Bulova Launches $350 Snorkel Diver Collection In "Hybrid Ceramic"

In a move that could be seen as a shot across the MoonSwatch bow, Bulova is releasing a new collection of “hybrid ceramic”-cased dive watches featuring big colors and accessible price points. The new watches are fittingly called the Snorkel collection, and they feature a design that riffs on some of Bulova’s classic divers, such as the Oceanographer 666 “Devil Diver,” in four distinct colorways. The colors and textures come together in a somewhat cheeky way, and while they may not feature the beefy specs we’re used to seeing from modern divers, they are plenty capable in their own right, albeit geared toward a more casual wearing experience — sort of like how snorkeling is a more casual activity than deepsea diving.

Bulova Snorkel Blue Tang

The watches’ playful design makes use of four separate color combinations, each receiving its own name and theme: the Blue Tang; the Sea Turtle; the Clownfish; and the Great White Shark. Each incorporates contrasting color accents that make for unexpected pairings, and each makes use of a 41mm case, made of a material Bulova calls hybrid ceramic, with a 100-meter depth rating. While it’s not entirely clear what “hybrid ceramic” means, it’s just ambiguous (and sounds cool) enough to be intriguing. The Snorkel marks the first use of the material by Bulova, who calls it “scratch-resistant and highly versatile.” Apart from the weight characteristics, I suppose that’s all I need to know. Especially at an MSRP of $350.

Bulova Snorkel Clownfish

A closer look at these new Snorkel watches reveals a few more interesting details, namely in the dial design of each variant. A wave pattern is set within the bottom portion of all four dials, calling to mind the view a snorkeler might have as he or she emerges from the water. Turning the watch over, you’ll find a unique caseback for each, with a detailed engraved likeness of its respective marine-wildlife namesake. Finally, colorful seconds hands and perforated rubber straps bring the whole look together. Bulova has equipped the Snorkel models with the quartz Caliber 2115 from Miyota, its sister company within Japan's Citizen Group.

Bulova Snorkel Sea Turtle

The approach to the Bulova Snorkel feels reminiscent of what we’ve seen from Swatch Group collaborations in recent years, from the MoonSwatch to the Scuba, particularly in the use of big colors anchored in industrialized ceramic materials. While the colors achieved in the cases of the Snorkel lean into pastel territory, they fit with the themes at play and provide a fun and fitting contrast to the chosen color palettes. Bulova’s ability to hit a $350 price point also feels relevant to the discussion, which lands about in the middle of the MoonSwatch ($270) and the Scuba ($400). The brand itself may not carry the same cachet as Omega or Blancpain, but it’s got plenty of history, and more options in this emerging segment is never a bad thing.

Bulova Snorkel Great White Shark

The Bulova Snorkel collection is available now, and one important note of differentiation between the MoonSwatch and Scuba is that they can be purchased online, and do not appear to be limited to any restricted windows of availability. 

The Sea Turtle edition's caseback