Two Broke Watch Snobs
Bulova & Caravelle Revive the Sea Hunter ‘Devil Diver’, Priced Under $400
Bulova’s Caravelle revives the Caravelle Devil Diver: a 39mm automatic dive watch with 200m WR, vintage charm, and $375 price tag.
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Two Broke Watch Snobs
Bulova’s Caravelle revives the Caravelle Devil Diver: a 39mm automatic dive watch with 200m WR, vintage charm, and $375 price tag.
Worn & Wound
Every so often, you come across new releases that feel less like a stranger and more like someone you’ve met before, but can’t quite place. This feeling cropped up more and more as the vintage revival trend took a firm grasp on the watch industry, as brands rushed to bring back “iconic” references from the obscure archives. However, from the moment the Caravelle Sea Hunter hit my hand and that feeling crept in, it probably wasn’t for the reason you might assume. To be fair and to frame this review properly for all of you, I have only spent two brief periods of romance with Sea Hunter up until now. That has been enough time for me to claim that the Caravelle by Bulova is here to fill a void left by one of, if not the, most legendary dive watches ever made for the modern audience, the Seiko SKX. However, we can circle back to that in a moment. Caravelle was launched as the more affordable younger sibling operating underneath the Bulova brand in 1962 as a direct competitor to Timex. Offering jeweled movements at a price point that others could not, Caravelle eventually grew to become the largest-selling jeweled-movement watch manufacturer in the United States by 1968. In that swath of mass-produced affordable wrist watches sat a line of diving tool watches bearing the name Sea Hunter, with the soon-to-be iconic 666 depth rating, which brought about the ‘Devil Diver’ nickname. It was one of those Devil Divers, released in 1969, that Caravelle chose to do someth...
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion. Vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille Starting you off this week with a classic vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille. This isn’t one of the “fat lug” 1950s style, it is a 1960s dress watch version that is timeless and classy. The 34mm steel case is crisp and unpolished, with sharp edges and a really nicely preserved Hippocampus medallion on the back. The silver dial looks perfect and original, with steel stick markers and hands. No date window to mar the beautiful symmetry. The crown is the correct style and is signed with the Omega logo as it should. The case is the front-loading type, so no movement pictures. View auction here Vintage 1958 Bulova Here’s a nice vintage 1958 Bulova with a 23 jewel movement adjusted to six positions. Bulova made several different style watches with this exceptionally well made movement. They were adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and in three different positions, basically Chronometer grade standards without the title. Nice gold plated case that looks super clean, with a beautiful crème dial that has a sunburst pattern. The crown is signed with the Bulova name as it should. Great vintage piece with an above average movement and should have a below averag...
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion. Shreve & Co LED Another week, another cool vintage LED! I honestly don’t know why there are so many of these coming out of the woodwork, but I’m glad they are. This one is a vintage Shreve & Co. with a nice space-age chunky look. The 36.5mm steel case is in great shape with sharp edges and unpolished. The bracelet is original and complements the watch perfectly. The display works and the watch runs as it should. Nice 1970’s goodness from a seldom seen brand. View auction here Vintage Grand Seiko 6146-8000 We have a real winner here, a vintage Grand Seiko 6146-8000 dress watch. This 61GS epitomizes Grand Seiko’s Grammar of Design aesthetic. The broad planes, sharp edges and mix of brushed and polished finishes is simply sublime. The silver dial is clean and has the classic simple stick markers and a day/date window at 3 o’clock. The dauphine hands have gorgeous bevels, a testament to the precise craftsmanship of the Grand Seiko line. The 6146 movement is hi-beat, pulsing at 36000 beats per hour. The deeply grooved crown is original and signed with the GS logo as it should. The gold GS caseback medallion is in really nice condition as well. Really a beautiful piece here. Vie...
Worn & Wound
Cosmically speaking, 150 years might not be a very long time, but in the relatively young scale of recorded human history, it’s a mighty long while indeed. Airplanes, space travel, personal computers, microchips, sliced bread, washing machines, and the Internet were all invented within the past 150 years or so, making it even more impressive when a brand reaches the same level of longevity. This year, Bulova has done just that. To celebrate their sesquicentennial, the American watchmaker has a new release based on an icon of their past: the Lunar Pilot Timascus. The new release calls back to the original watch of the same name-the Lunar Pilot Chronograph-which was created in 1971 and ultimately worn on the moon. In the futuristic year of 2025, Bulova has teamed up with Brazilian artist Thiago Rosinhole to put his signature astronaut character “Budii” on the new Lunar Pilot, furthering the space-faring theme and giving the watch a touch of quirky character on top of historical heritage. Still, the new Lunar Pilot leans less on the use of the character (who I was admittedly unfamiliar with until the collaboration announcement) and more on a creative use of color to spice up the classic chronograph style seen on other Lunar Pilot models throughout the brand’s history and current lineup. Nestled within a stainless steel case that measures 43.5mm in diameter is the “tiamscus” dial. If you, like me, were wondering what that means, it’s actually a fairly strai...
