Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

Bulova's timepiece meets Hamilton's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500) offers Self-Winding Automatic precision in the tier below the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic ($500–$1,000). The Classic Automatic 98A139 measures 45mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Khaki Field Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

Hamilton

Khaki Field Automatic

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Classic Automatic 98A139Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
Price$250–$500$500–$1,000
Case Size45mm38mm
MovementAutomatic, 21 JewelsAutomatic H-10
Caliber TypeSelf-Winding AutomaticAutomatic (ETA C07.611 base)
Power Reserve80 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalDomed CrystalSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialBlack Ion-Plated Stainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginJapanese MovementSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Hamilton's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Hamilton

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Automatic H-10

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Khaki Field Automatic uses the Automatic H-10 (Automatic (ETA C07.611 base), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Khaki Field Automatic offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Hamilton

45mm vs 38mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Khaki Field Automatic at 38mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Khaki Field Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Hamilton

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Khaki Field Automatic handles 100m (10 ATM). The Khaki Field Automatic 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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Hamilton

Khaki Field Automatic

Choose the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic if you value Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic H-10 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Hamilton delivers Swiss Made 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 Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic ($500–$1,000) features Automatic H-10 with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Japanese Movement craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 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 Khaki Field Automatic at 38mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Khaki Field Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal.

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.