strangest of all, and integral to the Devil Diver’s look are the indices. The Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT has circular sections of frosted crystal in metal claws not unlike a large diamond setting. Instead of adding bling, they glow green after dark, diffusing the light of luminous paint below them.
The inclusion of GMT functionality to the Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT is a welcome one, but the most exciting part of these releases is the addition of three colour variations. The most versatile and classic of the three is the Pepsi combination of blue and red highlights, which could easily pass as a watch from the 1970s. Next, using IP coating, is the Root Beer. The rose gold tone warms up the look without being too rosy, and the brown accents of the bezel, printing, and aged lume make for a decadent package. Finally, the Lume actually rearranges some of its features. Instead of having a 24-hour bezel, those markings have been moved onto the dial on a black ring which carries the cylindrical indices. The bezel is back to a diving style, with the first quarter and markings highlighted in luminous white. The dial is entirely luminous, offering a complex and legible view at all times, and the case has a gunmetal IP coating.
If you’re someone who appreciates a good set of specifications, then the Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT has you covered too. The case is a comfortable 41mm in diameter thanks to the 43mm lug-to-lug length, and the 14.6mm thickness isn’t much of a surprise given the style and presence of the watch. It’s water resistant to 200m, validating the ‘666 Feet’ printing at 6 o’clock. If you want to experiment with straps other than the supplied bracelets or fitted rubber strap on the Lume model, the 20mm lug width offers tons of variety. It uses a solid caseback, hiding the Miyota calibre 9075 which has only been around for a short time. It was developed after Seiko’s affordable GMT movement hit the market, giving variety and competition for established brands and microbrands alike to choose from. It has a 4Hz smooth beat rate, 42 hours of power reserve, and allows you to adjust the hour hand in hour increments, without interrupting timekeeping.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT pricing and availability
The Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT is now available from Bulova retailers. Price: A$1,950 (Lume, Pepsi), A$2,099 (Root Beer)
| Brand | Bulova |
| Model | Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT |
| Reference Number | 96B405 98B407 97B215 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 14.7mm (T) x 43mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, IP-coated rose gold, IP-coated gunmetal |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue, lume dial, black |
| Strap | Steel bracelet, fitted rubber strap, PVD rose gold bracelet |
| Movement | Miyota 9075, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$1,950 (Lume, Pepsi) A$2,099 (Root Beer) |