Several years ago, Bulova revived its popular vintage "Devil Diver" diving watches with a new Oceanographer line. It started with a 666-piece, limited-edition 41mm orange version featuring a Swiss Sellita movement. Subsequently, it released many other non-limited colorways, including the blue and yellow version that I reviewed a few years ago. That watch was a classic 3-hand diver, but the brand has since added several Bulova Oceanographer GMT models to the collection. My favorite was the lume dial variant, which I recently purchased. Keep reading for the hands-on review!
You can also read about some of StrapHabit's other favorite GMT watches here.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 First Impressions
The lume dial variant appealed to me most of all the variants, and in person, the white-and-black combination really pops.
I thought the case was black, but it actually has a dark gray IP coating (the case is fully polished underneath).
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 Details
I enjoy the clear, three-dimensional indices applied to all Oceanographer models. They sit on metal mounts, add depth to the dial, and make it really fun to view from an angle. They require the hands to be very short, but in this case, it gives it a fun, vintage charm. The applied metal Bulova logo looks appropriately vintage, and the 666m depth rating is in keeping with the Devil Diver name.
Like previous models, it features a boxed sapphire crystal with a magnifier cut into its underside. A cool trick that you might miss at first.
Wearing the Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407
GMT models use a 41mm case, which is smaller than the previous blue-and-yellow model I reviewed. That watch wore well, but I do prefer this size. The lugs are compact, and<, like a Doxa or Synchron Military, the bezel is narrower than the case, making it appear smaller than it is.
The other models in the Oceanographer GMT lineup feature 24-hour bezels (my preference for a GMT), but the lume dial model has a 60-minute bezel. A lot of people like diver GMT watches, so I understand why Bulova switched it up. This one has a 60-click bezel with a very positive, precise click feel.
The legibility of the main time is relatively good, although I prefer all-black hands against a lume dial, where there is no need for lume on the hands. Because the 24-hour scale is relegated to the dial, and the GMT hand looks similar to the second hand, it takes more focus to read the second time display.
At least the lume is very bright! It's easy to read and looks very cool at night. The bezel lume adds to the show.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 Strap and Replacement Straps
While other variants feature a stainless steel bracelet, the lume dial version of the Oceanographer GMT comes with a gray silicone rubber strap. It features curved ends and an attractive molded pattern. The silicone is a bit sticky, attracting dust to the strap recesses, but it's soft and comfortable.
The quick-release spring bars and 20mm lug width make it easy to install other straps. With a luminous dial, I had to try it with a luminous strap!
It also looks great on a Ridge Rubber strap with a Custom Color Kit.
Here is a list of some other straps that will complement this watch well. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Divecore
-Pro Diver
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Deployant Rubber
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Extra Long Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 Movement
Considering that the Citizen group owns Bulova, it makes sense that its GMT uses its in-house Miyota 9075 movement. This is a "traveller's" GMT, allowing quick adjustment of the local time without stopping the watch. It's also an upgrade from the lower-grade 821D movement in the 3-hander. It operates at 28,800 vph and has a 42-hour power reserve. The rotor has unidirectional winding.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 Conclusion
At just under $1,300, the Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT is on the expensive side for a watch with average finishing. For a bit less money, you could get a Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT with nicer finishing and a beautiful bracelet, or for much less, a Nodus Contrail GMT, which is much thinner and more legible.
Bulova watches are often heavily discounted, however, (for example, from our friends at Long Island Watch). If you can get one at a discount, you'll be getting a watch with great vintage styling from a historic brand, and that has a lot of appeal.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407 Specifications:
Name: Bulova Oceanographer GMT
Reference Number: 98B407
Price: $1,295
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 48mm
Thickness: 14.8mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Miyota 9075
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Box sapphire with internal magnifier
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Unidirectional, 60 clicks, steel with acrylic insert
Strap: Silicone
Shop Other Straps for the Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver GMT Lume Dial 98B407
Deployant FKM Rubber
Deployant Sailcloth
Men Wear Pink
