Bulova Snorkel Self-winding Auto Diver
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1964
This vintage Bulova Snorkel self-winding diver's watch dates to 1964. The timepiece is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, which the source describes as unpolished.
The dial is black with an applied luminous indices and hands displaying dark gold-toned patina; the luminous material at the 10 o'clock index shows some degradation. A key design feature is the depth rating of 666 feet printed on the dial. It is presented on a vintage-style woven cotton strap.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1964
- Type
- Diving watch
- Maker
- Bulova
- Model
- Snorkel Auto Diver
- Movement
- 17-jewel automatic, Caliber 11 ALACD
- Case Diameter
- 36mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Water Resistance
- 666 Feet
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova
Design
- Visible features
- • Rotating bezel with luminous dot at the 12 o'clock position • Crown engraved with Bulova branding • Date aperture with cyclops lens at 3 o'clock • Diver's scale on bezel with Arabic numerals
- Movement and Caseback
- The internal mechanism is a Swiss-made, 17-jewel automatic movement, designated as Caliber 11 ALACD, marked with 'Swiss Unadjusted'. It provides central timekeeping and a date display visible at the 3 o'clock position on the dial. The caseback is a screw-down design featuring an engraved image of a dancer along with the manufacturer name and water resistance specifications. Internal examination reveals the model reference 386-1 stamped within the case cover, confirming the configuration matching the 'M4' date code located on the exterior casing.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the watch is in full working condition, functioning in accordance with original manufacturer standards. It is offered without any original box or accompanying documents. The item is fitted with a modern vintage-style woven cotton strap. The provenance and specifications provided rely on the seller's technical evaluation. The catalogue documentation does not represent an independent authentication, and the auction house disclaims any responsibility for independent verification of the movement or internal components.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch features a 36mm stainless steel case. According to the auction description, the case remains unpolished and retains minimal signs of wear. A bidirectional rotating bezel is fitted around the crystal, featuring a luminous dot at the 12 o'clock position that matches the patina of the dial markers. The black dial displays a glossy finish with characteristic bubbling reported as consistent with its age. Indices and hands are filled with luminous material that has developed a dark gold-toned patina, with reports of minor material loss at the 10 o'clock index. The dial text includes the Bulova logo, the term 'Selfwinding', and the depth rating of '666 Feet', which was a signature design element for this model.
Identification
- Reference
- 386-1
- Serial number
- M4
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction house reports state the information provided is based on their technical reports and does not constitute independent authentication
- Research required: Luminous material at the 10 o'clock marker shows visual reduction