Teddy Baldassarre
The Bulova Jet Star is one of those watches that leaves no room for doubt as to the decade from which its distinctive design originates. Revived in 2023 to commemorate the original's 50th anniversary, in a trio of diverse colorways, all the modern Jet Star models vibe “‘70s throwback” in a major way, with their unconventional, turtle-shaped cases and boldly colorful dials. However, they’re also very avant-garde in ways that their predecessors simply weren’t able to be, particularly in their use of Bulova’s high-frequency Precisionist calibers, their elevated level of finishing, and the almost three-dimensional degradé effect enhancing their dials. Scroll down for a closer look at each of the 50th anniversary Bulova Jet Star watches. Bulova Jet Star Case And Bracelet The modern Jet Star case is more angular and multifaceted than the curvilinear “turtle” shape of its 1970s predecessor. Strictly speaking, the case is octagonally shaped and topped with a round bezel that hugs the domed sapphire crystal. Measuring 40mm in diameter, approximately 45mm lug to lug, and 12.5mm thick, it boasts an array of polished and brushed finishes that accentuate those multiple, subtle edges and surfaces and lend the Jet Star an air of luxury in addition to its unmistakable retro charm. The lugs themselves are relatively short, with a 20mm lug width to accommodate the bracelet (on the two steel versions) or strap (on the gold-tone model and the steel limited edition). The crown...
Worn & Wound
The post An Exclusive New Bulova Snorkel for the Windup Watch Fair Chicago appeared first on Worn & Wound.
The post [VIDEO] An Exclusive New Bulova Snorkel for the Windup Watch Fair Chicago appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
IFL Watches has been using the Bulova Super Seville as a canvas for some of its latest dial creations. I love Bulova’s retro Super Seville, so I welcome the creative takes that the team at IFL develops. For this latest limited-edition release, the artists at IFLW came up with a special hand-painted honeycomb dial. The […] Visit IFL Watches Introduces The Bulova Super Seville Honeycomb Limited Edition to read the full article.
When it comes to the Windup Watch Fair, each stop on the tour has its own distinct personality-and for Chicago, it’s all about bold character, deep history, and a certain cool confidence that comes from being the cultural capital of the Midwest. To celebrate both 150 years of their company and 10 years of the Windup Watch Fair, Bulova returns with another exclusive timepiece from its new, cult-favorite Snorkel series. This time, the brand turns its eye to the Windy City with a striking charcoal grey colorway that captures the urban elegance of downtown Chicago and reflects the sleek contours of one of its most iconic landmarks: Cloud Gate. Windup Watch Fair Chicago Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2024 Venue West 221 N Paulina St Chicago, IL 60612 Free and open to the public. The post Chicago Style: Bulova Unveils Another Exclusive Snorkel Edition for Windup Watch Fair Chicago appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Worn & Wound
It’s no secret that the visuals of a watch are often why collectors pull the trigger on adding yet another piece to their collection. It could be a specific color, the inclusion of a certain desirable bezel insert, the symmetry of a double register chronograph, or many other aesthetic reasons. This isn’t to say that the movement and build quality are not also a part of this decision-making process, but one of the chief reasons many of us love to collect is for the joy we feel putting one on wrist, potentially matching it with an outfit, and gawking at it throughout our busy days. What I wish to do here is move away from this mindset and instead appreciate how mechanical ingenuity can produce the same amount of excitement and allure. This Lanco Alarm watch may seem relatively lackluster at first glance. A simplistic silver case and dial with very few flashy or notable design choices, it could be easily mistaken for dozens of watches and brands who sold timepieces in the 1960s and 70s. Its most interesting characteristic is perhaps what’s most unremarkable on any other vintage dress piece: the use of a single crown. By the 1960s, brands like Vulcain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Poljot, Girard-Perregaux, Citizen, Bulova, and Helbros had released their own alarm watches, many of which utilized movements made by outside movement manufactures like A. Schild and Venus. The common denominator between these models and movements was the two crown layout: one typically adjusted and wou...
