Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field

Bulova's timepiece meets Citizen's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500) and Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field ($250–$500) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Classic Automatic 98A139 emphasizes Self-Winding Automatic engineering while the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field focuses on Japanese Movement craftsmanship.

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Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field

Citizen

Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Classic Automatic 98A139Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field
Price$250–$500$250–$500
Case Size45mm43mm
MovementAutomatic, 21 JewelsEco-Drive Solar
Caliber TypeSelf-Winding AutomaticCitizen Eco-Drive Solar Quartz
Power Reserve——
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalDomed CrystalSpherical Mineral Crystal
Case MaterialBlack Ion-Plated Stainless SteelBlack Ion-Plated Stainless Steel
OriginJapanese MovementJapanese Movement

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Citizen's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field offers Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel construction at 43mm with Spherical Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Eco-Drive Solar

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field uses the Eco-Drive Solar (Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Quartz, standard reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Citizen

45mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Draw

Same tier — different value propositions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Spherical Mineral Crystal and a standard reserve on the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Citizen

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

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field handles 100m (10 ATM). The Eco-Drive Weekender Avion 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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Citizen

Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field

Choose the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field if you value Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Quartz technology, Japanese Movement heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Eco-Drive Solar with ample power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Citizen delivers Japanese Movement engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field is the better buy if you want solar power and quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. 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.
Both are priced similarly, making this a question of preference rather than value. The Classic Automatic 98A139 emphasizes Self-Winding Automatic technology while the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field prioritizes Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Quartz precision.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Classic Automatic 98A139 at 45mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Eco-Drive Weekender Avion Field uses Spherical Mineral Crystal.

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.