Is the MoonSwatch About to Get Some Competition?

The MoonSwatch collaboration between Swatch and Omega is one of the most successful watches in recent memory. When it debuted in 2022, the affordable spin on an iconic luxury watch quickly became a global sensation, and the fervor has only slightly died down since. In 2023 alone, Swatch sold over two million MoonSwatches, en route to becoming the 13th top-selling Swiss watch brand. Pre-MoonSwatch, it wasn’t even in the top 20.

So, it was only a matter of time before another brand came along to try and borrow some of that MoonSwatch magic. And it looks like that time has come, as Bulova’s new dive watch, the Snorkel, shares some strong similarities with the Swatchified Speedmaster.

Oceanographer Homage

Bulova has found success by mining its extensive back catalog and recreating vintage favorites aimed at enthusiasts. One of the best examples of this is the reborn Oceanographer dive watch, also known as the “Devil Diver,” a quirky and attractive automatic diver originally from the mid-twentieth century.

The Oceanographer is an affordable watch, coming in with an SRP of $750. That’s a tremendous value as far as I’m concerned, but for normal people who don’t live and breathe watches, $750 sounds like a ton of money to spend on a watch.

So, what does the Snorkel have in common with the MoonSwatch? For starters, both watches are affordable and share a similar design aesthetic. The Snorkel’s 43mm case size and 300m water resistance are reminiscent of the MoonSwatch’s compact size and impressive water resistance. Both watches also feature a unidirectional rotating bezel, a staple of dive watches.

But here’s the thing: the Snorkel isn’t just a copycat. It’s a unique watch with its own charm and character. The Oceanographer’s retro-inspired design is unmistakable, and the Snorkel’s sea turtle-inspired caseback is a nice touch. Plus, the watch is powered by a reliable automatic movement, making it a great choice for those who want a hassle-free watch.

So, is the MoonSwatch about to get some competition? It’s hard to say, but one thing is for sure: the Snorkel is a great watch that’s worth checking out. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or just looking for a new timepiece, the Snorkel is definitely worth considering.

Key Features:

• 43mm case size
• 300m water resistance
• Unidirectional rotating bezel
• Retro-inspired design
• Automatic movement
• Sea turtle-inspired caseback
• SRP: $750