In the world of military-issued watches, some models are legendary. Others are ghost stories-rare prototypes whispered about among collectors, their existence confirmed only through archival fragments or the occasional sighting in the wild. The Bulova MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 falls somewhere between the two, and for the first time in decades, one of the few surviving examples is surfacing in public-on the block at Sotheby’s, no less. A Mission-Critical Beginning To understand why this watch matters, you need to rewind to 1955. Amid Cold War tensions and escalating naval operations, the U.S. Navy sought a robust dive watch for its elite underwater teams-specifically, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, the forebears of modern Navy SEALs. The specifications they drafted, known as MIL-SHIPS-W-2181, called for something no commercial watch at the time quite delivered: water resistance beyond 400 feet, excellent night visibility, a highly legible dial, and a locking, unidirectional bezel. The post How Bulova’s MIL-SHIPS Went from Top Secret to Top Shelf appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Teddy Baldassarre
The Bulova Devil Diver (formally known as the Bulova Oceanographer) first debuted back in the 1960s, when it went on to become something of a cult classic. It wasn’t a record-breaking dive watch worn by the world’s most accomplished that-and-that, it just had a striking design, and there was something edgy and subversive about that “666ft” on the dial. Of course, that number has to do with its water resistance and nothing sinister, but the Devil Diver moniker is really catchy and has stuck. Back in 2018, Bulova reissued the Oceanographer, but at 44mm wide it was just not what a lot of people were clamoring for. A few years later, in 2021, came this 41mm wide version that is much truer to the original. Four years later, the affordable dive watch market has gotten more competitive but the Bulova Devil Diver still holds its own, so let’s take a look at what makes this orange-dial diver feel like a slice of heaven for well under $1,000. Bulova Devil Diver Case: When the Bulova Devil Diver was first reintroduced back in 2018, there were quite a few gripes we all heard about the 44mm case being just way too big and not true to the original. Fortunately, the 2021 iteration brought the case back to the 41mm size of the original, a decision that won over the hearts of some jilted purists. To be fair, you do not have to be a vintage purist to see why a 41mm case will always be preferable to 44mm to a vast majority of contemporary buyers. Of course, the ~202 meters of water...
Quill & Pad
Watch collector Quentin R. Bufogle was determined to add a piece to his collection harking back to those dust-strewn days of early Las Vegas, a time when the occasional tumbleweed still ambled along what would one day become the famous Las Vegas Strip. And he found it in a 1946 Bulova Aviator B. Here's how and why.
Teddy Baldassarre
Anyone with an interest in watches and military history is likely familiar with the A-11 watch aka “The Watch That Won The War” due to its role as the standard issue timepiece for the American military during World War II. Elgin, Waltham, and Bulova were the three American watchmakers tapped to produce these watches which came in a few variants with some differentiation in case style with some having coin edge bezels while others didn’t, some with lume and others without, some waterproof and some dustproof. It was the durability, reliability, and the ever-useful hacking seconds function that gave these watches their reputation and we’ve seen our fair share of tributes and rereleases. One that caught my eye when it was released a couple of years ago is likely the least “faithful” to the traditional design but succeeds in presenting something a little different and done a red, white, and blue dial color scheme. The watch, of course, is the Bulova Hack A-11. Bulova A-11 Watch Case: Done in a 37mm wide and 14.5mm thick steel case with a 44.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, the Bulova Hack A-11 is quite conservative in its sizing (even though the original was a now-diminutive 32mm) and works as a versatile unisex field watch. Still, those nice long curved lugs do add some wrist presence that make the watch wear a little bigger than its specs would lead you to think. The case thickness and the added heft of a NATO strap also adds to the substantial feeling of the watch. Th...
Worn & Wound
In this video, we take a minute with the new limited-edition celebration model of the Bulova Snorkel. Commemorating the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco, this particular Snorkel features a Golden Gate color scheme and a custom artistic case back. It comes paired with an ADPT nylon strap, a Riverstone Case, and a commemorative box. Check it out at this year’s Windup Watch Fair in SF before they’re gone. If, on the off chance, any are left after the weekend, they will be available at the Windup Watch Shop while supplies last. In this video, we take a minute with the new limited-edition celebration model of the Bulova Snorkel. Commemorating the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco, this particular Snorkel features a Golden Gate color scheme and a custom artistic case back. It comes paired with an ADPT nylon strap, a Riverstone Case, and a commemorative box. Check it out at this year’s Windup Watch Fair in SF before they’re gone. If, on the off chance, any are left after the weekend, they will be available at the Windup Watch Shop while supplies last. The post [VIDEO] An Exclusive New Bulova Snorkel for the Windup Watch Fair San Francisco appeared first on Worn & Wound.
