Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 vs Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Bulova's timepiece meets Timex's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) delivers Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 ($250–$500). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" measures 40mm and is rated 50m (5 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 View the dossier

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Bulova

Classic Automatic 98A139

$250–$500

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Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

$50–$100

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139	Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"
Price	$250–$500	$50–$100
Case Size	45mm	40mm
Movement	Automatic, 21 Jewels	Quartz (3-Hand, Date)
Caliber Type	Self-Winding Automatic	Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve	—	Battery
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	50m (5 ATM)
Crystal	Domed Crystal	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel	Brass (Gunmetal Finish)
Origin	Japanese Movement	Timex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Timex's approach

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 features a Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Domed Crystal protection. The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers Brass (Gunmetal Finish) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic, 21 Jewels vs Quartz (3-Hand, Date)

The Classic Automatic 98A139 runs the Automatic, 21 Jewels (Self-Winding Automatic, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) (Quartz (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

45mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 45mm, the Classic Automatic 98A139 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 sits at $250–$500 and the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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 Battery on the Expedition Metal Field "Scout". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Timex

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

The Classic Automatic 98A139 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" handles 50m (5 ATM). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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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Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Choose the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" if you value Quartz (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 and Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Classic Automatic 98A139 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. On price, the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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 Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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 Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Classic Automatic 98A139 uses Domed Crystal while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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.