Bulova Snorkel Sea Turtle
Bulova’s Colorful Snorkel Collection is the Antidote to Winter Doldrums
While surf, sand, and sun might still feel a little far off, the watchmaker has released a tropical aquarium full of soul-warming, fun sports watches. After all, there’s no time like the present to let the sunshine in.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
While you’re bundled up in your slippers and fleece-lined robe, run these monikers through your winter-addled brain: Blue Tang, Clownfish, Great White Shark, Sea Turtle. If they conjure up the warmth of an island getaway for you, listen up because Bulova’s new Snorkel collection might just be the perfect way to free you from the winter blues.
Of course, while the collection may carry some of the fun appeal of the hysteria-producing MoonSwatch from 2022, please bear a couple of things in mind: Bulova is a well-respected watchmaker that is already a relatively accessible option, so with each of the quartet of new Snorkels listing for $350, these watches do not use the same “get-the-look-for-less” hook as the MoonSwatch.
Also, the Omega x Swatch collaborations were relatively static, quartz-powered facsimiles with a chronograph function. However, while a reliable quartz 2115 movement does power the Snorkel, their 41mm cases are fabricated from a “Hybrid Ceramic” compound (its first use by Bulova). Moreover, each carries a specially etched steel caseback, the bezels rotate, and each includes a date window at 3 o’clock.
I’m more than ready to dive into the warm waters of each; you?
Into The Blue
The blue tang fish (think Dory from Finding Nemo) is a denizen of Caribbean coral reefs and is recognizable by its shimmering, modulating blue scales. Consequently, Bulova’s Snorkel Blue Tang Fish is an aquatic ode and equally cerulean.
Featuring a darker blue dial, etched with a distinctive wave pattern on the lower half (like all its Snorkel siblings), and a rugged-looking, color-matched diamond-perforated rubber strap, the 41mm light blue case nicely complements the chromatic theme and, of the four Snorkel models, probably best shows how richly the Hybrid Ceramic material can display color.
Finally, pops of yellow on the first quadrant of the otherwise white rotating dive bezel and the second hand complete this package.
Four-Finned Friend
Spotting your first sea turtle on a voyage under the waves is a rite of passage for any diver or snorkeler.
That is why we were chuffed to see that, with its rich brown dial complemented by a light green case and darker green cues for the rubber strap and rotating bezel section, the Snorkel Sea Turtle manages to harken to both the brown loggerhead and verdant green species of the aquatic reptile.
Like all of the pieces in the Snorkel collection, this watch is rated at 100 meters of water resistance, so you can make like a turtle and spend as much time as you like in the water, even at depth.
Not Nemo
When you hear any mention of a clownfish, we’re willing to bet good money that everyone reading this right now thinks of the cheerful orange-and-white Disney character. However, on the Snorkel Clownfish model, those same colors make for a pretty bold but coolly technical-looking dive instrument.
The white, wave-etched dial is clean and legible, and the white case makes a fashionable statement. Meanwhile, this watch communicates a kind of stylish, vintage dive authenticity with a black bezel quadrant and the use of the fish’s orange color for the rubber strap and details like the seconds hand, outer bezel grip, and outer dial flange.
Jaw Breaker
While the great white shark’s frightening reputation may be largely undeserved, it is still an apex predator. Bulova’s Snorkel Great White Shark is no less fierce (although this time we’re thinking fashion instead of ferociousness).
This homage to the Great White features a white wave-etched dial, a dynamic grey and Caribbean blue two-toned rotating bezel, a glacial grey-white Hybrid Ceramic case, and a textured grey perforated rubber strap, giving it an undeniably vintage yet modern look.
Finally, just for a touch of malice, a bold red seconds hand gives it a bit of a bite. Also, like all its Snorkel siblings, this watch has lumed hands and markers, but I imagine the glow looks particularly handsome on this wrist shark.
Final Thoughts
Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of Citizen Watch America, sums up the quartet nicely: “The Snorkel collection was created with multiple purposes in mind. It is meant to create an extremely price-competitive sports watch, utilizing innovative materials, while also celebrating what makes us passionate about the oceans, the seas, and marine life; a universe that is mysterious, vibrant, exciting, and inspiring – all values we seek to embody in Bulova.”
All four Snorkel models are available as you read this, and all list for $350. You can learn more about the new Snorkels by visiting the brand’s dedicated page for the model or the Bulova website.
