TGIF: Solving A Fluted Bezel Conundrum

Say you've been thinking about adding a dress watch with a fluted bezel to your collection, but you have few rules:

1. It can't be a Rolex Datejust.
2. It can't be a Datejust homage.
3. It can't cost more than $1000.
4. It has to be a respectable brand with a history. 

A Nibosi Datejust Homage Watch

It's a bit of a conundrum.  You like that sparkle, but you aren't presidential material. Homage watch can be cool. But, sometimes for work, you might want to avoid an obvious datejust homage watch. You also don't want to spend more than $1000 because you can always get that "no papers" Rolex from the pawnshop for about $3000. What do you do?

A "no papers" Rolex Datejust at the Pawnshop

I think that you look at watches from Bulova and their value-oriented brand Caravelle. Bulova has a fluted watch with a square case called the Super Seville. Since it's square, it's obviously different from a Rolex Datejust. It's not a homage. Plus, it has a bit of Bulova brand prestige and the famed Bulova Precisionist movement. I've given the Bulova Super Seville a sharp watch shout out before here on this blog. To me, the Bulova Super Seville is a very different watch than the Rolex Datejust.

Bulova Super Seville (Amazon photo)

The Super Seville is a little expensive. This best price variant comes in at nearly $500 on Amazon.  You can check it out via my Amazon affiliate link. Bulova's value-oriented brand Caravelle offers another fluted watch that may pique your interest.

Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon photo)

The Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch is another alternative.  It's a 41mm diameter watch with a "coin-edged bezel" that comes in at a bit over $100 with a leather strap. Stainless steel bracelet versions are a bit more expensive, but still under $150. While there is a 41mm Rolex Datejust, it has a thicker bezel and thicker hour markers. This Caravelle strikes a far more minimalist tone with thin markers and a smaller date window. You can check this one out here via my Amazon affiliate link. 

I think either of these choices provide a fluted bezel alternative that is different enough from the classic Rolex Datejust to break away from the homage label. That can be a breath of fresh air.

If you do like the looks of the Rolex Datejust, I have found some homage watches that might fit the bill.  You can read about them in this post.

Watch Spotlight: Bulova Marine Star Series B

Tool watches from the prestigious watch brands have an almost cult-like following. The Rolex Explorer and Tudor Ranger are well-built watches that do their jobs. They are grail watches for many watch enthusiasts. But, if you want a solid watch that does its job well, you need not look much further than the Bulova Marine Star Series B (Model 96B382). It's a quartz watch with a rotating internal bezel and 100-meters of water resistance. It also has a 43mm diameter case that brings a strong masculine presence to your wrist. I think it's a great looking watch.

Bulova Marine Star Series B (Model 96B382) - Amazon Photo

In 2025, I highlighted sale prices and discounts that brought the watch down to about $250.  Today, those sale prices are the new standard prices. No fuss. No muss. No pining away for months while waiting for a sale.

Bulova Marine Star Series B (Model 96B382) Back - Amazon Photo

I love my vintage Marine Star (see my post) and I'm sure this one will be a great vintage watch someday. Adventure-oriented watches like this Marine Star fill the role of being rugged, readable, respectable, and eminently practical with a sense of purposeful style.

If you'd like to take a closer look at this great Bulova watch, you can see it here on Amazon!

Bulova Two-Tone Classic Dress Watch for Men (Amazon Photo)

If the Marine Star isn't your style, check out this PRX-like two-tone Bulova here on Amazon (shown above).

Watch Spotlight: Bulova Men's Modern Millenia Automatic Ceramic Watch

The automatic watch is the epicenter of watch-making tradition. Usually, we embrace that, but sometimes it's nice to see a thoroughly modern take on the automatic. The Bulova Men's Modern Millenia Automatic Ceramic Watch (shown below) is a three-hand 21-jewel automatic with a partial open aperture in the front and an exhibition caseback revealing the mechanism.

Bulova Modern Millenia Automatic (Amazon photo)

The watch features a ceramic case and bracelet, an edge-to-edge domed crystal, gold-tone accent markings, and a classic subdial with a second hand.  The watch has a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. The watch case is 41.5mm in diameter and it stands a little tall at 13.2mm thick.  One Amazon reviewer noted that the lug-to-lug measurement of this watch is a little large at 53.8mm. By having only a partial aperture on the watch face, the watch is more readable than a full skeleton watch and there is room for the vaunted Bulova tuning fork logo.

Bulova Modern Millenia Automatic Exhibition Caseback (Amazon photo)

Overall, this Bulova is a modern watch from a known brand at a good price. Check it out here on Amazon. There's only one problem. The seller says there is only one left!

