Bulova Snorkel 7202-1 Blue

The Bulova Snorkel 666 Feet is a characterful dive watch from the early 1970s. With its vibrant blue dial, striking Bakelite bezel, and distinctive sporty color scheme, it perfectly captures the unmistakable design language of the era. While many vintage dive watches of similar quality and specification now command significantly higher prices, the Snorkel still offers exceptional value for money. The blue version is among the most desirable variants of the model and is rarely found in such an exceptionally original condition.

The 38 mm stainless steel case impresses with its well-balanced proportions and distinctive, elegantly curved lugs, giving the watch a unique presence on the wrist. Despite its sporty character, the Snorkel wears surprisingly elegantly. Particularly remarkable is its outstanding condition: the case shows only minimal signs of wear and has the appearance of a virtually unworn NOS example. All surfaces and edges remain crisp and unaltered, strongly suggesting that the case has never been polished.

Without question, the greatest highlight is the flawlessly preserved original dial. Its rich blue finish is completely free of aging or moisture damage and contrasts beautifully with the warm, vanilla-colored patina of the original tritium hour markers. The original luminous material in the hands has aged to precisely the same tone, further emphasizing the remarkable originality of this watch. Together with the bright orange central seconds hand, it creates one of the most distinctive color combinations found on 1970s dive watches. This blue version is among the most sought-after executions of the Snorkel series and, thanks to its exceptional originality, fulfills all the qualities discerning collectors look for.

Equally impressive is the original blue Bakelite bezel. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Bakelite was considered a premium yet delicate material, making well-preserved examples increasingly difficult to find today. The bezel on this watch is in exceptional condition and rotates smoothly in both directions.

Inside beats the automatic Bulova caliber 11AOACB with 17 jewels, manufactured in Switzerland. This reliable movement features both day and date displays. A particularly practical feature is the quickset date mechanism: the date is advanced by pulling the crown to the second position and then pushing it fully back into its normal position. Repeating this action advances the date one day at a time. The day of the week is adjusted conventionally by advancing the hands through midnight.

Completing the watch is its original Bulova stainless steel bracelet, which is very likely the factory-fitted bracelet. It shows only slight age-related stretch and can be adjusted to fit wrist sizes between approximately 18.2 and 20.4 cm.

Overall, this Bulova Snorkel 666 Feet represents an exceptionally original collector's piece. Its near-NOS condition, flawless blue tritium dial, beautifully preserved Bakelite bezel, and original Bulova bracelet make it one of the finest preserved examples of this model that is only rarely encountered on today's market.

Condition Report
Dial: Original matte blue dial in flawless condition – authentic vanilla-colored patina to the original tritium luminous material – signed "Bulova Snorkel", "Automatic 666 Feet", and "T Swiss T".

Case: 38 mm stainless steel case in outstanding condition – only very light signs of wear – unpolished – crisp case lines – original Bulova crown – case back with light signs of wear and fully preserved engravings: "Bulova - Stainless Steel - 666 Feet" and the serial number – inside case back correctly stamped "MLB 7202-1".

Movement: Automatic Bulova caliber 11AOACB with quickset date and day display – timegrapher readings: rate +7 seconds/day, amplitude 263°, beat error 0.8 ms.

Bracelet: Original Bulova stainless steel bracelet – slight age-related stretch – light signs of wear – adjustable for wrist sizes between approximately 18.2 and 20.4 cm.

Serial number: 5-146xxx

Int.Exe.: 75360