Horological Meandering

Bulova Oceanographer 333...

I have been searching for this exact Bulova Oceanographer 333 for awhile, My Dad had one and I remember every detail of his vividly. When I was 11 years old, I borrowed (without him knowing :-p) his for the day so I can wear a grown ups watch to school thinking I can put it back after school and get away it J ….I didn’t L , Without going into details, I can say the punishment was severer .

Last month I found this Bulova in NOS condition but not running, I took a chance and bought it hopping all it needed was a good service, sure enough that all that was needed . The seller I got from said that it was kept in a plastic bag in a drawer for the last 20 - 30 years.

Now… here it is, looking and running as it did when if first was born 34 years ago (case is marked N7, Bulova’s ID for 1977 production).

What surprised me on this watch is the use a manual wind 17j Japanese movement , after some research I believe its a citizen movement, Case was made in west Germany and assembled there also.

My brother said that he shit his pants when he saw my photo of this watch, he remembers the butt whooping I received for “borrowing” this watch J

Oh…I haven’t borrowed anything without asking since

This photo was taken before service, the movement ticks but only 5 - 6 seconds then stops.

I Believe this is a service sticker, may have been serviced/overhauled once years and years ago.

Looks cools with this vintage bund strap

Ite been keeping great time last few days with good power reserve.

Not my pic but this is what the movement looks like.My local watchmaker said that the movement looks perfect but the lube oil was old and congealed

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Super cool watch, Drew!

By: amanico : October 25th, 2010-13:06

Love these Vintage Divers a lot, and this Bulova is not an exception, my friend. Macho, fun, sporty, strong, well, all the virtues a Diving watch must have. Congratulation on a very interesting find, and thanks for this very nice post, my friend. Best, Ni...

Thanks Nicolas..

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:38

Great comments coming from you. appreciate it. Best Drew

interesting Bulova 333 Advertisement..

By: aboen : October 25th, 2010-14:00

Its good to know that if my hand accidentally slip into my beta fish bowl my watch would be protected...

Beautiful dial. Enjoy it.

By: VMM : October 25th, 2010-14:50

thank a lot VMM :-) [nt]

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:38

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Great story and good looking watch

By: AndrewD : October 25th, 2010-14:51

Hi Drew, this really suits you and has a great back-story. Seventies vibe, but not too retro and a good size. No wonder you have been searching for a while. And great to find one in such condition. Was your dad's watch circa 1977 as well? Congratulations....

Andrew...

By: aboen : October 25th, 2010-14:57

I believe this version was made from 1973 - 1977, not sure if my Dad's were from 1977 ?? ... but right around there for sure. Thanks Drew

Wonderful, looks great on the Bund, also!............nt

By: SteveG : October 25th, 2010-15:20

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I dig it with the Bund a lot Steve...Thanks :-) [nt]

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:39

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Awesome story and great find, Drew!

By: dxboon : October 25th, 2010-22:47

Congratulations! I bet this watch will provide plenty of happy new memories. It is also a fantastic link to your past and your father! Plus, what a handsome timepiece! It's all good! Enjoy it! Cheers, Daos

Thanks Daos...

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:44

I'm very happy to find one in the condition its in plus at the cost of a typical custom made strap, great find for me ...no doubt Brings back lots of memories for sure Drew

Nice one

By: cfdfire : October 26th, 2010-01:23

Drew as this is one I have never seen before. I cannot remember any punishments involving watches growing up.I do remember the time I went down the laundry chute.From the 2nd floor to the basement in a flash.. My story is better left forgotten..Thank you ...

cfdfire...sounds like you were a dare devil as a kid...

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:47

Thanks for the kind comment. Best Drew

Handsome watch . . .

By: Dr No : October 26th, 2010-10:42

. . . and a great story behind it! Lookin' good on the bund strap, Drew . . . I've got my cushion case Seiko 5 on one, and it's also a good match. Cordially, Art

I got the Bund idea from you Art...

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-15:49

it looked great on you Seiko 5 I'm looking forward to getting a better quality bund strap like yours soon. Thanks Drew

Cool 70s vintage diver!

By: MattS : October 26th, 2010-11:53

And in NOS! I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing very much with this nice story behind it. So enjoy...thanks for sharing with us. Matt

This must be one of the first watches after Bulova was sold

By: mrsnak : October 26th, 2010-13:16

For the first incarnation. I'm very surprised to not see an American Bulova movement in that one. Accutrons were not discontinued yet and Citizen didn't buy Bulova until the 90s. Even the design looks very Seiko-ish, not what Bulova was doing prior to tha...

mrsnak, I know for sure that Bulova....

By: aboen : October 26th, 2010-14:24

were using these Japanese movements in their Carevelle watches in the early and mid 70's, most were 7j and a few 17j versions. I don't think the case would be marked N7 if it were a made in the 90’s. Thanks for the Comment and kind words my Friend Best Dr...

Checking my Cooksey Shugart watch guide...

By: mrsnak : October 26th, 2010-15:17

...I see a 2 register chrono version of your watch "660 Feet" from 1972! I am always learning in this hobby.