A New Generation of Devil Diver: The Caravelle by Bulova Sea Hunter

In the increasingly crowded realm of horology, where every brand, big and small, is scrambling to find its own unique selling proposition, there’s a certain rugged charm to a timepiece that simply knows what it is and what it’s not.

It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but rather, to perfect the roll. This, in a nutshell, is the ethos of the new Caravelle by Bulova Sea Hunter Diver Watch, a timepiece that effortlessly channels the spirit of its iconic forebear without getting lost in the weeds of modern watchmaking excess. It’s a love letter to the ’70s diver aesthetic, a cult classic reborn with a dose of contemporary reliability.

Bulova’s Caravelle sub-brand, a name synonymous with accessible quality since its inception in 1962, has a history of delivering well-made, character-rich watches without the hefty price tag. The original Sea Hunter, affectionately dubbed the “Devil Diver” for its audacious 666 feet water resistance, was a beacon of this philosophy—a watch that proved a rugged tool could also be a stylish statement.

This new collection pays direct homage to that legacy, bringing the swagger of the original into a new era with updated materials and construction that ensure it’s not just a collector’s curiosity, but a genuinely dependable daily driver.

The first thing that grabs you about the Sea Hunter is its pitch-perfect vintage proportions. The 316L stainless steel case clocks in at a thoroughly wearable 39mm, a size that feels as right on the wrist today as it did a half-century ago. It’s a sweet spot that manages to be both substantial and sleek, with a 45.5mm lug-to-lug that ensures it sits comfortably on a variety of wrists.

The 14.3mm thickness gives it a pleasing heft, a tactile reminder of its tool watch credentials, while the domed mineral crystal adds a touch of retro flair that beautifully distorts the dial at certain angles, a detail that watch enthusiasts will appreciate.

Under the hood, the Sea Hunter is all business. It’s powered by the tried-and-true Miyota 8215-33E automatic movement, a 21-jewel workhorse with hacking seconds and a date complication. It’s a movement that’s earned its stripes for its no-fuss reliability, ensuring that this watch is ready for action whenever you are.

Paired with a robust 200-meter water resistance—the very “devil’s depth” that gave the original its nickname—the Sea Hunter is a watch built to handle more than just your average desk-diving duties.

With a variety of case finishes, including silver-tone, gold-tone, and rose gold-tone, and the choice between a matching steel bracelet or a sporty black silicone strap, the Caravelle Sea Hunter offers a level of customisation that lets you tailor the look to your own personal style.

Lume-filled hands and indices on the black dial ensure legibility, a crucial feature for any serious diver’s watch, even if its most frequent plunge is into a pint glass. Priced at a highly appealing $375, it’s a timepiece that offers a ridiculous amount of bang for your buck, delivering a slice of vintage charm and modern performance without requiring a second mortgage.