Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Casio Duro MDV106 Black

Bulova's timepiece meets Casio's diver

Quick Verdict

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black ($50–$100) delivers Casio Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The Duro MDV106 Black measures 44mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM) Diver. The Classic Automatic 98A139 justifies its premium with Japanese Movement heritage and Automatic, 21 Jewels. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

BulovaClassic Automatic 98A139$250–$500 Check price CasioDuro MDV106 Black$50–$100 Check price

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Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

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Casio

Duro MDV106 Black

$50–$100

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Casio Duro MDV106 Black
Price	$250–$500	$50–$100
Case Size	45mm	44mm
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Quartz Module 2784
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Casio Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve	—	3-Year Battery
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	200m (20 ATM) Diver
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Origin	Japanese Movement	Casio (Japan)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Casio's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Casio Duro MDV106 Black offers Stainless Steel construction at 44mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Casio

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz Module 2784

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Duro MDV106 Black uses the Quartz Module 2784 (Casio Quartz (Battery), 3-Year Battery reserve) at standard. The Duro MDV106 Black offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

45mm vs 44mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Duro MDV106 Black at 44mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM) Diver.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Casio Duro MDV106 Black at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral Glass and 3-Year Battery on the Duro MDV106 Black. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM) Diver

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Duro MDV106 Black handles 200m (20 ATM) Diver. The Duro MDV106 Black offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

Choose the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 if you prioritize Self-Winding Automatic engineering, Japanese Movement craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic, 21 Jewels with solid power reserve.

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Casio

Duro MDV106 Black

Choose the Casio Duro MDV106 Black if you value Casio Quartz (Battery) technology, Casio (Japan) heritage, and 44mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz Module 2784 with 3-Year Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Casio Duro MDV106 Black represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Casio delivers Casio (Japan) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Casio Duro MDV106 Black is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio Duro MDV106 Black is rated 200 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio Duro MDV106 Black sits a band lower ($50–$100 against $250–$500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Classic Automatic 98A139 at 45mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Duro MDV106 Black at 44mm with 200m (20 ATM) Diver is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Duro MDV106 Black uses Mineral Glass.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.