***As featured on HODINKEE's Bring A Loupe***

Brand: Bulova

Model: Snorkel 666 Feet Automatic Diver (extremely early example with rare silver dial); Swiss Made; serial #11691XX; M3 date code = 1963

Case: Solid stainless steel "waterproof" case with screw-down back is approximately 35mm excluding the original Bulova signed winding crown

Bracelet: Rare vintage 18mm stainless steel "Oyster" style linked bracelet with unsigned fold-over clasp; will fit up to approximately a 7.5" inch wrist

Movement: Bulova cal. 11 AFACD self-winding automatic movement (17 jewels) with date display at 3 o'clock; 18,000 BPH; Swiss Made

Features: Stunning original "5-line" silver sunburst dial with luminous hour markers, applied Bulova logo, and rare "SNORKEL" text; original luminous hands and center sweeping-seconds hand; original first-execution smooth painted rotating bezel displays elapsed time (i.e. during dives); original first-execution Bulova "small-logo" caseback with cool dancer design; original domed acrylic crystal with internal date magnifier

Condition: Fantastic original condition overall with minor honest wear consistent with age and light use; solid stainless steel case appears to be unpolished with sharp lines and edges throughout; crisp "small-logo" caseback with the serial number still visible (11691XX); very attractive original silver sunburst dial with gorgeous patina to the luminous elements; original hands with matching yellow patina; original rotating diver bezel retains its original lume triangle at 12 o'clock and exhibits very light wear; clean original domed acrylic crystal with internal date magnifier

Other: This is the earliest known Bulova Snorkel that we have been able to document and it comes straight from our founder, Justin's personal collection. Only first-execution examples circa 1963 came with a smooth/painted bezel. The painted bezel was prone to wear and quickly replaced in 1964 with inlaid enamel, which was much more durable. This early example also features a silver sunburst dial with 5 lines of text including the first appearance of the word, "SNORKEL" centered below the applied Bulova logo. Bulova removed the "SNORKEL" text in 1964 for reasons unknown, making this 1963 variation all the more special. The "SNORKEL" name wouldn't reappear until approximately 1968 on a "4-line" dial with a completely different movement. Speaking of movements, the self-winding Bulova cal. 11 AFACD is also unique to early examples. The 11 ALACD was introduced in 1964/65 and replaced again in 1968 with the 11 BLACD. The earliest examples from 1963 feature a "small-logo" caseback as seen here where the circular dancer logo in the center is smaller in size. This is a very rare opportunity to own a fine example of one of the earliest Devil Divers!