Updated
Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap)
Two timepieces compared — $250–$500 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500) offers Self-Winding Automatic precision in the tier below the Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) ($10,000–$25,000). The Classic Automatic 98A139 measures 45mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.
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Franck Muller
Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 | Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 45mm | About 44 x 53.7mm, curved tonneau (V 45 case) |
| Movement | Automatic, 21 Jewels | Automatic with jumping hours, Franck Muller calibre FM 2800 CH |
| Caliber Type | Self-Winding Automatic | FM 2800 CH, automatic |
| Power Reserve | — | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Domed Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, curved |
| Case Material | Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel | Brushed stainless steel |
| Origin | Japanese Movement | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Franck Muller's approach
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) offers Brushed stainless steel construction at About 44 x 53.7mm, curved tonneau (V 45 case) with Sapphire Crystal, curved. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Automatic with jumping hours, Franck Muller calibre FM 2800 CH
The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) uses the Automatic with jumping hours, Franck Muller calibre FM 2800 CH (FM 2800 CH, automatic, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs About 44 x 53.7mm, curved tonneau (V 45 case) — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) at About 44 x 53.7mm, curved tonneau (V 45 case). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Sapphire Crystal, curved and About 42 hours on the Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
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 AmazonFranck Muller
Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap)
Choose the Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) if you value FM 2800 CH, automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and About 44 x 53.7mm, curved tonneau (V 45 case) proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic with jumping hours, Franck Muller calibre FM 2800 CH with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours V 45 CH BR (brushed steel, red numerals, black alligator strap) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Franck Muller delivers Swiss Made 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.