Bulova 98A302 Marine Star Automatic Blue Dial Bracelet

Bulova 98A302: Marine Star Goes Open-Heart

The Bulova 98A302 takes the Marine Star’s nautical design language and gives it a mechanical centerpiece. The blue dial has a lot going on: Roman numerals, orange minute accents, a running seconds subdial, and an open-heart aperture that shows the 82S5 automatic at work. It is not a quiet dress watch, and that is the point.

The Blue Dial Does the Heavy Lifting

Bulova splits the dial between a textured outer track and a sunburst center, so the watch changes character as the light moves. The orange accents keep the deep blue from feeling too formal, while luminous hands and polished markers preserve the practical Marine Star feel.

Automatic, Visible, and Honest About It

The 82S5 automatic movement is visible through both the front aperture and the exhibition caseback. With 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve, it is a straightforward mechanical engine rather than a spec-sheet flex. Hacking seconds is useful when you actually set the watch.

Built Like a Sport Watch

The stainless steel case and bracelet give the 98A302 real wrist presence. Bulova’s own spec table lists the case at 44mm, with a 24mm lug width, mineral crystal, screw-down crown, and 200m water resistance. The bezel is fixed, so this is a nautical sport watch rather than a true diver.

The Bottom Line

This is for someone who wants a blue automatic that looks technical without becoming a full tool watch. The trade-off is size: the case and bracelet are substantial. If that works for your wrist, the Marine Star gives you a lot of visual detail and a proper mechanical heartbeat.