In January 2025, Bulova unveiled its Snorkel collection, a fresh lineup of budget-friendly dive watches aimed at those with a taste for adventure.
This new series adds to the existing Oceanographer range, featuring four striking models, each inspired by a different sea creature.
Drawing from the stylish dive watches of the 1970s, the Snorkel series seamlessly blends retro vibes with modern technology.
Each timepiece boasts quartz movements, domed mineral glass crystals, and cases crafted from an innovative material called Hybrid Ceramic.
Design and Features
The design of the Snorkel models pays homage to the iconic Oceanographer Devil Diver with their domed crystals, cushion-shaped profiles, and a prominently placed branded crown at 3 o’clock.
While the crown and screw-down case back are made from stainless steel, the 41mm central case is unique for its Hybrid Ceramic construction.
Although specifics on Hybrid Ceramic are scarce, it generally combines polymer with ceramic elements, similar to Swatch’s Bioceramic in their popular MoonSwatch models.
Bulova describes its Hybrid Ceramic as exceptionally smooth, durable, and resistant to scratches, adapting well to body temperature.
However, the term “hybrid ceramic” can encompass various ceramic-based composites, making it interesting to see how Bulova’s version stacks up against Swatch’s when the Snorkel watches are examined closely.
Vibrant Model Lineup
Every watch in the Snorkel collection is topped with a double-domed mineral crystal, encircled by a unidirectional bezel featuring a fully marked insert set in a Hybrid Ceramic ring.
Although it remains uncertain if the crown has a screw-down design, these timepieces offer a noteworthy water resistance rating of 100 meters—suitable for most aquatic activities.
With combined stainless steel and Hybrid Ceramic components, these watches promise a more substantial presence on the wrist compared to lighter models like the MoonSwatch.
Each solid screw-down case back illustrates marine life themes, engraving a touch of the ocean on the timepieces.
The Snorkel collection launches with four vibrant designs.
The “Blue Tang” model (ref. 98B445) echoes the lively tropical fish with its blue Hybrid Ceramic case, matching dial, and sunny yellow details.
The “Sea Turtle” edition (ref. 98B446) features a green casing paired with a warm brown dial.
The “Great White Shark” model (ref. 98B449) showcases a gray case and a white dial adorned with hints of blue and red.
Rounding out the series, the “Clown Fish” version (ref. 98B448) presents a bright white dial and case complemented by vivid orange accents, enhancing the aquatic allure.
Specifications and Pricing
All Bulova Snorkel watches come with a tropic-style rubber strap designed for comfort, featuring perforations and quick-release spring bars.
Each strap is color-coordinated with its respective model: blue for Blue Tang, green for Sea Turtle, gray for Great White Shark, and orange for Clown Fish.
Underneath, the Snorkel series operates on the reliable Miyota Cal. 2115 quartz movement, powered by a single SR626SW battery that lasts roughly three years, ensuring an accuracy of 15 seconds per month.
Dials in this collection share common elements like applied hour markers and a date window at the 3 o’clock position, complemented by an embossed wave pattern reminiscent of a topographical map.
The hour and minute hands, along with baton-style markers, glow in the dark, thanks to luminous coatings.
Each model features a seconds hand that matches its color scheme—yellow for Blue Tang and Sea Turtle, red for Great White Shark, and orange for Clown Fish—aligning perfectly with their maritime inspirations.
With a retail price of $350 USD each, the Bulova Snorkel watches provide an affordable entry into the broader Oceanographer family.
They embody a playful yet sophisticated response to the recent trend of vibrant, inexpensive watches with composite cases, akin to the success of the MoonSwatch.
Instead of being a mere budget-friendly alternative to a high-end watch, the Snorkel collection stands as a cheerful tribute to Bulova’s storied dive watch lineage.
For more information on the Snorkel collection, curious readers can visit Bulova’s official website.
Source: ABlogtowatch