The Bulova Snorkel Assortment In Hybrid Ceramic

After Swatch’s Speedmaster MoonSwatch and Scuba Fifty Fathoms collections, we had been ready for the following Swatch Group traditional to bear a Bioceramic metamorphosis. However now it seems to be like Citizen Group is coming into the competitors with its new Bulova Snorkel assortment. The inspiration for these Hybrid Ceramic watches comes from the model’s iconic Oceanographer Snorkel, nicknamed the “Satan Diver” within the ’70s. The 4 variations derive their names and colours from completely different ocean creatures, and the inexpensive divers are water-resistant to 100 meters.

The classic Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel is thought for its C-shaped case and quirky cylindrical hour markers. Whereas the brand new Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel assortment does include a equally formed case, sadly, the hour markers are extra typical this time. Nonetheless, these watches are nonetheless fairly intriguing, so let’s take a fast look.

The Bulova Snorkel in Hybrid Ceramic

Just like the classic Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel and newer re-editions, the case of the Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel measures 41mm in diameter. We don’t have any official data on its thickness and lug-to-lug span. Nevertheless, primarily based on earlier fashions of the Snorkel, these ought to have a roughly 13mm thickness with a 43–45mm size. Bulova signifies a 19mm lug spacing as effectively. In any case, these new and colourful Snorkels weigh rather less due to their hybrid building.

Bulova doesn’t talk something concerning the actual composition of the ceramic used. We solely know that it’s proof against scratches. As well as, primarily based on the images, the ceramic compound embraces a chrome steel core, which homes the Miyota 2115 quartz motion. This can be a very completely different method in comparison with the watches from Swatch, which have a 100% Bioceramic building. No less than Bulova’s method appears a bit extra sturdy. Two different extra sturdy components are the chrome steel crown and the double-domed sapphire crystal.

4 variations primarily based on ocean creatures

The Bulova Snorkel assortment consists of 4 variations. Every has a reputation and colour mixture primarily based on ocean creatures. The primary is the Clownfish, which includes a white dial, a white case, and a contrasting orange unidirectional dive bezel with a silver and black insert. Quantity two is the Blue Tang with — you guessed it — a lightweight blue case, a darkish blue dial and bezel and dial, and a silver and yellow bezel insert. The third model is the Nice White, which has a white dial, a lightweight grey case, and a darkish grey bezel with an excellent darker grey and lightweight blue insert. Lastly, there’s the Sea Turtle, that includes a brown dial, a sea-foam inexperienced case, and a darker inexperienced bezel with a silver and navy bezel insert.

Every model comes with a contrasting seconds hand and a contrasting first quarter on the (presumably) aluminum bezel insert. The dials have a wavy texture on the underside half, which resembles a snorkeler’s view when she or he emerges from underwater. The stick markers and hour and minute palms are crammed with lume, and there’s a properly framed date window at 3 o’clock. On the chrome steel case again, every model has an engraving similar to the ocean creature it’s primarily based upon.

The Hybrid Ceramic Bulova Snorkel divers come on matching Tropic-style rubber straps with quick-release spring bars and a chrome steel pin buckle.

Preliminary impressions

Bulova’s Hybrid Ceramic Snorkel assortment is unmistakably the Citizen Group’s reply to Swatch’s ultra-successful Bioceramic MoonSwatch and Scuba strains. I really feel it’s a welcome competitor, particularly with extra sturdy options just like the chrome steel core and sapphire crystal. For US$350, these are very good options, significantly compared to Swatch’s US$270 MoonSwatch and US$400 Scuba Fifty Fathoms. The Snorkel’s hybrid building additionally jogs my memory considerably of Tissot’s enjoyable and colourful Sideral fashions.

My favourite is most positively the Sea Turtle with its gentle inexperienced case, darker inexperienced bezel, and brown dial. Sadly, although, it seems to be prefer it’ll be arduous to get my palms on one. For now, it appears the Bulova Snorkel assortment is simply accessible within the US. For extra data on availability in your area, try the official Bulova web site.

Let me know within the feedback under what you consider Bulova’s new MoonSwatch/Scuba Fifty Fathoms killer. Additionally, let me know which model is your favourite!

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