Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square

Bulova's timepiece meets Casio's diver

Quick Verdict

The Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square ($50–$100) delivers Casio Digital Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The G-Shock DW-5600 Square measures 42.8mm (Square) 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.

BulovaClassic Automatic 98A139$250–$500 Check price CasioG-Shock DW-5600 Square$50–$100 Check price

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Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

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Casio

G-Shock DW-5600 Square

$50–$100

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square
Price	$250–$500	$50–$100
Case Size	45mm	42.8mm (Square)
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Quartz Module 3229
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Casio Digital Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve	—	2-Year Battery
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	200m (20 ATM)
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel	Resin
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 G-Shock DW-5600 Square offers Resin construction at 42.8mm (Square) with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Casio

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz Module 3229

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The G-Shock DW-5600 Square uses the Quartz Module 3229 (Casio Digital Quartz (Battery), 2-Year Battery reserve) at standard. The G-Shock DW-5600 Square offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

45mm vs 42.8mm (Square) — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the G-Shock DW-5600 Square at 42.8mm (Square). 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 DW-5600 Square at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral Glass and 2-Year Battery on the G-Shock DW-5600 Square. 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 DW-5600 Square handles 200m (20 ATM). The G-Shock DW-5600 Square 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 DW-5600 Square

Choose the Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square if you value Casio Digital Quartz (Battery) technology, Casio (Japan) heritage, and 42.8mm (Square) proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz Module 3229 with 2-Year Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square 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 G-Shock DW-5600 Square is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square is rated 200 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Square sits a band lower ($50–$100 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 G-Shock DW-5600 Square offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. 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 DW-5600 Square at 42.8mm (Square) with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the G-Shock DW-5600 Square uses Mineral Glass.

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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.