In the realm of watchmaking, there's a certain allure to reviving vintage classics. Bulova, a uniquely American watchmaker with a penchant for marketing brilliance, has delved into its archives once again to breathe life into the iconic 1972 Oceanographer. This time, it resurfaces with a GMT twist, catering to the modern-day globetrotter. Let's explore the colorful trio of the reimagined Oceanographer GMTs.

Back in the early 1970s, Bulova, the American maverick, sought to break the Swiss-standard depth rating mold of 656 feet with a daring dive watch, humorously named "The Snorkel." It boldly displayed a depth resistance of 666 feet - the infamous "Number of The Beast" - on its dial. This audacious move birthed the legend of the "Devil Diver." Now, fast-forward to the 21st century, Bulova reaches into its '70s treasure chest, breathing new life into the Oceanographer line by introducing a trio of GMT watches, each sporting a unique color combination.

In this vibrant collection, you have a black dial adorned with a "root beer" GMT bezel, paired with a rose gold PVD coated stainless steel sport bracelet. The classic blue and red "Pepsi" GMT bezel version comes with a stainless steel bracelet. Lastly, a white and black model features a fully luminous dial and rests comfortably on a rubber strap. These striking color options add a contemporary twist to the watch while retaining the playful spirit of the original. The choice is yours, and each one has its charm.

Initially designed for the U.S. Military, the original Oceanographer was meant to snugly fit against the wrist during underwater adventures. The revamped Oceanographer GMT series maintains the quirky '70s case design, now with a wearer-friendly 41mm diameter and a relatively compact 43mm lug-to-lug measurement. Thanks to the double-domed crystal, the watch stands at 14.6mm thickness but feels slimmer and comfortable, courtesy of sapphire's inclusion. Equipped with a screw-down crown, these Devil Divers are ready to dive to the quintessential 666 feet of water resistance. Across the trio, Super-LumiNova-coated details illuminate the hands and hour markers for enhanced readability in low-light conditions.

Powering these Oceanographer GMTs is the 9075 Miyota automatic movement. It allows independent manipulation of the hour hand for tracking a second time zone, boasting accuracy within -10/+30 seconds per day and a robust 42-hour power reserve. In essence, this collection combines '70s heritage style, the enigmatic "Devil Diver" legacy, dive-worthy depth resistance, GMT functionality, and a diverse palette of colors, all within the sub-$2,000 price range.

We're in an era of nostalgia marketing, where companies strive to evoke longing for a bygone time. Vintage-inspired revivals have become a trend, and the Oceanographer GMT deftly plays this tune. It strikes a balance by offering uniqueness, historical relevance, and a compelling "Why Now?" factor. The whimsically small yet functional hands, the mid-century design details, and the intriguing lore of the 666 Feet mark on the dial all contribute to its charm. It's a revival watch that brings back the nostalgia while adding modern functionality and a broader range of colors, all under $2,000.

If you're yearning for a nostalgic diver's watch, complete with GMT functionality, and you want it to remain within the sub-$2,000 range, Bulova's Oceanographer GMT revival could be your perfect companion. Whether it's the fully luminescent dial, the Pepsi bezel, or the classic black and brown combination, there's a Devil Diver for everyone.

• Brand: Bulova
• Model: Oceanographer GMT
• Diameter: 41mm
• Thickness: 14.6mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial Color: Blue, black, or white
• Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
• Water Resistance: 200 meters (666 feet)
• Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet; stainless steel bracelet with rose gold PVD coating; grey rubber strap

The Heart of the Beast

• Caliber: 9075 Miyota
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT
• Power Reserve: 42 hours
• Winding: Automatic

Pricing & Availability

• Price: $1,295 for white dial on rubber strap, $1,350 for the stainless steel bracelet options

Discover your Devil Diver, and take a dive into nostalgia with Bulova's revamped Oceanographer GMT collection.