Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison
Bulova's timepiece meets Citizen's field watch
Quick Verdict
The Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison ($100–$150) delivers Eco-Drive Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison measures 37mm 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.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 | Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $100–$150 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 37mm |
| Movement | Automatic, 21 Jewels | Eco-Drive Caliber E101 |
| Caliber Type | Self-Winding Automatic | Eco-Drive Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) |
| Power Reserve | — | 6 Months (Solar, Full Charge) |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Domed Crystal | Mineral Glass |
| Case Material | Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Japanese Movement | Citizen (Japan) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
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 Garrison offers Stainless Steel construction at 37mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Eco-Drive Caliber E101
The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison uses the Eco-Drive Caliber E101 (Eco-Drive Solar Quartz (No Battery Change), 6 Months (Solar, Full Charge) reserve) at standard. The Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 37mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison at 37mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Citizen sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral Glass and 6 Months (Solar, Full Charge) on the Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison handles 100m (10 ATM). The Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison 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.
Check Price on AmazonCitizen
Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison
Choose the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison if you value Eco-Drive Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) technology, Citizen (Japan) heritage, and 37mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Eco-Drive Caliber E101 with 6 Months (Solar, Full Charge) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Citizen delivers Citizen (Japan) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.