A sub-brand of the Bulova Watch Co., Caravelle was introduced in 1962 as a means to provide a wide range of affordable and stylish watches, but with a build quality synonymous with the Bulova name. The power of association and proven design pushed Caravelle to the front of the market, as a mere six years later in 1968, it had become the best selling jeweled movement watch brand in the US. This era also marked the beginning of the golden age of “Sport Diver” watches. The previous decade saw the introduction of the Rolex Submariner, the Zodiac Sea Wolf, and the original professional dive watch, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The majority of the watch wearing public had little need for such capable tool watches, but the demand for professional and light divers exploded, and to satisfy wrists everywhere, nearly every major brand was ready to bring their own designs to market. Bulova’s “Snorkel” was released in 1961, and the marketing copy introducing it even acknowledged that feeling like an aquanaut is almost as good a being one. The deepest dive on record by an individual at that time was 133 meters, but the Snorkel had been engineered with a nearly exact 70m cushion that pushed its rating to 203 meters. The conversion to feet came out to 666 and forever branded Bulova’s “beastly” diver with its devilish nickname. In 1966, Caravelle got its own “Devil Diver.” Taking design cues from the Rolex Explorer, that first release was the Sea Hunter. It housed Bulova’s Japanese made 11DP (Citizen 0241), but later Caravelle “Devil Divers” would have a bit more under the hood. This example from 1978 was too good to pass up, and seemed a worthwhile project. The dial is matte black with applied luminous markers and large luminous hands. The sweep seconds is a blaze orange standout, as its a “set-o-matic,” offers a large day/date display with instant changeover. The bezel sits slightly recessed,  and the insert is clean aside from some wear along the 20 minute portion. The case sharply tapers to the hooded lugs and has an almost faceted appearance. Driving the hands is Caravelle’s 1133.50 (ETA 2879), a seventeen jewel Swiss workhorse shared by many other Swiss brands from the era. The balance was badly damaged, but after finding a suitable replacement and servicing, it is keeping near perfect time. It is completely original aside from the crown and crystal, and at just shy of 38mm, its a dream on the wrist. We’ve paired it with a “Tropic Star” style strap for a period finish thats comfortable on the wrist. If a Bulova/Caravelle “Devil Diver” has you tempted, don’t wait on this one. 

CNS “Tropic Star” Style Black Rubber Strap

Serviced 7/11/20

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 19mm