Introducing: The Bulova Snorkel Collection With Hybrid Ceramic Cases And Tropical Colors
After Swatch’s Speedmaster MoonSwatch and Scuba Fifty Fathoms collections, we were waiting for the next Swatch Group classic to undergo a Bioceramic metamorphosis. But now it looks like Citizen Group is entering the competition with its new Bulova Snorkel collection. The inspiration for these Hybrid Ceramic watches comes from the brand’s iconic Oceanographer Snorkel, nicknamed the “Devil Diver” in the ’70s. The four versions derive their names and colors from different ocean creatures, and the affordable divers are water resistant to 100 meters.
The vintage Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel is known for its C-shaped case and quirky cylindrical hour markers. While the new Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel collection does come with a similarly shaped case, unfortunately, the hour markers are more conventional this time. Nevertheless, these watches are still quite intriguing, so let’s take a quick look.
The Bulova Snorkel in Hybrid Ceramic
Like the vintage Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel and more recent re-editions, the case of the Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel measures 41mm in diameter. We don’t have any official information on its thickness and lug-to-lug span. However, based on earlier models of the Snorkel, these should have a roughly 13mm thickness with a 43–45mm length. Bulova indicates a 19mm lug spacing as well. In any case, these new and colorful Snorkels weigh a little less because of their hybrid construction.
Bulova doesn’t communicate anything about the exact composition of the ceramic used. We only know that it’s resistant to scratches. In addition, based on the pictures, the ceramic compound embraces a stainless steel core, which houses the Miyota 2115 quartz movement. This is a very different approach compared to the watches from Swatch, which have a 100% Bioceramic construction. At least Bulova’s approach seems a bit more durable. Two other more durable elements are the stainless steel crown and the double-domed sapphire crystal.
Four versions based on ocean creatures
The Bulova Snorkel collection consists of four versions. Each has a name and color combination based on ocean creatures. The first is the Clownfish, which features a white dial, a white case, and a contrasting orange unidirectional dive bezel with a silver and black insert. Number two is the Blue Tang with — you guessed it — a light blue case, a dark blue dial and bezel and dial, and a silver and yellow bezel insert. The third version is the Great White, which has a white dial, a light gray case, and a dark gray bezel with an even darker gray and light blue insert. Finally, there’s the Sea Turtle, featuring a brown dial, a sea-foam green case, and a darker green bezel with a silver and navy bezel insert.
Each version comes with a contrasting seconds hand and a contrasting first quarter on the (presumably) aluminum bezel insert. The dials have a wavy texture on the bottom half, which resembles a snorkeler’s view when he or she emerges from underwater. The stick markers and hour and minute hands are filled with lume, and there’s a nicely framed date window at 3 o’clock. On the stainless steel case back, each version has an engraving corresponding to the ocean creature it’s based upon.
The Hybrid Ceramic Bulova Snorkel divers come on matching Tropic-style rubber straps with quick-release spring bars and a stainless steel pin buckle.
Initial impressions
Bulova’s Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel collection is unmistakably the Citizen Group’s answer to Swatch’s ultra-successful Bioceramic MoonSwatch and Scuba lines. I feel it’s a welcome competitor, especially with more durable features like the stainless steel core and sapphire crystal. For US$350, those are very nice features, particularly in comparison to Swatch’s US$270 MoonSwatch and US$400 Scuba Fifty Fathoms. The Snorkel’s hybrid construction also reminds me somewhat of Tissot’s fun and colorful Sideral models.
My favorite is most definitely the Sea Turtle with its light green case, darker green bezel, and brown dial. Unfortunately, though, it looks like it’ll be hard to get my hands on one. For now, it seems the Bulova Snorkel collection is only available in the US. For more information on availability in your region, check out the official Bulova website.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of Bulova’s new MoonSwatch/Scuba Fifty Fathoms killer. Also, let me know which version is your favorite!
