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Bulova 98A291 Modern Millennia Ceramic Bracelet Watch - W09249
Ref. 98A291
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The Modern Millennia line has always put material ambition at its centre, and this reference takes that further than most by building the entire package — case, bracelet, and the visual language of the dial — from black ceramic. The choice matters because ceramic ages differently from steel: it resists scratching in daily use in a way that keeps the deep gloss intact long after a steel equivalent would be showing its history. The Miyota 8N40 inside is a Citizen-family movement, which is relevant because Citizen is Bulova's parent company — so the supply chain here is integrated rather than opportunistic. The partial skeleton layout puts the balance wheel and escapement in direct view, framed by gold-tone accents that read as warm against the black surround. At 163 grams on the wrist, the ceramic bracelet has a presence that feels deliberate; the deployant clasp keeps it secure without the daily wear of a buckle.
- Reference
- 98A291
- Brand
- Bulova
- Collection
- Modern Millennia
- Case size
- 41mm
- Case thickness
- 13.20mm
- Lug width
- 20mm
- Case material
- Ceramic
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- 8N40
- Functions
- Small seconds, Skeleton dial
- Water resistance
- 30m
- Bracelet / strap
- Ceramic bracelet
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Deployant clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- F.Hinds
Additional specifications
- Origin
- Made in Japan
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 6 collections
This watch appears in Back in Stock (3,629), Automatic Watches (1,904), Automatic Watches Under £500 (401), All Black Watches (363), Skeleton Watches (356) and Ceramic Watches (110).
Manufacturer’s guarantee
Bulova 98A291 Modern Millennia Ceramic alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | 98A291 | RA-AK0802S30B | SRPB41J1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £359 | £370 | £349 |
| Case size | 41mm | 41.5mm | 40.5mm |
| Water resistance | 30m | 30m | 50m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Ceramic bracelet | Leather strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Power reserve | — | 40 hours | 41 hours |
| 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?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedWhat size strap does it take?
20mm. 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.
Is 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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