WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Bulova 96A199 & 97A136 Classic Automatic Watch Review

Bulova 96A199 & 97A136 Classic Automatic Watch Review

November 26, 2017 by Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Bulova 96A199 & 97A136 Classic Automatic Watch Review

Today I present you with a pair of Bulova watches that have a lot in common, yet their unique colors and finishes make for two very different looking watches. So, we have somewhat of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation here. I would consider the cream white-dialed 97A136 the gentlemanly Dr. Jekyll as it would be a great watch for wearing to the office. The 96A199 would get the Mr. Hyde name, as its more suited for a night out on the town. These models both hail from Bulova’s Classic Automatic Collection; a large catalog of watches that features the likes of the previously reviewed 96A120.

96A199 - 97A136 close up of dials

> > > Click here to view the 96A199 price < < <

> > > Click here to view the 97A136 price < < <


watchpod shop banner

The fact that Bulova has chosen the 97A136 to grace the header of the Classic Collection webpage tells you all that you need to know about how proud the American watchmaker is of the watch

The Basics

Let’s start by describing the features both watches share, starting with the heart and soul of any watch: the movement. An automatic Miyota movement is used in both models, displayed via the exhibition case backs as well as the aperture window above the 6 o’clock hour marker on the dials.

Exhibition display back

One of the movement’s 21 jewels is centered within this window, making for a nice symmetrical look. Once it is fully wound by either winding the crown or movements of your wrist, the watch should remain working for about 40 hours.

both watches together

Thin lines starting at the 12, 3, and 9 o’clock hour markers draw inwards to place a bullseye on the dead center of each watch. That 12 o’clock numeral is actually Bulova’s trademark tuning fork logo, a really nice touch that I am surprised Bulova doesn’t use more often; let’s hope these models represent the start of a trend in that direction.

cream colored dial

Both watches have a crown situated at the not-so-common 2 o’clock position, with the tuning fork logo stamped onto the end of them. The shapes of the hands, hour and minute markers, and the case are identical on both models as well. Both versions of the watch carry a water resistance rating of 30 meters, although I am sure owners of the 97A136 watch will be slightly more hesitant to expose their watches to the rain than those who own the steel-braceleted 96A199 watch.

side by side

> > > Click here to view the 96A199 price < < <

> > > Click here to view the 97A136 price < < <

Reasonably sized at 41 millimeters in diameter and 12 millimeters thick. Mineral crystal.

The Differences

The 96A199 uses a black dial set against a stainless-steel case and bracelet for a chic, almost sinister, look. Yes, with the red crosshairs centered on the dial and the cold silver-on-black look, this watch almost has something devilish about it.

tourbillon

This isn’t really an evil watch, of course. If anything, it is more hip and youthful than its gold-and-white sibling, and I think it pulls off the exhibition window much better than does the 97A136, with the steel elements of the movement providing excellent accompaniment for the silver finish on the dial, case, and bracelet. This watch retails for just under $500, according to Bulova’s website.

on the wrist with drink

The gold-on-white theme sported by our 97A136 watch creates a very different atmosphere, one much more fitting for an upstanding professional. The rose gold stainless-steel case, hour markers, and hands seem to favor the “gold” over the “rose,” at least to my eye. It is a very nice color and complements the white dial very well. While not as fun and lively as the 96A199, this is a very elegant watch that would prove to be a great accompaniment for a suit or dress shirt. At $450, this watch is nearly $50 cheaper than the black-dialed watch.

strap and buckle

A handsome stainless-steel bracelet matches the finish on the 96A199’s case and features interlocking rectangular links consisting of 5 rectangles. The white-dialed 97A136 makes use of a soft croco-embossed leather strap with a rose-gold buckle closure that features another tuning fork logo.

In Summary

These offerings from Bulova seem to be very solid choices in the mid-level automatic dress watch category. With a dearth of sporty features, but style in abundance, these are clearly watches intended to be worn with a suit. With everything being identical aside from the colorways and bands on these two models, the choice between them is purely down to personal preference. As for downsides, I would have hoped for one or two nicer touches on these watches, considering the price point; perhaps a higher-quality crystal or a fancier-looking movement. That said, when taken in total, both the 97A136 and Mr. Hyde are extremely attractive watches, and that’s really the main point of dress watches like these.

To have a look at Bulova’s entire collection you can visit their official website here.

For best price:

> > > Click here to view the 96A199 price < < <

> > > Click here to view the 97A136 price < < <

Filed Under: Dress, Men's, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches

About Matthew Catellier

Matt is the Founder and Executive editor of The Watch Review Blog. For Matt, watches represent self-expression, art and freedom, and his ideal watch combines functionality with intriguing history behind it. Follow
                                him on Instagram @watchreviewblog.

Comments

  1. François says

    January 9, 2018 at 8:58 am

    Hello, nice review as I have the lovely 97A136. But unless you made a mistake…which I’m sure you did not, you can absolutly hand wind this watche, simlpy turn the crown. 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Longines Record Automatic Chronograph L2.921.4.56.2 Watch Review
  • Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Polar & 42 Date Blue Watch Review
  • The Best Watch Display Stand for Rolex and Other Luxury Watches
  • Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists
  • Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

BUYING GUIDES

Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

January 23, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

January 20, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tissot Watches for 2023

January 19, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tachymeter Function Watches

January 18, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches for Collectors

September 1, 2022 By Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Top 5 Best Grand Seiko Watches For Collectors

November 24, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 8 Comments

Top 5 Most Popular Watches of 2021 for Holiday and Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Chronograph Watches for Collecting

October 21, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 3 Comments

Top 5 Most Rare and Sought After Omega Speedmaster Watches

October 5, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 4 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2023 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.