Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Ref. 98B104
Fashion Sport Chronograph · Bulova (subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. since 2008), classified as a Mid-range/Mass-market heritage brand.
Period: Modern Bold (2000s-Present) characterized by oversized cases, textured dial work, and integrated decorative elements.
Type
Fashion Sport Chronograph
Brand
Bulova (subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. since 2008), classified as a Mid-range/Mass-market heritage brand.
Movement
Miyota Quartz Chronograph caliber, battery powered, featuring a 60-minute stopwatch and 24-hour subdial.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 44mm, Thickness: 12.5mm, Lug-to-lug: 50mm, Lug width: 22mm.
Description
The Bulova Marine Star 98B104 is a high-impact, oversized sport watch that blends luxury aesthetics with tool-watch proportions. It features a complex multi-layered dial and a striking black-on-gold color scheme.
Key Features
The signature Marine Star 'star' logo at 12 o'clock, the unusual 24-hour subdial at 6 o'clock, and the heavily textured decorative bezel.
Dial Description
Textured black dial with central 'Clous de Paris' hobnail pattern, applied rose gold-tone Roman numerals, and skeletonized luminescent hands. Includes three subdials and a date window at 4:30.
Case Material
Rose Gold-tone and Black Ion-Plated (IP) Stainless Steel with a mix of brushed and polished finishes.
Crystal Type
Slightly domed Mineral Crystal with no specialized anti-reflective coating visible.
Bezel Details
Fixed decorative bezel with a rose gold-tone coin-edge or scalloped texture and black ion-plated top ring.
Crown & Pushers
Oversized black ion-plated screw-down crown with crown guards; two cylindrical pump-style chronograph pushers.
Bracelet or Strap
Black integrated leather strap with alligator-grain embossing and white contrast stitching; signed tang buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback with standard brand engravings and water resistance markings.
Movement Type
Miyota Quartz Chronograph caliber, battery powered, featuring a 60-minute stopwatch and 24-hour subdial.
Water Resistance
Rated at 100 meters (10 ATM); suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not for professional diving.
Origin & Provenance
American Brand history with Japanese movement (Miyota) and assembly typically in East Asia.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely manufactured between 2010 and 2018.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'affordable luxury' trend of the 2010s where large-diameter, multi-tone watches became a staple of mainstream fashion.
Condition Notes
The watch appears in Good condition with visible scratches on the mineral crystal and minor 'flea bites' on the case edges; the leather strap shows signs of wear and creasing.
Value Estimate
Resale market value typically ranges from $75 to $150 depending on condition (Original MSRP approx. $450).
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement recommended every 2-3 years. Avoid submerging leather in water. Mineral crystal is prone to scratches and cannot be polished out; replacement is necessary if damaged.
Similar Watches
Seiko Sportura Chronographs, Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier, and certain oversized Fossil chronographs which share the ornate subdial layout.
Interesting Facts
The Marine Star collection was Bulova's response to the luxury sport watch trend of the late 20th century, becoming one of their most popular lines globally.