Watch Deal Alert: Bulova Marine Star 98B203 On Sale 24% off [Updated for June 2026]

UPDATED BULOVA DEAL JUNE 2026

If you are looking for a great watch deal, you might check out the Bulova Marine Star (Model 98B203) that's discounted right now on Amazon.  As of June 2026, it's 24% off the regular price for a high quality quartz watch from this premium brand. That brings this watch in well under $300. 

Bulova Marine Star (98B203) as shown on Amazon

Inspired by the sea, this elegant quartz watch has a 4.7 star rating on Amazon and offers a stainless steel case and band, a rotating bezel, a black dial, a mineral crystal, and 100-meters of water resistance.  If you'd like to get this watch, you can find it here on Amazon.

[This post is updated for June 2026.  If you like an elegant diver design, this one is a great watch.]

Watch Deal Alert: Bulova Men's 3-Hand Calendar Date Quartz Watch

There are some watches that get lots of attention in the media. For example, the Citizen Tsuyosa or Seiko Cocktail watches. But, there are some watches that simply offer a great look, a name with heritage, and a solid value for the price. If you like some of the richly textured dial designs that are available now, you'll like this Christmas deal from Bulova. It's their Men's 3-Hand Calendar Date Quartz Watch.

Bulova Men's 3-Hand Quartz Calendar Date Watch

This Bulova has a great look that rivals far more ballyhood watches. But, as of April 20, 2026, you can get it for 24% off here via our Amazon affiliate link for a limited time and at a very respectable sub-$250 price.  This watch carries all the prestige, rarity, and shine needed to make a memorable gift. 

[Updated April 20, 2026]

Modern Watch Monday: Bulova Men's CURV Chronograph Black and Titanium Watch

 It's always interesting when reputable watch companies play with the form of a watch. That's what makes the Bulova Men's CURV Chronograph in black and titanium such an interesting find. The CURV has a case that is literally curved to conform to the wrist. It also has a dark gray exhibition dial that let's you see through to the high frequency (262kHz) quartz movement while being dark enough to provide great contrast to keep the gold-tone watch hands easy to read. 

Bulova Men's CURV Chronograph Black and Titanium Watch (Amazon Photo)

An exhibition caseback shows off the other side of the movement. The rubber strap has a bit of stand off space provided by the case design. The case itself is titanium set off by a black bezel under the crystal and a black strap.

In a world where every watch can seem to be an homage, the Bulova Curv seems to set a different course.  You can get ahead of the Curv here on Amazon.com.

Now Available Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel Watches

Bulova has a new line of watches called Snorkel. They celebrate the ocean and vibrant colors of coral reefs and sea life. The watch brand recently announced the release of Snorkel Oceanographer series watches. These models bring new life and color to the some long-running and popular designs.

Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer Watches

The first of these Snorkel watches is the Blue Whale. It very much has a beach vibe with its light blue pastel colors. It has a 41mm case and a rotating unidirectional bezel. If you live at a beach and this color palette works for you, you can find this watch here on Amazon. Personally, this one is way too pastel for me.

The Bulova Snorkel Blue Whale (Amazon photo)

If you are interested in a darker, more traditionally masculine look, you might go directly to the Bulova site and check out the Bulova Snorkel Tide. It's a limited edition Oceanographer quartz watch with 100 meters of water resistance that I find a bit more appealing. It still comes with a violet NATO strap that is well outside of my color comfort zone. You can find this one here on the Bulova website.

Bulova Snorkel Tide Oceanographer (Bulova photo)

Returning--running really--to a more traditional dive watch format, I like the Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer Automatic in grey. It doesn't have a cool fish name, but frankly, I'm cool with calling it a Devil Diver as it does have 666 feet (200 meters) of water resistance. This watch has excellent luminescent fill for great low light capabilities. If you'd like to get this watch, it is available here on Amazon. As of this posting (July 3, 2025), this watch is on sale for 12% off.

Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer Automatic (Amazon photo)

Finally, I'll close out with the last Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer now on Amazon. This one comes in red, white, and blue. It is a Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer Automatic with a traditional "Pepsi" color scheme. It's a comfortable watch design that lets all of us traditionalists breathe a deep sigh of relief.

Bulova Snorkel Oceanographer Automatic "Pepsi" Colors (Amazon Photo)

If you'd like to check this watch out, it is available here on Amazon. The watch is listed at 53% off of the full retail price that you would find on the Bulova website. While not all of these are the watch for me, it's good to see Bulova experimenting, evolving, and bringing interesting new designs to market.

