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Bulova 98A242 Black IP Chronograph Bracelet Watch - W09171
Ref. 98A242
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At 9.5mm thick, this is a chronograph that actually disappears under a shirt cuff — unusual for a 42mm case with three subsidiary dials to manage on the face. The proportions work because Bulova has kept the architecture tight: the bracelet steps down through a narrow proprietary lug connection before flaring to meet the case, so the whole thing reads as one piece rather than a case with hardware bolted to it. The dial mixes two registers that do not often share space — Roman numerals at the quarters alongside stick indices, which gives it the geometry of a sport watch while the all-black surround keeps it legible at a glance. The contrast between polished and matte black ion-plating is where the finishing earns its keep; in direct light the case has depth, in shade it goes almost monochrome. At 148 grams the bracelet has real presence on the wrist, and the dual push-button deployment clasp holds its position through the day without creeping.
- Reference
- 98A242
- Brand
- Bulova
- Collection
- Classic
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case thickness
- 9.5mm
- Lug width
- 12mm
- Case material
- Black PVD
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Quartz
- Functions
- Chronograph
- Water resistance
- 30m
- Bracelet / strap
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Deployant clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- F.Hinds
Additional specifications
- Lug-to-lug
- 48mm
Learn more about Bulova
Joseph Bulova, a Bohemian immigrant, opened a jewellery shop on Maiden Lane in New York in 1875 and moved into watch manufacturing in the early twentieth century, building a plant in Sag Harbor and later a substantial operation in Queens.
Bulova's instinct for firsts was commercial as much as technical. It ran the first national advertisement for a watch brand in 1926, broadcast the first radio commercial in American history — a time announcement — in 1926, and aired the first television commercial ever broadcast in 1941, paying nine dollars for the slot.
The engineering came too. The Accutron of 1960 replaced the balance wheel with a tuning fork vibrating at 360 Hz, driven electronically. It was accurate to within a minute a month, far beyond mechanical watches, and it hummed rather than ticked. NASA used Accutron timing mechanisms in spacecraft, and one was left on the Moon in the equipment package of Apollo 11.
Bulova also made an enormous contribution to American war production, supplying military timing devices, and founded a school of watchmaking for disabled veterans.
The company was acquired by Citizen in 2008. Modern collections include the Precisionist, with a high-frequency quartz movement producing a smooth sweeping seconds hand, and reissues of the Accutron and the 1970s Computron.
- 1875
- Joseph Bulova opens his New York shop.
- 1941
- Airs the first television commercial in history.
- 1960
- The Accutron tuning fork movement is released.
- 1969
- An Accutron timer is left on the Moon by Apollo 11.
- 2008
- Acquired by Citizen.
Also in 5 collections
This watch appears in the Bulova Classic range (11), Back in Stock (4,847), Stainless Steel Watches (3,197), Chronograph Watches (1,234) and All Black Watches (319).
Manufacturer’s guarantee
What the specifications mean
Strengths
- 48mm lug-to-lug keeps the 42mm case wearable
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
- Sits in the lower half of Bulova's range as we list it
Worth knowing
- 30m means keeping it away from water
Bulova 98A242 Black IP alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | 98A242 | AR1400 | R8873621043 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £199 | £189 | £199 |
| Case size | 42mm | 42mm | 42mm |
| Water resistance | 30m | 30m | 50m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Ceramic bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| This watch | Closely matched |
|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
No. At 30m it will survive rain and handwashing, but not submersion of any kind.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
Yes. It is quartz, so expect a battery change every two to three years at a jeweller.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedWhat size strap does it take?
12mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Will it fit my wrist?
Lug-to-lug is 48mm, which suits wrists from roughly 16.5cm (6½ inches) upward.
Lug-to-lug decides fit more than case diameter does.
How to size a watch to your wristIs it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
F.Hinds is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
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