Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 vs Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Bulova's diver meets Timex's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500) delivers Miyota Automatic technology in the tier below the Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 ($500–$1,000). The Marlin Automatic 40mm measures 40mm 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

Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm
Price$500–$1,000$250–$500
Case Size41mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Miyota 8205
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticMiyota Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours40 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral 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 Timex's approach

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 features a Stainless Steel case at 41mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Miyota 8205

The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Marlin Automatic 40mm uses the Automatic Miyota 8205 (Miyota Automatic, 40 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: Timex

41mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 41mm, the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 30m (3 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 Marlin Automatic 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Marlin Automatic 40mm. 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 Marlin Automatic 40mm 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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Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

Choose the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8205 with 40 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 and Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Timex 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 Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500) features Automatic Miyota 8205 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.
The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm 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 Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Devil Diver Oceanographer 96B350 uses Sapphire Crystal while the Marlin Automatic 40mm uses Mineral Crystal. 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.