Updated
Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
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 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) ($10,000–$25,000). The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 measures 41mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional divers for their respective tiers.
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Rolex
Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 | Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 41mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Rolex 3035, chronometer |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 200m (20 ATM) | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
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 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date
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 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date (Rolex 3035, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
41mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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 42 hours on the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) handles 300m (30 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) if you value Rolex 3035, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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
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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.