The post Golden Gate Greatness: Bulova Unveils an Exclusive Snorkel Edition for Windup Watch Fair San Francisco appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Quartz movements get a bad rap from mechanical purists-and I'll never get it. The ticking second hand can apparently leave you feeling cold, especially when you’re used to the smooth sweep of an automatic. But for me, that’s always been a bit unfair. The real question isn’t whether quartz can match mechanicals-it's whether it should have to. Bulova’s HPQ (High-Performance Quartz) Precisionist movement is out to prove that quartz doesn’t just get the job done.
Worn & Wound
“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Stream Bulova’s New Documentary Last fall, ahead of Bulova’s 150th anniversary, the brand premiered America Telling Time, a documentary charting their incredible history. The film, directed by Michael Culyba, uses a series of interviews with watch industry professionals to paint an all encompassing picture of the brand, highlighting many of Bulova’s technical and design advancements along the way. Until now, the film has been screening on a limited basis (including for a packed house at the recent Windup Watch Fair in Dallas), but as of this week, anyone can watch it in the comfort of their own home on Amazon’s streaming service. It’s a must see for watch enthusiasts, particularly if you have an interest in watchmaking history and Bulova’s continued cultural impact. If you’d prefer an in-theater experience and happen to be going to the Windup Watch Fair San Francisco, join us on Friday, May 2nd for a free screening of this film on the big screen! Bulova will be treating folks to this experience at The Alamo Drafthouse in the Mission District. Click here to RSVP to Bulova’s upcoming screening! Work Sharp’s New Knife: The RMX Whether you’re using a k...
Fratello
The team at IFL Watches loves urban art. Quite a few of the brand’s hand-decorated dials are inspired by the colorful art that has graced New York City’s buildings, bridges, and metro trains through the decades. The iconic street art found its roots in NYC in the early 1970s and, from there, spread all over […] Visit IFL Watches Introduces The Bulova Super Seville Mural Inspired by New York’s Iconic Street Art to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
In this video, we crafted a list of some of the best dive watches on the market that meet the desired specifications of 200 meters of water resistance and some sort of countdown timer capabilities. We take a look at watches from brands like Tissot, Seiko, Citizen, G-SHOCK, Bulova, and CWC, just to name a few. Which watches did we miss? What should we put in part 2? In this video, we crafted a list of some of the best dive watches on the market that meet the desired specifications of 200 meters of water resistance and some sort of countdown timer capabilities. We take a look at watches from brands like Tissot, Seiko, Citizen, G-SHOCK, Bulova, and CWC, just to name a few. Which watches did we miss? What should we put in part 2? The post Over 22 of the Best Dive Watches for Under $1,000 appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Seiko UFO 6138-0011 Welcome to the “mostly Seiko eBay Finds”. Like most things in this world, good watch auctions can come in groups, such as this week! I wasn’t particularly looking for Seikos, but I found several for your bidding pleasure. First up is this vintage 1971 Seiko “UFO” 6138-0011 chronograph. This is a unique Seiko chronograph, and one that is easy to recognize with its big round case (hence the UFO moniker). The black dial is nice and clean and looks great with the up/down big eye look with the larger 6 o’clock subdial. The pushers on this model are also unique, with piston-like engraved grooves. This watch would’ve originally come on a Seiko bracelet, but the rally style strap it’s on works well. Overall the watch is in good shape, with an unpolished case and clean dial, hands and bezel. Runs well per the seller but no movement picture. View auction here Seiko 5 Sports 7019-7050 The next Seiko up is this nice vintage 1972 Seiko 5 Sports 7019-7050. This is a great looking sport watch, with a large, 39mm wide round-ish steel case that has a wide beveled bezel. It almost looks like a diver, but it has no diver’s bezel, external or internal. The di...
Worn & Wound
This past Friday, we had the pleasure of kicking off the first-ever Dallas Windup Watch Fair with an unforgettable evening celebrating Bulova’s 150-year legacy. Hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse Cedars, the event brought together watch enthusiasts for an exclusive screening of a brand-new documentary, America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova, which chronicles the brand’s history of innovation and firsts. The night began with guests arriving and settling in, followed by an insightful introduction from the Worn & Wound team. From there, the lights dimmed, and the much-anticipated film took center stage, offering a deep dive into the pioneering spirit that has defined Bulova for a century and a half. The documentary featured rich storytelling and stunning visuals, including artwork by the talented Alex Asfour (@Alex247), who created both the movie artwork and a special Texas-inspired piece for the occasion. Following the screening, the celebration continued at the Alamo Drafthouse bar, where attendees enjoyed refreshments on Bulova’s tab-an appreciated gesture for the passionate community that came out to support the event. Worn & Wound led a post-screening Q&A; with Richard Callamaras, Collector & Sales Manager at Bulova, and T.J. Harris, Bulova’s Director of Brand Communications. Conversations flowed as guests reflected on the film, shared their enthusiasm for horology, and toasted to Bulova’s milestone anniversary. For those who missed the screening, there’s goo...
