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Deal.ai › Compare

Bulova Oceanographer vs Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch

The Oceanographer is a real dive watch: automatic movement, 200 m water resistance, ISO certification, screw-down crown and sapphire crystal. The Classic 98C123 is a two-tone dress watch with a quartz movement and 30 m water resistance, so it handles splashes only. Buy the Oceanographer if you want one watch for swimming, diving and daily wear; buy the Classic if you want a slim, dressy two-tone look and don't mind a battery. The Oceanographer is heavier and thicker, and its 44 mm case wears large on smaller wrists.

  • Choose the Oceanographer if you swim, dive or want a mechanical dive watch that can take knocks.
  • Choose the Classic if you want a dressy two-tone quartz watch for office and evening wear and never wear it in water.

Prices

  • Bulova Oceanographer: $187.16 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch: $237.50 at preciousfinejewelers.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Bulova Oceanographer is $50.34 cheaper than the Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch today
Bulova
Bulova Oceanographer

Bulova Oceanographer

$187.16at AmazonChecked 10 h ago
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Visit Amazon

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Pros
  • 200 m ISO-certified dive rating with screw-down crown
  • Automatic movement with 42-hour reserve
  • Sapphire crystal resists scratches
  • Rotating bezel times dives and parking meters
Cons
  • 44 mm case and 15 mm thickness wear large
  • Heavier than a dress watch
  • Automatic movement needs periodic servicing
Bulova
Bulova Classic Men's Quartz Analog Wristwatch Stainless Steel Watch in Silver, Gold and Blue

Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch

Bulova Classic Men's Quartz Analog Wristwatch Stainless Steel Watch in Silver, Gold and Blue

4.9(14 ratings)
$237.50at preciousfinejewelers.comChecked 10 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit preciousfinejewelers.com
Pros
  • Two-tone silver and gold finish suits dress wear
  • Quartz keeps time with no winding
  • Slim profile fits under a cuff
  • Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 14 ratings
Cons
  • 30 m rating means no swimming
  • Stationary bezel and no dive features
  • Quartz battery needs replacing
  • No written warranty listed

What separates them

Bulova OceanographerBulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch
MovementAutomatic Miyota 821D, 42-hour power reserveQuartz, battery powered
Water resistance200 m, ISO certified, screw-down crown30 m, splash resistant only
CrystalBox sapphire with blue anti-reflective coatingNot specified; mineral-type on this model line
Case size44 mm diameter, about 15 mm thickRegular size, slimmer dress profile
BezelUnidirectional rotating dive bezelStationary bezel
StyleSport dive watch with green dialTwo-tone silver and gold dress watch
Strap and claspSteel bracelet, double-press fold-over with safety bar and extenderSteel link bracelet, no clasp type listed
UpkeepNeeds servicing every several years; no batteryBattery changes only

Price history

$546.99$187.16
Nov 3Nov 14
  • Bulova Oceanographer: lowest $187.16 on Nov 14 at Amazon.
  • Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch: lowest $237.50 on Nov 14 at preciousfinejewelers.com.

Prices at every store

Bulova Oceanographer

  • Chrono24.comNew

    In stock

    $493.00Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Chrono24.com
  • Gioielleria SessaNew

    In stock

    $561.21+ $52.91 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Gioielleria Sessa
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $187.16Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Rogers & HollandsNew

    Availability unknown

    $577.50Checked Nov 13
    Visit Rogers & Hollands

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 26 stores and price history →

Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch

  • preciousfinejewelers.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $237.50Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit preciousfinejewelers.com
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $249.00Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Eli Adams JewelersNew

    Availability unknown

    $321.75+ $6.95 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Eli Adams Jewelers
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $350.00+ $6.49 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Poshmark

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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Specs compared

SpecBulova OceanographerBulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch
SIZE44mmRegular
CASEStainless steel—
MOVEMENTMiyota 821D—
DIALGreen—
STRAPStainless-steel bracelet—
Case Size41 mm—
Brand—Bulova
Resists water—Y
Watch movement—Quartz
Watch style—Dressy
Watch features—Quartz
Band material—Stainless Steel
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBulova OceanographerBulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch
Watch band color—Multicolor
Water-resistant depth—30 m
Watch technology—Analog
Bracelet style—Link
Watch band width—22 mm
Activity—Everyday
Designer—Bulova
Clasp type—No Clasp
Pattern—Plain
Metal type—

What reviewers say

Bulova Oceanographer

Owners of the modern Oceanographer generally like the retro styling, the green dial and the solid feel for the money. Common complaints are the size and weight and the unremarkable Miyota movement.

What people mention
  • SizeCriticisedOwners say the 44mm case and 15mm thickness wear big and tall, best for larger wrists.
  • MovementMixedThe Miyota 821D is reliable but basic, with no hacking seconds.
  • DialPraisedThe green dial and black/green bezel are the main draw for buyers.
  • BuildPraisedThe steel case, screw-down crown and sapphire crystal feel solid for the price.

Bulova Classic 98C123 Men's Watch

  • 4.9 / 514 ratings

Ratings are very high, with buyers praising the look and feel of the two-tone finish. Few detailed comments are available, so long-term durability is hard to judge.

What people mention
  • LooksPraisedBuyers like the two-tone silver and gold finish as a dressy, versatile look.
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the stainless steel case and bracelet as feeling solid for the style.
  • TimekeepingPraisedThe quartz movement is reported to keep accurate time.

Questions and answers

Can I swim with the Classic?
No. It is rated to 30 m, which covers splashes and hand washing only. Swim with the Oceanographer, which is rated to 200 m and ISO certified.
Which is better for daily wear?
The Classic is lighter and slimmer, so it slips under a shirt cuff. The Oceanographer is the tougher watch and shrugs off water and knocks, but it is bulky on smaller wrists.
Does the Oceanographer need a battery?
No. It runs on a Miyota 821D automatic movement wound by wrist motion, with a 42-hour reserve. The Classic is quartz and runs on a battery.
Which lasts longer?
Both are stainless steel Bulovas. The Oceanographer's sapphire crystal and 200 m sealing hold up better to hard use, but its automatic movement needs servicing. The Classic lasts well if kept dry, with only battery changes.
Is the Oceanographer worth stepping up to?
If you want one watch for the pool, beach and everyday wear, yes. If you only need a dress watch for the office, the Classic covers that without the bulk.

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All 13 stores and price history →
Stainless Steel
Model—98C123
Has written warranty—No
Bezel function—Stationary
Actual Color—Two Tone
color—Two Tone
  • DurabilityMixedWith few detailed reviews, buyers have little evidence on how the finish and crystal hold up over years.