Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Bulova's timepiece meets Invicta's diver

Quick Verdict

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 ($50–$100) delivers Automatic (Seiko NH35A) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 measures 40mm and is rated 200m. 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

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Classic Automatic 98A139Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681
Price$250–$500$50–$100
Case Size45mm40mm
MovementAutomatic, 21 JewelsAutomatic NH35A
Caliber TypeSelf-Winding AutomaticAutomatic (Seiko NH35A)
Power Reserve
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)200m
CrystalDomed CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialBlack Ion-Plated Stainless Steel
OriginJapanese MovementInvicta (Japanese movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Invicta's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 offers steel construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Automatic NH35A

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 uses the Automatic NH35A (Automatic (Seiko NH35A), standard reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Invicta

45mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Invicta

Invicta sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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 a standard reserve on the Pro Diver Automatic 23681. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Invicta

30m (3 ATM) vs 200m

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 handles 200m. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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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Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Choose the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 if you value Automatic (Seiko NH35A) technology, Invicta (Japanese movement) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Automatic NH35A with ample power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Invicta delivers Invicta (Japanese movement) 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 Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 ($50–$100) features Automatic NH35A with 200m water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Japanese Movement craftsmanship vs Invicta (Japanese movement) engineering.
The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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 Pro Diver Automatic 23681 at 40mm with 200m is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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.