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vantage Chronograph First up this week is a gorgeous vintage Vantage chronograph. The original and mint black and white “reverse panda” dial is just a beauty, with perfectly aged lume. Similar styling to the famous Heuer Carrera, that’s why it’s referred to as a “poor man’s Carrera”, but honestly aside from the name, this watch is just as good at a very reasonable price. The steel case is nice and sharp, and the Valjoux 7733 manual wind movement is clean as a whistle and runs well per the seller. If you’re looking for a nice vintage chronograph, it’s hard to beat this Vantage. View auction here Bulova Sea King Here’s an unusual Bulova Sea King. The oval style steel case definitely stands out with its unique shape. Unpolished, with original finish and crisp edges. The N0 date code dates the watch to 1970. The charcoal dial is excellent, with the Sea King Whale logo and a day/date window at 3 o’clock. The watch comes on a period-correct stretch band that definitely suits the watch if you like the stretch bands. There is no movement picture but the watch runs well per the seller. View auction here Vintage Lord Elgin This vintage Lord Elgin is a sweet dress watch, ...
The other day, I got to sit down and take a look at the new Bulova Snorkel collection. They caught my attention for a simple reason: they are literally eye-catching. The brand’s first foray into the new world of “hybrid” ceramics, they bring an unexpected dose of color to a well-liked, if a bit cult, vintage model: the amusingly named “Devil Diver.” In the video below, I go hands-on with this new collection and give you my thoughts on this trend of not-quite-plastic watches and, of course, the Snorkels themselves. The post Video Reaction: the Bulova Snorkel Collection appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Croton Chronomaster The Croton Chronomaster is a classic vintage chronograph with an iconic name. Usually these are called Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver (like I said, iconic), but this iteration has been reduced for brevity’s sake to just the Chronomaster…still a great name. But it’s not just a cool name, this chunky 1970’s chronograph has the classic squarish steel case that looks unpolished but does have some wear from age/use. The aluminum dive bezel is in good shape with minimal wear. The black dial is clean and has a great layout with the dual subdials and date window at 6 o’clock giving it a nice symmetry. The Valjoux manual wind movement is clean and runs well per the seller. View auction here Vintage Bulova Ambassador Next up is this sweet vintage Bulova. The seller calls it an Ambassador, but to be honest I don’t recall seeing this model attached to that name. Either way, it’s a beauty. The slim white gold filled case is clean, with bold fancy lugs. The black dial looks original and is really clean. It has stylized Art Deco style numerals and a nice subseconds dial at 6 o’clock. The Bulova caliber 7AK manual wind movement is clean and works well pe...
Time+Tide
An overlooked part of dive watch history, we take a look at the story behind the MIL-SHIPS design, as well as its modern reissues.The post A brief history of the MIL-SHIPS watch, and its modern reissues from Blancpain, Bulova and Tornek-Rayville appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
The post A Servicable Hybrid Ceramic Entry Level Watch – Bulova Snorkel appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Worn & Wound
It’s hard to deny the outward appeal of a field watch. Tactical but not overly macho, mature but not boring-the traditional field watch “style” is eminently wearable for combatants, explorers, mountaineers, and the regular old civilian crowd. Classics like the Hamilton Khaki Field, Bulova A-11 “Hack”, Seiko Alpinist, Rolex Explorer, and many, many more, are icons of the category, and it’s hard to feel like there’s much more to be innovated or improved upon. The TUUL Filthy 13 is keenly aware of the history of the field watch. Its very name is a derivation of the “Dirty Dozen”-both the 1967 war movie about a squad of delinquent soldiers, and the twelve Swiss watchmakers commissioned to build a watch to help win World War II for the Allied forces in 1945. The Filthy 13 is a reference to Private Jake McNiece, the thirteenth member of the real-life military unit, left out of the film based on the squad’s feats-a cheeky signal of the Brooklyn-based company’s dedication to preserving the history and resilience of the field watch, while carving their own convention-breaking niche. I was given the opportunity to test out the Filthy 13, and was immediately drawn in by the well-laid out history and inspiration behind the watch. My first field watch was a Timex Weekender Indiglo given to me by my grandfather-a watch I still have and wear frequently-and I regularly pine after the Hamilton and Seiko 5 lineups. At first glance, the Filthy 13 is a well...
Time+Tide
This week's releases have reaffirmed how close the worlds of watches and racing are.The post New releases from Frederique Constant, Bulova, Porsche Design and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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