Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Bulova's timepiece meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. 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 Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price

Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.

Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

Check Price Full Review

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Check Price Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price	$250–$500	$100–$150
Case Size	45mm	43mm
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Quartz
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Quartz
Power Reserve	—	Battery
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Mineral crystal
Case Material	Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel	Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
Origin	Japanese Movement	Stauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Stauer

45mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Stauer

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde 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.

Check Price on Amazon

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

Try Prime Free — Free Shipping on Both Watches Students & 18–24: start Prime for Young Adults free

The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 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 Stauer 1920s Retrograde 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 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal.

More Comparisons

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Bulova's timepiece

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Stauer's dress watch

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139

Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $250–$500

Explore These Watches

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 — Full Review Stauer 1920s Retrograde — Full Review Browse All Guides

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.