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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diving watch

Bulova Snorkel Self-winding Auto Diver

Partially verified

This vintage Bulova Snorkel self-winding diver's watch dates to 1964. The timepiece is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, which the source describes as unpolished. The dial is black with an applied luminous indices and hands displaying dark gold-toned patina; the luminous material at the 10 o'clock index shows some degradation. A key design feature is the depth rating of 666 feet printed on the dial. It is presented on a vintage-style woven cotton strap.

Bulova Snorkel Self-winding Auto Diver, 1964, showing the black dial, rotating bezel, and date window with cyclops lens.
Bulova Snorkel Self-winding Auto Diver, 1964, showing the black dial, rotating bezel, and date window with cyclops lens. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diving watch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
386-1
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1964
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
M4

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The watch features a 36mm stainless steel case. According to the auction description, the case remains unpolished and retains minimal signs of wear. A bidirectional rotating bezel is fitted around the crystal, featuring a luminous dot at the 12 o'clock position that matches the patina of the dial markers.

The black dial displays a glossy finish with characteristic bubbling reported as consistent with its age. Indices and hands are filled with luminous material that has developed a dark gold-toned patina, with reports of minor material loss at the 10 o'clock index. The dial text includes the Bulova logo, the term 'Selfwinding', and the depth rating of '666 Feet', which was a signature design element for this model.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت از جنس فولاد ضدزنگ با قطر ۳۶ میلی‌متر طراحی شده”
  • “قاب استیل ساعت، بنا بر توضیحات منبع، در وضعیت پولیش‌نشده قرار داشته”
  • “ماده شب‌نمای عقربه‌ها و ایندکس‌ها به رنگ زرد طلایی تیره درآمده”
  • “درج مقاومت در برابر نفوذ آب تا عمق ۶۶۶ فوت روی صفحه”

Movement and Caseback

The internal mechanism is a Swiss-made, 17-jewel automatic movement, designated as Caliber 11 ALACD, marked with 'Swiss Unadjusted'. It provides central timekeeping and a date display visible at the 3 o'clock position on the dial.

The caseback is a screw-down design featuring an engraved image of a dancer along with the manufacturer name and water resistance specifications. Internal examination reveals the model reference 386-1 stamped within the case cover, confirming the configuration matching the 'M4' date code located on the exterior casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور اتوماتیک ۱۷ سنگ Bulova ساخت سوئیس (کالیبر 11 ALACD)”
  • “درب پشت قاب پیچ‌دار دارای حکاکی تصویر رقصنده و عبارت‌های BULOVA و WATERPROOF است”
  • “در بخش داخلی درپوش شماره 386-1 حک شده است.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch is in full working condition, functioning in accordance with original manufacturer standards. It is offered without any original box or accompanying documents. The item is fitted with a modern vintage-style woven cotton strap.

The provenance and specifications provided rely on the seller's technical evaluation. The catalogue documentation does not represent an independent authentication, and the auction house disclaims any responsibility for independent verification of the movement or internal components.

Evidence for this section
  • “در شرایط عملکردی کامل است.”
  • “ساعت بدون جعبه و متعلقات اضافی ارائه شده”
  • “اطلاعات ارائه شده در این کاتالوگ صرفاً بر پایه مشخصات و گزارش‌های فنی فروشنده گردآوری شده”

Open research questions

  • To what extent does the 'bubbling' of the dial surface affect the long-term integrity of the luminous material?
  • Are there variations in the dancer engraving on the caseback for the 1964 production run of the Snorkel 386-1?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Snorkel Self-winding Auto Diver
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“برند: Bulova”
ModelSnorkel Auto Diver“: Snorkel Auto Diver”
Date1964“تاریخ‌گذاری این مدل به سال ۱۹۶۴ با کد سال M4 روی قاب و درپوش تطابق دارد.”
Case Diameter36mm“قطر قاب: ۳۶ میلی‌متر”
Movement17-jewel automatic, Caliber 11 ALACD“موتور اتوماتیک ۱۷ سنگ Bulova ساخت سوئیس (کالیبر 11 ALACD)”
Water Resistance666 Feet“مقاومت در برابر نفوذ آب تا عمق ۶۶۶ فوت”

Visible details

  • Rotating bezel with luminous dot at the 12 o'clock position
  • Crown engraved with Bulova branding
  • Date aperture with cyclops lens at 3 o'clock
  • Diver's scale on bezel with Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

  • The auction house reports state the information provided is based on their technical reports and does not constitute independent authentication
  • Luminous material at the 10 o'clock marker shows visual reduction

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی Bulova Snorkel خودکوک مدل ۱۹۶۴ با رفرنس 386-1

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 918f1c191f

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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