Bulova Modern Futuro 96A204, 42mm, Blue Dial

The Bulova Modern Futuro 96A204 is a distinctive men's automatic dress watch that blends classic horology with contemporary design. Part of Bulova's Modern Collection, this timepiece stands out with its captivating blue skeleton dial, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Japanese automatic movement within.

Encased in a robust 42mm black stainless steel case, it provides a bold yet refined presence on the wrist, suitable for various formal and semi-formal occasions. The watch is protected by a metalised domed mineral crystal, ensuring durability for daily wear.

With a water resistance of 30 metres, it is designed to withstand splashes and brief immersion, making it a practical choice for the modern gentleman. The integrated stainless steel bracelet with a deployant clasp with push buttons ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

The Bulova Modern Futuro 96A204 sits at the accessible end of mechanical watchmaking, and it leans on an open aperture dial to make that point. This is a piece from the Modern collection aimed at someone who wants an automatic watch with a bit of visual interest rather than a plain three-hander. The blue dial with its open-worked window lets you see part of the Japanese automatic movement turning underneath, which is the watch's clearest selling point.

On the technical side, the automatic calibre does away with battery changes and gives you the continuous sweep of a mechanical movement. The 42mm stainless steel case is a confident size on the wrist without being oversized, and the matching steel bracelet keeps the whole thing cohesive. The metalised domed mineral crystal handles everyday knocks reasonably well, though it is worth setting expectations here.

The two practical limits to keep in mind are the crystal and the water resistance. Mineral glass is cheaper to produce but less scratch resistant than the sapphire you find on pricier dress watches, so it will pick up marks over time. The 30 metre water resistance covers splashes and rain, not swimming or showering, so this is a watch to keep away from sustained water.

Taken as a whole, the 96A204 is a sensible pick for someone who wants the character of an automatic movement and an open aperture dial at a reasonable price, mostly for office and dressier daily wear. If your priority is hard-wearing scratch resistance or real water capability, a model with sapphire glass and a higher rating from Bulova's sportier lines is the more honest fit.