Bulova x Analog/Shift Oceanographer 'Devil Diver'

If the proliferation of vintage-inspired watches in recent years is any indication, then tastes in watches are changing — and the market is changing with it. In our minds, as vintage watch sellers and enthusiasts, this is ultimately a change for the better. There are certain brands who do them well, remaining true to the spirit of the originals upon which the reissues were based, showing a keen understanding of what makes collectors like us tick.

Bulova is one of them.

The brand certainly has a rich tradition to draw from, reaching as far back as its establishment in 1912. Founder Joseph Bulova possessed a passion for precision, which has carried through to the present day. More than that, the looks of the watches that Bulova has produced over that century equal the technical precision with which they were crafted.

Several years ago, we joined forces with Bulova to hold a vote for what that next watch would be. The choices were all strong in their own way: a Bull-Head Chronograph from 1970, a 1970 Chronograph A “Surf Board,” and the Oceanographer, or “Devil Diver.” Collectors from all over the globe participated in the vote, but the “Devil Diver” was the clear choice. 

This watch is faithful to the original down to the smallest detail. Its classic cushion case measures 40mm in diameter, is water resistant to 20ATM and the original color-scheme of the dial — a vibrant orange — is brought back. Moreover, thirty watches of this limited run of 666 (for the original’s 666-foot depth rating) were fitted with a special casebook featuring the Analog/Shift logo, were offered with an 18mm bracelet — in this case, unworn — and an exclusive Analog/Shift black and orange nylon strap. Most important of all, the watch is powered by a mechanical movement: Bulova’s Automatic SW-220-1 AIG5 calibre. This particular example shows little handling wear throughout, and even features its original case back sticker and much of its ephemera.

Held side-by-side with the original, we’re hard-pressed to find any differences, and it’s this faithfulness that makes us proud to put our logo on it — and to wear it. 

We’re sure you will be, too.

The story of Bulova is deeply entwined with American manufacturing. Its founder, a Czech immigrant named Joseph Bulova, was inspired by the advances that Ford made in his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. In 1912, Bulova built a factory in Biel, Switzerland, using Ford’s principles of mass production.
The brand was among the first to offer a wide range of wristwatches for men, with a distinctive visual style that — thanks to its innovative adoption of advertising and a relocation to Astoria, Queens — became fixed in the American imagination. Bulova took over offices in a skyscraper on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and installed an observatory on the roof in order to measure universal time. In the workshop down below, watchmakers timed the watches they were working on against readings taken in the observatory.
The watches that Bulova produced were varied, from handsome three-handers to divers and even chronographs. Bulova produced its first chronographs in the 1940s — single-button affairs with screw-on bezels. Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70's, Bulova honed its mastery of such watches.

However, perhaps the brand’s single most important innovation was 1960’s Accutron, a timepiece that used an electric tuning fork in place of a traditional balance wheel. Following on the heels of the Hamilton Electric of 1957, the Accutron featured a guaranteed accuracy of two seconds per day — much better accuracy than that of a contemporary mechanical watch. (The Accutron line was later spun off and relaunched as its own brand in 2020.)

In 1971 a Bulova chronograph accompanied the crew of Apollo 15 into space. When the crystal on astronaut David Scott’s Speedmaster popped off, he strapped on his Bulova, making it the only privately worn watch to ever have been worn on the Moon. (It was subsequently auctioned off for more than $1.625M.)

Currently owned by Citizen Group and headquartered in New York City, Bulova continues to make watches inspired by its long American heritage.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.