Bulova Women's Two-Tone Bangle Dress Watch 98L93
Women's Dress Watch / Jewelry Watch · Bulova (owned by Citizen Watch Co.). Bulova is a mid-range heritage brand known for mass-market luxury and historically significant innovations like the Accutron.
Period: Modern Fashion Era (late 1990s - mid 2000s) with aesthetic influences from the Art Nouveau and Post-Modern movements. Characterized by the interlocking 'X' design and integrated bracelet links.
Type
Women's Dress Watch / Jewelry Watch
Brand
Bulova (owned by Citizen Watch Co.). Bulova is a mid-range heritage brand known for mass-market luxury and historically significant innovations like the Accutron.
Movement
Japanese Quartz, likely a Miyota caliber (subsidiary of Citizen, Bulova's parent company). Standard battery-powered movement with +/- 20 seconds per month accuracy.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 18mm - 21mm (Petite/Mini); Thickness: 6mm - 7mm; Lug-to-Lug: 28mm (approximate including integrated lugs); Lug Width: Integrated bracelet.
Description
This Bulova 98L93 is a classic example of a jewelry-first timepiece. Designed more as an accessory than a tool, it utilizes a delicate 'crossover' design motif that creates a fluid visual transition from the bracelet to the case. Its petite proportions and lack of a second hand emphasize a minimalist, elegant aesthetic suitable for formal wear or office attire.
Key Features
Interlocking 'X' lug design, two-tone finishing, petite 18-21mm case, and the 'Bulova' serif logo at 12 o'clock. Diagnostic code '98L93' is often visible on the dial bottom or caseback.
Dial Description
Clean white matte dial with applied gold-tone indices. Features double-slash markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock and dot markers for the remaining hours. Gold-tone dauphine-style hour and minute hands. No second hand.
Case Material
Base metal with two-tone finishing; primarily stainless steel / chrome-toned finish with yellow gold-tone PVD or electroplated accents on the bezel and decorative lugs.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass crystal, flat profile. Shows minor visible surface scratches.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth bezel with a polished silver-tone outer ring and a thin gold-tone inner accent that bleeds into the cross-over 'X' lug design.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock, small knurled texture in gold-tone finish to match the dial accents.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated jewelry-style bracelet/bangle. Features teardrop-shaped steel-tone links with gold-tone borders and a cross-over decorative element at the case attachment. Likely features a jewelry clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback, likely snap-on. Expected to have the Bulova tuning fork logo or name, model number (98L93), and 'Japan Movt' engraved.
Movement Type
Japanese Quartz, likely a Miyota caliber (subsidiary of Citizen, Bulova's parent company). Standard battery-powered movement with +/- 20 seconds per month accuracy.
Water Resistance
30M / 3ATM (Splashtone). Not suitable for swimming or showering; designed to withstand rain or light hand-washing only.
Origin & Provenance
Japanese movement housed in a case likely manufactured in China. Bulova originated in New York but now operates as a global brand under Japanese parent ownership.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-2010. This specific aesthetic was highly popular in the department store luxury market during the first decade of the 21st century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'jewelry-watch' trend of the late 20th century where watches became primarily decorative bracelets. It reflects the democratization of luxury, providing a 'high-end' look at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible wear/tarnish on the gold plating, particularly on the crown and bezel edges. Fine scratches (swirlies) are present on the polished steel surfaces. The dial remains clean and white.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value is approximately $30 - $65 USD depending on battery function and plating condition. Original MSRP was likely between $150 - $225 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a battery change every 2-3 years (SR621SW or similar). Clean with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners which may damage the gold plating. Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays to prevent plating erosion.
Similar Watches
Seiko Women's SUP series, Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette, and Anne Klein Jewelry Watches. Unlike the Citizen, this Bulova uses a standard battery rather than light-charging technology.
Interesting Facts
The '98L' series is one of Bulova's most successful women's lines, focusing on blending American design with Japanese quartz reliability. Bulova was famously the first brand to air a TV commercial in 1941.