Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Casio MRW-230H

Two timepieces compared — $250–$500 vs Under $50

Quick Verdict

The Casio MRW-230H (Under $50) delivers Casio Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The MRW-230H measures 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Classic Automatic 98A139 justifies its premium with Japanese Movement heritage and Automatic, 21 Jewels. Both represent excellent choices in the timepiece category.

BulovaClassic Automatic 98A139$250–$500 Check price CasioMRW-230HUnder $50 Check price

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Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

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Casio

MRW-230H

Under $50

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Casio MRW-230H
Price	$250–$500	Under $50
Case Size	45mm	44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm)
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Quartz
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Casio Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve	—	Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW)
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	100m (10 ATM)
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Resin Glass
Case Material	Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel	Resin case, aluminum bezel ring
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 MRW-230H offers Resin case, aluminum bezel ring construction at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with Resin Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The MRW-230H uses the Quartz (Casio Quartz (Battery), Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

45mm vs 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Casio MRW-230H at Under $50. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Resin Glass and Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) on the MRW-230H. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the MRW-230H handles 100m (10 ATM). The MRW-230H 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

MRW-230H

Choose the Casio MRW-230H if you value Casio Quartz (Battery) technology, Casio (Japan) heritage, and 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) proportions. At Under $50, the Quartz with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Casio MRW-230H represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — 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 MRW-230H is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio MRW-230H is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio MRW-230H sits a band lower (Under $50 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 MRW-230H offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. 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 MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the MRW-230H uses Resin 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.