Bulova Classic 98A187, 39mm, Gray Dial, Black Leather Band

The Bulova Classic 98A187 is an elegant men's automatic watch from the brand's Classic Automatic Collection, designed for those who appreciate traditional watchmaking with a modern aesthetic. This timepiece features a 39mm stainless steel case, complemented by a rose gold-tone crown and an exhibition case back that reveals the intricate Japanese automatic movement.

The captivating gray open-heart dial, adorned with rose gold-tone hands and markers, offers a glimpse into the watch's mechanical artistry. A durable double curved mineral box crystal protects the dial, while the black croc embossed leather strap with a buckle clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

With a 40-hour power reserve and a hack feature for precise time setting, this watch combines reliability with classic style. It offers 30 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for daily wear and minor splashes, though not for swimming or diving. The Bulova Classic 98A187 is an ideal choice for men seeking a sophisticated and reliable automatic watch for both formal and casual occasions.

The Bulova Classic 98A187 sits in the Classic Automatic collection and offers a sensible, low-key way into mechanical watchmaking. It is a three-hand automatic rather than anything more complicated, and that focus suits it. The 39mm stainless steel case is a balanced size that reads as a dress piece without dominating the wrist, and the gray dial keeps the look quiet and easy to wear from the office to the weekend. Bulova has built its reputation on offering self-winding movements at accessible prices, and this watch fits squarely within that tradition.

The heart of the watch is a Japanese automatic movement, so there is no battery to replace. It winds from the motion of your wrist, and if it is left unworn it will simply need a few turns of the crown or a short wear to start again. For someone moving from quartz to their first mechanical watch, this is a low-maintenance way to get the feel of a self-winding caliber without committing to a far more expensive Swiss piece. The leather strap reinforces the dress-leaning character and is straightforward to swap if you prefer a different look later.

The one figure to keep in mind is the 30 meters of water resistance. That covers hand washing, rain, and the occasional splash, but it is not a rating for swimming, showering, or any sustained contact with water. Treat it as a dress and daily watch rather than something to take to the pool. The mineral crystal is the other practical trade-off. It resists everyday scuffs reasonably well but is softer than sapphire, so it can pick up scratches over years of hard wear. Both points are normal for this price band and neither is a flaw so much as a matter of matching the watch to how you live.

Taken as a whole, the Bulova Classic 98A187 is a good fit for someone who wants a genuine automatic dress watch at a fair price and does not need diver-grade water resistance or a scratch-proof crystal. The 39mm steel case, gray dial, and leather strap make a coherent, restrained package. If your days involve water sports or a lot of rough handling, a dedicated dive or field watch with sapphire glass would serve you better, but you would give up the easygoing elegance this Bulova does well.