Watch Deal Alert: Bulova Men's Classic Quartz - Two Tone Watch

As of June 2026, there's an 39% off Amazon deal on the Bulova Men's Classic Quartz Two Tone Stainless Steel Watch. The watch has a textured 39mm diameter dial, and an integrated gold and silver toned stainless steel bracelet that is similar to the look of the Tissot PRX. While some may scoff at the Bulova as not being a European luxury brand, I think this is an elegant and modern looking watch with a great looking dial. 

 Bulova Men's Classic Two Tone Watch

When I first found this watch and posted about it when I asked Are All Watch Companies Being PRX?, it was 48% off, then it was listed at 53% off for a limited time, then it was listed at 11% off, and now (in June 2026) it is 39% off at a price of just over $240. Prices do  bounce all over the price, but value finds a way. If you love that great tuning fork logo, you can take a closer look at this two-tone watch at my affiliate link below:

Bulova Men's Classic Quartz Two Tone Stainless Steel Watch
[Updated June 9, 2026] 

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Bulova Marine Star Tachymeter Watch

Apparently, I've never shared this Bulova Marine Star from my collection on this blog. The second hand on this watch stays stationary at 12 o'clock until you activate the stopwatch feature.  It's pretty cool.

My Bulova Marine Star Tachymeter Watch

I've had this Bulova for a few years.  I wore it to work regularly and then tucked it away for a long while.  I just replaced the battery for the first time.  I was a little worried that I might not have gotten the battery in securely, but so far it is running well and keeping time like a champ. To check out the full line of Bulova Marine Star watches offered on Amazon, click it here!

Wristwatch Review: Bulova Marine Star (Model C937355)

The website for the Bulova Marine Star line of watches invites wearers "to live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns, and innovative materials inspired by the sea."  I was thrilled to come across this well-used Marine Star example (below) a few years ago and add it to my collection.  However, finding the specific details of this watch require a little detective work.

Bulova Marine Star (Model C937355)

WHAT BULOVA IS THIS?

Of course, reviewing a watch of unknown age and unknown price might be a bit of a challenge.  According to the caseback, this is a Bulova Marine Star Model C937355. This model has been discontinued for awhile, but the very similar Model 98C71 is still available at Walmart.com.  The C937355 still comes up in searches of ebay and similar sites from time to time.  

This vintage Bulova Marine Star catches everyone's eyes.

Fortunately, the internet has enough information to allow a closer look at this Bulova Marine Star.

HOW OLD IS THIS BULOVA?

This very useful article on Wikihow reveals how to date a Bulova Watch.  The "A7" code on the caseback reveals that the watch was manufactured in 2007.

WATCH FEATURES

This Bulova offers a genuine leather band, 100 meters of water resistance, a stainless steel case, and a uni-directional rotating bezel. This Bulova has the famed tuning fork logo on the dial at 12 o'clock, on the crown, on the caseback, and on the buckle. At age 17, the watch also offers natural wear, patina, and weathering in all the right places.

This leather on this Bulova has weathered perfectly

The watch batons on this Bulova stand out individually with gold-toned trim and a helpful amount of lume for low light conditions.

The Baton details and hands of this Bulova Marine Star are striking

WATCH DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of this dress watch are on the slightly small side.  The case is about 38mm in diameter and 9mm thick.  The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

I enjoy this watch.  I like the quality details of this watch. I love that I found it for $20 or so at a thrift store. It is even more fun now that I've uncovered some of this watch's history.  Like this writer, this Bulova watch is well on it's way to becoming vintage or antique or something.

SIMILAR WATCHES

If you'd like a similar watch model, you might search for the 98C71.  I've seen it listed on the Walmart.com website.

The Similar Bulova Marine Star 98C71 on Walmart.com

Watches A to Z: Bulova

One of my favorite brands of wristwatch is Bulova. To me the brand brings three important things to the table:  history, luxury, technical innovation, and style. Best of all, Bulova timepieces are accessible to me as a middle class person. On Amazon, you can regularly find Bulova watches at price points between $150 and $4500.  The company also owns the Caravelle brand which offers some really nice watches at lower price points.

My first Bulova Watch

Bulova History

Bulova was established in 1875 and had a long history as an independent American watch company. Since 2008, the company has been a subsidiary of a respected Japanese multinational watch company: Citizen. From humble beginnings as a jewelry shop founded by Joseph Bulova on Maiden Lane in New York City, the company rose to regularly participating in space missions.

