Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

Two divers compared — $500–$1,000 vs $10,000–$25,000

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) ($10,000–$25,000). The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 measures 41mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (1,000 ft) water resistance. Both are exceptional divers for their respective tiers.

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Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

Bulova

Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

$500–$1,000

Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

Rolex

Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

$10,000–$25,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)
Price$500–$1,000$10,000–$25,000
Case Size41mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticRolex 3135, Superlative Chronometer
Power Reserve42 HoursAbout 48 hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)300m (1,000 ft)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case MaterialStainless SteelOystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor)
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Rolex's approach

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) offers Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor) construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Rolex

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135 (Rolex 3135, Superlative Chronometer, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rolex

41mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (1,000 ft).

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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 Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 48 hours on the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (1,000 ft)

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) handles 300m (1,000 ft). The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) offers superior water resistance.

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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Rolex

Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) if you value Rolex 3135, Superlative Chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135 with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

On price, the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 sits a band lower ($500–$1,000 against $10,000–$25,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $500–$1,000. However, the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) 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 Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) at 40mm with 300m (1,000 ft) is similarly capable. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal while the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops.

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.