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The Bulova Sea King 96B226 is a 2015 limited-edition automatic diver, not a stand-in for every Sea King. Its headline features are a 50 mm titanium case, a reported 1,000 m water-resistance rating, and a distinctive locking bezel. Contemporary sources say Bulova made 500 numbered examples. Its size and age make fit and condition the key questions for anyone considering one today.
What is the Bulova Sea King 96B226?
Bulova introduced the 96B226 in 2015 as the automatic, limited-edition top model in its Sea King diver family. Contemporary reporting describes a run of 500 numbered watches. That figure describes the original production run, not how many are currently available. Dive Into Watches’ 2015 preview also reported an original U.S. list price of $1,595; that is historical launch pricing, not a current valuation.
The 96B226 is distinct from quartz Sea King variants. Reports identify its movement as an automatic based on the Miyota 8215. Do not assume specifications for one Sea King reference apply to another.
Bulova Sea King 96B226 specifications
| Specification | What contemporary sources report |
|---|---|
| Reference and release | 96B226; introduced in 2015 as the Sea King Limited Edition. Dive Into Watches |
| Production | 500 numbered examples, according to contemporary reporting. Dive Into Watches; Master Horologer |
| Case | 50 mm titanium case is reported. Other dimensions and wording about materials vary; a reliable lug-to-lug measurement is not established in the cited reviews. Dive Into Watches; Master Horologer |
| Movement | Automatic, based on the Miyota 8215; one launch-era source reports 21 jewels. Dive Into Watches; Master Horologer |
| Water resistance | 1,000 m rating in model-specific descriptions. It does not establish the condition or performance of a particular used watch. Master Horologer; Dive Into Watches |
| Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire is reported by the retailer review and model descriptions. The Sutor House |
| Other reported features | Black dial, luminous hands and markers, date, helium release valve, screw-down crown and caseback, rubber strap with extension, and a lockable unidirectional elapsed-time bezel. Dive Into Watches; Master Horologer; The Sutor House |
| Original U.S. list price | $1,595 at launch, according to a 2015 preview; not a current price estimate. Dive Into Watches |
These are launch-era reported specifications, not confirmation that an individual watch remains in factory condition. The cited sources are watch publications and a retailer review; no current official Bulova product page or exact-reference manual is established here.
#1 Best Overall
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Sub Second Hand, Hack Feature
- Two-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
How the 96B226 wears
The 50 mm case is a substantial presence, so wrist shape, lug span, and cuff clearance matter as much as the diameter. The cited reviews do not establish a reliable lug-to-lug measurement. If possible, try the watch on; otherwise, ask the seller for measurements of the specific example and compare them with a watch you already wear comfortably.
The Sutor House’s 2015 retailer review says the titanium watch felt lighter than its size suggested and comfortable on its strap, while emphasizing its imposing presence. Those are that reviewer’s impressions, not a guarantee of fit for every wrist. Read the Sutor House review.
Rank #2
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Sub Second Hand, Hack Feature
- Two-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
The strap extension is intended to accommodate wear over a dive suit. Confirm that the extension, clasp, and strap supplied with the particular watch are present and functioning; the feature alone does not make an old example suitable for diving.
What the locking bezel and dive rating mean
The unusual left-side mechanism locks the unidirectional elapsed-time bezel, helping prevent accidental movement. That mechanism, combined with the prominent case, gives the watch a more specialized character than a conventional everyday diver. The helium release valve and 1,000 m reported rating are part of its extreme dive-watch specification, but a rating is not a dive plan or permission to use an untested second-hand watch underwater.
Rank #3
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Bulova’s general water-resistance guidance explains that a depth marking represents pressure used in water-resistance testing, rather than a literal promise that a wearer should dive to that depth. It also advises against operating the crown underwater and recommends periodic checks by a competent technician. Bulova manuals and care guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a used 96B226
Because this is a discontinued 2015 limited edition, assess the specific watch rather than relying on its original rating or launch specifications. Ask the seller for clear photographs, service history, and details of anything replaced or damaged.
Rank #4
- In celebration of America's 250th Anniversary and in collaboration with Sail 4th, this special edition men's Bulova Snorkel adds a patriotic twist to the fan favorite
- Creating striking contrast and imbuing the watch with the colors of the American Flag, the red wave-pattern dial and striking 41mm white Hybrid Ceramic case pair perfectly with the blue unidirectional bezel with a bi-color red and blue insert
- Embodying the American spirit of beauty and perseverance, this special edition Snorkel perfectly balances style and functionality with Bulova's legacy of iconic American watchmaking.Special Edition41mm White Hybrid-Ceramic CaseRotating Ratchet TopringHybrid Ceramic One-Way Rotating BezelRed Dial with Luminous Hands and MarkersDouble Curved Mineral Box CrystalQuartz Movement3 HandDateBlue Rubber StrapWater-Resistance - WR100/10Bar/333ft [Swimming, Showering & Snorkeling]Bulova Style #: 98B474
- Reference and edition: Confirm that the watch is the automatic 96B226, not a quartz Sea King or another diver. Ask for the numbered-edition details and any original certificate or papers.
- Case and controls: Inspect the crown, caseback, crystal, helium valve, and bezel-lock mechanism for damage, modification, or signs of poor repair.
- Water resistance: If water use matters, request recent pressure-test documentation from a qualified watchmaker. A 1,000 m marking in launch-era descriptions does not establish the present seal condition of an older example.
- Completeness and provenance: Check whether the original box, papers or certificate, strap extension, and service records are included. Verify the seller’s identity, return terms, and the watch’s condition before committing.
- Price: Compare current offers for the exact reference and condition. The reported $1,595 launch price is not evidence of today’s market value, and the cited sources do not establish a reliable current market index.
Winding and general care
Bulova’s general automatic-watch manual says to wind an automatic watch at least six or seven times before wearing. It says daily activity may provide sufficient winding afterward, with occasional supplementary winding if activity is low. The advice is general and is not a 96B226-specific service instruction. Bulova manuals.
The same general guidance recommends periodic cleaning and oiling but does not specify a 96B226 service interval. For an older example, have a qualified watchmaker assess its operation and condition; use water-resistance testing before relying on it around water.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
