Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13

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

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000) and Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 ($500–$1,000) are closely matched divers at similar price points. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 emphasizes Miyota Automatic engineering while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 focuses on Made in Japan craftsmanship.

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Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

Bulova

Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350

$500–$1,000

Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13

Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPL13

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13
Price$500–$1,000$500–$1,000
Case Size41mm41.7mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Caliber 4R35
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticSeiko In-House Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours41 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)200m (20 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalHardlex Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Made in Japan

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Seiko's approach

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 offers Stainless Steel construction at 41.7mm with Hardlex Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Caliber 4R35

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Prospex Samurai SRPL13 uses the Automatic Caliber 4R35 (Seiko In-House Automatic, 41 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

41mm vs 41.7mm — different wrist presence

At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at 41.7mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Draw

Same tier — different value propositions

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Hardlex Crystal and 41 Hours on the Prospex Samurai SRPL13. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

200m (20 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 handles 200m (20 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

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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Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPL13

Choose the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 if you value Seiko In-House Automatic technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 41.7mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Caliber 4R35 with 41 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Seiko delivers Made in Japan 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 Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 ($500–$1,000) features Automatic Caliber 4R35 with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
Both are priced similarly, making this a question of preference rather than value. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 emphasizes Miyota Automatic technology while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 prioritizes Seiko In-House Automatic precision.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 at 41mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at 41.7mm with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 uses Hardlex Crystal.

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.