Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Orient Sun & Moon

Bulova's timepiece meets Orient's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500) and Orient Sun & Moon ($250–$500) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Classic Automatic 98A139 emphasizes Self-Winding Automatic engineering while the Sun & Moon focuses on Made in Japan craftsmanship.

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Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Orient Sun & Moon

Orient

Sun & Moon

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Classic Automatic 98A139Orient Sun & Moon
Price$250–$500$250–$500
Case Size45mm41.5mm
MovementAutomatic, 21 JewelsAutomatic Caliber F6B24
Caliber TypeSelf-Winding AutomaticOrient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding)
Power Reserve40 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalDomed CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialBlack Ion-Plated Stainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginJapanese MovementMade in Japan

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Orient's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Orient Sun & Moon offers Stainless Steel construction at 41.5mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Orient

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Automatic Caliber F6B24

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Sun & Moon uses the Automatic Caliber F6B24 (Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding), 40 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Sun & Moon offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Orient

45mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Sun & Moon at 41.5mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Draw

Same tier — different value propositions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Orient Sun & Moon at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral Glass and 40 Hours on the Sun & Moon. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Orient

30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Sun & Moon handles 50m (5 ATM). The Sun & Moon 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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Orient

Sun & Moon

Choose the Orient Sun & Moon if you value Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding) technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 41.5mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Caliber F6B24 with 40 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Orient Sun & Moon represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Orient 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 Orient Sun & Moon ($250–$500) features Automatic Caliber F6B24 with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Japanese Movement craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
Both are priced similarly, making this a question of preference rather than value. The Classic Automatic 98A139 emphasizes Self-Winding Automatic technology while the Sun & Moon prioritizes Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding) precision.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Classic Automatic 98A139 at 45mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Sun & Moon at 41.5mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Sun & Moon 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.