Famous Bulova Watches

Perhaps the most famous Bulova watch is the Lunar Pilot.worn by Commander David Scott on the Apollo 15 moon landing.  I've mentioned this famed Bulova before on this blog.  The crystal of his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster popped off and Commander Scott used his personal Bulova watch on a moonwalk.  In 2006, the original Bulova Lunar Pilot chronograph that went to the moon was auctioned off for $1.625 million at auction.  It's amazing that Bulova offers a new quartz Lunar Pilot that is an homage to the original and that we can actually afford it for our collections.

Astronaut David R. Scott, Apollo 15 commander., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (Bulova is strapped to his left forewarm).

My Bulova Watches

I feel very lucky to have a few Bulova watches and I'll probably get more in the years to come. I currently have a Bulova dress watch, a vintage Bulova Marine Star watch, and a Bulova Precisionist Stainless Steel Calendar watch.  

Bulova Precisionist Quartz Watch

TGIF: Gen Z is reviving the watch market

 According to a recent article in the Robb Report, Gen Zers Are Spending Like Maniacs on Watches.  I'm not sure how. I guess when Bitcoin investments, Influencer Channel Income, and a half-dozen side hustles come together, it can be a wonderful thing.  All I can say is great for Gen Z!

If you belong to this prosperous part of Gen Z, welcome to The Watch Dude Blog. Perhaps, I can suggest a nice watch with an unusual square shape?  It's the Cartier Santos.  It features an automatic movement, 100 meters of water resistance, and a silvertone case and bezel. I think you'll like it.

A Cartier Santos Watch (Photo from Amazon)

If you are looking for an unusual feature.  This watch has a blue cabachoon crown.  I think that is probably actually cabachon--a blue apatite stone.  It's the kind of feature that makes this watch unique and luxurious.

A profile shot showing the Blue Cabachon crown of the Cartier Santos.

For most readers, an exquisite watch like the Cartier Santos is most likely out of reach.  But, we can gawk and gaze and drool at this fine Cartier watch online.  If you do get this watch, let us know in the comments.  We'll want to live vicariously through you!

An alternative watch that offers luxury at a less stratospheric price point is the Bulova Men's Sutton Automatic Watch.  It's powered by a 21 Jewel Miyota movement and offers a peak into the beating heart of the movement.

Bulova Sutton Automatic

 Regardless of watch price, it's great to see that Gen Z is keeping interest in mechanical watches alive!

My Bulova is a winner!

I recently won a pair of sunglasses from Bulova through a Twitter contest. A photo of my Bulova watch was chosen as a photo of the day! Here's my picture. I call it "Bulova in the Boardroom."

Bulova dress watch (Model 9B168)

If you are looking for this watch, it is Bulova dress watch (Model 9B168). Bulova is a great brand for watches that are a step above the commonplace without getting into the stratosphere of ridiculous pricing.

[As of 2024, this watch might be a very hard find.  However, Amazon still offers plenty of classic Bulova watch styles here.]

 

A Bulova makes the scene

Sometimes a nice watch can make you feel like you have executive potential. At least, my new Bulova did! I recently had to speak in front of a large crowd of co-workers and managers and those Bulova tuning forks were a real confidence boost.

Bulova Dress Watch

Best of all, this prestigious Bulova can be bought for a steal! My wife bought it for me for Christmas for $99 at Sears. But, I've recently seen them for as low as $67 on the Internet (in 2012).

Today, as of this update in August 2025, Bulova dress watches cost a little more, but they still look great an instill a sense of luxury, style, and confidence. A watch like this Bulova Men's 3-Hand Quartz Calendar Date watch are an excellent choice.

Bulova Men's 3-Hand Date Calendar Quartz Watch

Bulova watches like this one (Model 96B015) still have the tuning fork and add the beauty of a sunray dial. At 38mm in diameter, it's the perfect size to fit under the cuff of a dress shirt. In 2025, you can find this Bulova for less than $200 here on Amazon!

Waiting for a train? Try a pocket watch!

If you find yourself waiting for a train, a gun fight at high noon, or a hypnosis patient, you might want to try a pocket watch.  I got this one from Walmart for $12.88 each.

A Walmart Pocket Watch

[Over the years, I have often seen very inexpensive pocket watches with various themes: Star Wars, Railroads, etc. But, sometimes on Amazon, you do stumble upon a pocket watch that reminds you of finer things and times gone by.  For example, in 2024, I saw this Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch on Amazon and it comes with a very nice wooden display case.  It's definitely a timepiece to be proud of.]

A Fine Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch