Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field

Bulova's timepiece meets Casio's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field ($100–$150) delivers Casio Tough Solar Quartz technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The MTP-S120L Solar Field measures 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) 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 luxury watch category.

BulovaClassic Automatic 98A139$250–$500 Check price CasioMTP-S120L Solar Field$100–$150 Check price

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Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Check Price Full Review

Casio

MTP-S120L Solar Field

$100–$150

Check Price Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field
Price	$250–$500	$100–$150
Case Size	45mm	42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm)
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Solar-Powered Quartz
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Casio Tough Solar Quartz
Power Reserve	—	Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	100m (10 ATM)
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Mineral Crystal
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 MTP-S120L Solar Field offers Stainless Steel construction at 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) with Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Solar-Powered Quartz

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The MTP-S120L Solar Field uses the Solar-Powered Quartz (Casio Tough Solar Quartz, Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

45mm vs 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the MTP-S120L Solar Field at 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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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 MTP-S120L Solar Field at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral Crystal and Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement on the MTP-S120L Solar Field. 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field handles 100m (10 ATM). The MTP-S120L Solar Field 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

MTP-S120L Solar Field

Choose the Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field if you value Casio Tough Solar Quartz technology, Casio (Japan) heritage, and 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) proportions. At $100–$150, the Solar-Powered Quartz with Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field is the better buy if you want solar power and quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field sits a band lower ($100–$150 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field at 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the MTP-S120L Solar Field uses Mineral Crystal.

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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.