Bulova 'Devil Diver' Day-Date

Why We Love It  

When we think of watches from the 1970's one thing comes to mind: 

Funky case shapes!

Brands from all over the world experimented with obtuse, asymmetric, and innovative case designs around this time, for both sport and dress watches alike. Many watches featured integrated bracelets, something that is coming back in a big way right now as we enter the 2020s. 

Bulova was one such brand. Thriving in the 1970s, the American company had a seemingly endless catalog of funky sports watches, particularly in the dive and chronograph categories. Diver's featuring a "666 Feet" depth reading on the dial have colloquially become known as 'Devil Divers' and have developed a cult-following. 

This particular piece, a Reference Q518, dates to circa 1979 and remains in outstanding condition throughout - with virtually no signs of wear to speak of. It features a glossy black Tritium dial, a day-date complication, a rotating red and black 'Coke' dive timing bezel, an acrylic crystal, and and tonneau case with a flat-link integrated bracelet with signed clasp.

With all of these details, features and designs, it is easy to see why these 'Devil Divers' are quickly developing the following that they have in the past few years.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, it's hard to go wrong with a stylish, automatic-winding dive watch that suits for any occasion. 

The Story

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. Starting 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 the Empire State Building 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 to 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 chronographs.

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.