The Bulova Men's Classic Two-Tone Stainless Steel 3-Hand Automatic Watch (Style 98A146) is for the enthusiast who values mechanical transparency and traditional style. This 43mm timepiece eliminates the need for batteries, using your daily movement to power its gears while offering a bold, two-tone aesthetic that transitions from the office to evening events.
Model: Bulova 98A146
Movement: 21-Jewel Automatic (Self-Winding)
Case Diameter: 43mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Water Resistance: 30 Meters (3 ATM)
Closure: Deployant buckle with pushers
Why Choose This
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Skeleton Dial — The open-aperture design showcases the beating heart of the movement.
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Automatic Power — Your wrist motion winds the mainspring so you never buy batteries.
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Two-Tone Finish — Gold and silver tones coordinate with any ring or belt buckle.
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Exhibition Back — A clear case back provides a secondary view of the Japanese craftsmanship.
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Luminous Hands — Gold-tone hands feature luminescent fill for visibility in low light.
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Secure Fit — The double-press deployant closure keeps the watch fastened safely.
Materials & Build
The 43mm case and integrated bracelet are constructed from 316L stainless steel, a grade chosen for its resistance to corrosion and skin irritation. This watch features a flat mineral crystal that provides a clear view of the skeletonized dial while maintaining a slim profile of 12mm. The gold-tone accents are applied via an ionic plating process, ensuring the color remains vibrant through years of daily wear. Inside, the 21-jewel Japanese automatic movement operates at a high frequency to ensure steady timekeeping without the stutter of a quartz motor.
Compatible With
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- Standard 22mm straight-end leather straps
- 22mm NATO or Zulu nylon bands
- 22mm Milanese mesh bracelets
- Original Bulova 98A146 replacement links
- Standard 22mm metal bracelets with straight end links
Sizing & Fit
This watch features a 43mm case diameter which provides a substantial presence on most wrists without feeling oversized. The stainless steel bracelet comes at a standard men's length of approximately 8.5 inches and includes several removable links for precise sizing. With a 22mm lug width, the proportions remain balanced. The watch weighs approximately 160 grams, providing a solid, grounded feel on the arm that signals durability.
Ships from Berlin within 24 hours. Typical US delivery: 5-8 business days.
FAQ
Does this watch require a battery?
No, the Bulova 98A146 is a fully mechanical automatic watch. It harvests energy from the natural motion of your arm to wind the mainspring. If you do not wear the watch for more than 40 hours, you may need to wind it manually by turning the crown or simply wearing it again to restart the movement.
Is the skeleton dial distracting for time-reading?
Bulova designed this model with high-contrast gold-tone hands and markers that sit above the movement. This ensures that while the inner workings are visible, the primary function of telling the time remains quick and easy at a glance, even in dim lighting thanks to the luminous application.
Can I wear this watch while swimming?
This model is rated for 30 meters (3 ATM) of water resistance. This means it is safe for accidental splashes, rain, or hand washing. It is not designed for swimming, showering, or diving. We recommend keeping the metal bracelet dry to maintain the finish and longevity of the internal gaskets.
How do I adjust the bracelet size?
The two-tone bracelet uses a pin-and-collar system for its links. You can remove individual links to shorten the band using a standard link removal tool. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, any local watch shop can adjust the fit in a few minutes.
What is the accuracy of the automatic movement?
Mechanical watches generally have a variance of a few seconds per day, which is a characteristic of their traditional design. This Japanese movement is known for its reliability and typically stays within industry standards for non-chronometer automatic watches, providing a soul and character that quartz watches lack.
If you want to customize your look, our watch band replacement guide walks you through the steps to swap the bracelet. You can also learn how to replace a leather strap with metal if you decide to switch between different styles for your Bulova timepiece.
Ships from Berlin · 30-day returns · 1-year warranty · USD pricing, duties prepaid for US orders.