Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak

Bulova's timepiece meets Casio's diver

Quick Verdict

The Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak ($100–$150) delivers Casio Quartz (Solar-Powered) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak measures 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick) and is rated 200m (20 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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Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak

Casio

G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak

$100–$150

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Classic Automatic 98A139Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak
Price$250–$500$100–$150
Case Size45mm45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick)
MovementAutomatic, 21 JewelsQuartz Module 5689 (Tough Solar + Bluetooth)
Caliber TypeSelf-Winding AutomaticCasio Quartz (Solar-Powered)
Power ReserveAbout 7 months on a full charge without light; about 18 months in power-saving (Casio)
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)200m (20 ATM)
CrystalDomed CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialBlack Ion-Plated Stainless SteelCarbon Core Guard Resin
OriginJapanese MovementMade in 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 G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak offers Carbon Core Guard Resin construction at 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick) with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Casio

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz Module 5689 (Tough Solar + Bluetooth)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak uses the Quartz Module 5689 (Tough Solar + Bluetooth) (Casio Quartz (Solar-Powered), About 7 months on a full charge without light; about 18 months in power-saving (Casio) reserve) at standard. The G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

45mm vs 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick) — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak at 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 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 G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak 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 About 7 months on a full charge without light; about 18 months in power-saving (Casio) on the G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak handles 200m (20 ATM). The G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak 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

G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak

Choose the Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak if you value Casio Quartz (Solar-Powered) technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick) proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz Module 5689 (Tough Solar + Bluetooth) with About 7 months on a full charge without light; about 18 months in power-saving (Casio) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Casio delivers Made in Japan engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500) offers Automatic, 21 Jewels with reliable power reserve, while the Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak ($100–$150) features Quartz Module 5689 (Tough Solar + Bluetooth) with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Japanese Movement craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
The Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak 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 G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak at 45.4mm (48.5mm lug-to-lug, 11.9mm thick) with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the G-Shock GA-B2100 CasiOak uses Mineral Glass.

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.