Bulova Oceanographer Automatic 333 Feet Blue / Purple Dial Cal. 1132.10

While the “Devil Diver” (rated to 666 feet) gets all the press, the 333 Feet Oceanographer is the “if you know, you know” choice for the savvy collector. In the 1970s, Bulova was firing on all cylinders, producing tool watches that rivaled the best from Switzerland in terms of design and durability. The Oceanographer line was their answer to the recreational diving boom, offering a watch that could handle the surf but still slide under a cuff for dinner. It represents a specific era of American-Swiss watchmaking where bold color and cushion cases were the order of the day.

This specific example is a visual stunner, primarily because of its dial. Originally a deep ocean blue, these dials are famous for their tendency to turn a rich, royal purple or “eggplant” color over decades of exposure to UV light. This “tropical” shift gives the watch a dynamic personality; in the shade, it might look navy, but hit it with direct sunlight and it explodes into violet. It is a chemical accident that has become art. The applied indices are typical of the late 70s (tall, blocky, and designed to catch the light, offering a three-dimensional depth to the face).

Inside, the watch is powered by the Caliber 1132.10. This is a later iteration of Bulova’s automatic movements, which is time period correct for the 1978 case. It is a robust, workmanlike caliber based on Swiss architecture, designed to run for years without complaint. The “333 Feet” rating on the dial is a charming reminder of its original intended use, more than enough for snorkeling in the Keys, even if today it mostly dives into desk work.

Condition is everything with these colorful divers, and finding one with a clean dial that hasn’t suffered from moisture intrusion is a win. The stainless steel case usually features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, and the acrylic crystal adds that warm, vintage distortion that modern sapphire just can’t mimic. This Bulova Oceanographer is for the collector who wants a pop of color. It is a fun, wearable piece of 70s funk that offers genuine history and a distinct “tropical” look for a fraction of the price of a purple-dial Submariner.