Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Bulova's diver meets Timex's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) delivers Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" measures 40mm and is rated 50m (5 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

Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"
Price$500–$1,000$50–$100
Case Size41mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz (3-Hand, Date)
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticQuartz (Battery)
Power Reserve42 HoursBattery
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelBrass (Gunmetal Finish)
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Timex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Timex's approach

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers Brass (Gunmetal Finish) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz (3-Hand, 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 Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) (Quartz (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

41mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Mineral Glass and Battery on the Expedition Metal Field "Scout". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Bulova

200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" handles 50m (5 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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Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Choose the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" if you value Quartz (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

View the dossier

The Bottom Line

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 is rated 200 m against 50 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" sits a band lower ($50–$100 against $500–$1,000), 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 Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. 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 Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses Mineral Glass. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.