Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova's diver meets Bulova's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) delivers Miyota Automatic technology in the tier below the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 justifies its premium with Made in Japan (Movement) heritage and Automatic Miyota 8215. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

Bulova

Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

$500–$1,000

Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350Bulova Surveyor Automatic
Price$500–$1,000$250–$500
Case Size41mm39mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Miyota 8215
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticMiyota Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours42 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Made in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Bulova's approach

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Miyota 8215

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Surveyor Automatic uses the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

41mm vs 39mm — different wrist presence

At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Surveyor Automatic at 39mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Bulova Surveyor Automatic at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 42 Hours on the Surveyor Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Bulova

200m (20 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Surveyor Automatic handles 30m (3 ATM). The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Bulova

Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

Choose the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 if you prioritize Miyota Automatic engineering, Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve.

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Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 39mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Bulova Surveyor Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000) offers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve, while the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) features Automatic Miyota 8215 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 at 41mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, which resists scratches well.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.