1969 Bulova Accutron Snorkel 666 "Devil Diver" Compressor 41mm
Ref: 781

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Bulova box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on a well-suited black tropic rubber strap. The watch is from Circa. 1969 and is sold in worn, vintage condition. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Bulova Company was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova. Based in New York, they moved to 580 Fifth Avenue in 1920. In 1923 Bulova Watch Inc was introduced. Max Hetzel, a Swiss engineer, was recruited in Bienne in 1950, he developed a number of prototypes, replacing the balance with a U-shaped tuning fork fitted between two transistors which increased the watch's precision considerably. In 1952 Bulova started the development of the Accutron, the world's first fully-electric watch. NASA asked Bulova in 1960 to incorporate Accutron into its computers for the space program. Bulova Accutron timing mechanisms have become an important part of the 46 missions of the U.S. Space Program. In 1962 Bulova was the first brand to bring a tuning fork-powered quartz movement to the mass market with a slogan of "The watch that hums." This slogan was powerful as the watch truly became known for its constant hum. This was due to the motor inside constantly working to provide a smooth sweep to the second hand. 

Our 1969 Bulova Accutron Snorkel 666 "Devil Diver" Compressor has a 41mm cushion stainless steel case. The Snorkel case is similar to the more famous Super Compressor watch case which was created and patented in 1956 by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA). A lug to lug length of 45mm and a thickness of 14mm gives the watch an excellent wrist presence. Polished and brushed surfaces transition with crisp edges.

The name "Devil Diver" comes from the 666ft depth rating. The case curves towards the lugs for a comfortable fit on the wrist. On the right side, recessed crown at 2 o’clock to adjust the inner bezel plus a signed recessed crown at 4 o’clock to adjust the time and date. A thick domed crystal sits above a bulls-eye-style dial. An inner 60-minute rotating bezel has the first fifteen minutes highlighted in red. Applied baton indexes mark the hours sitting on a black ring. At 3 o’clock, a day/date window. The baton hands have lume infill and complemented with a tapered red sweeping center second hand. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with an oversized O-Ring gasket. Inside a Bulova Electronic Cal. 2182. with the ‘quickset’ date function. This version of the movement has three positions of the crown, with the outer position activating an internal switch to cut off the power from the battery, helpful when storing the watch. The watch comes fitted on a 20mm tropic strap.

Personal Note