The Bulova Archive Series Parking Meter Chronograph, reference 98B390, revives the distinctive bullhead design of Bulova’s 1973 Parking Meter—but it is not a mechanical reproduction. The original 31008-6W used an automatic chronograph movement; the modern 98B390 uses quartz and adds a dual-time ring. Bulova lists a 43 mm steel case, sapphire crystal, chronograph, calendar, tachymeter and 100 m water resistance.
What is the Bulova Parking Meter re-edition?
The 98B390 is a quartz chronograph in Bulova’s Archive Series, styled after the original Parking Meter watch. Its most recognizable feature is the bullhead-style layout, with the chronograph pushers positioned at the top of the case rather than on the side. The dial’s upper fan-shaped and lower rectangular subdial frames draw on the look of street parking meters, the design inspiration behind the nickname, according to Bulova Japan’s history of the Parking Meter.
The modern watch retains that unusual layout but changes the movement and adds a practical distinction of its own: a dual-time ring that turns via the crown at 6 o’clock. The standard crown is at 12 o’clock. Bulova describes the dial accents as silver, blue and orange, with blue ion-plated details on parts of the case and tachymeter ring. The oval case is paired with a padded brown leather strap with blue-gray stitching. These are the manufacturer’s descriptions; they do not establish how the watch wears or reads in person.
How does the 98B390 differ from the 1973 original?
Bulova Japan identifies the vintage watch as reference 31008-6W and dates it to 1973. The modern watch is reference 98B390. Their shared visual idea can obscure a fundamental difference: the original belonged to the automatic chronograph lineage associated with Chronomatic, while the re-edition is a quartz chronograph.
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| Feature | 1973 Parking Meter, 31008-6W | Archive Series re-edition, 98B390 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic chronograph, in the Chronomatic lineage (Bulova Japan) | Quartz chronograph (Bulova Ireland and Japan) |
| Layout | Bullhead arrangement with chronograph pushers at the top; subdial and crown orientation reflects the movement arrangement (Bulova Japan) | Bullhead-style arrangement; standard crown at 12 o’clock and a crown at 6 o’clock to adjust the dual-time ring (Bulova Japan) |
| Dual time | Not stated by Bulova Japan’s cited history page | Dual-time dial ring (Bulova Ireland and Japan) |
| Case dimensions | Not stated by Bulova Japan’s cited history page | 43 mm stainless steel (Bulova Ireland and Japan) |
| Water resistance | Not stated by Bulova Japan’s cited history page | 100 m / 10 atmospheres, as stated by Bulova (Bulova Ireland and Japan) |
The historic reference and the re-edition should therefore be treated as related designs, not interchangeable watches. A comparison should account for movement type, control layout and the added dual-time function, as well as the vintage example’s individual condition and service history. Bulova’s cited pages do not establish comparative legibility, fit, serviceability or long-term reliability.
98B390 specifications
| Specification | Bulova’s listed information |
|---|---|
| Reference | 98B390 |
| Movement | Quartz chronograph |
| Case | Stainless steel, 43 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire; Bulova Ireland specifies anti-reflective sapphire |
| Functions | Six-hand chronograph, calendar, tachymeter and dual-time ring |
| Strap and fastening | Brown leather/calf-leather strap with pin buckle |
| Water resistance | 100 m / 10 atmospheres |
| Edition quantity | 5,000 pieces worldwide, according to Bulova |
Specifications are listed on Bulova Ireland’s 98B390 product page and Bulova Japan’s Parking Meter Archive Series page. A 100 m rating alone does not establish suitability for every water activity; check the model’s manual for use and care guidance.
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What to consider before buying
The 98B390 makes the most sense for someone drawn to the Parking Meter’s unconventional dial and bullhead controls, who is comfortable choosing a quartz movement rather than seeking the original’s automatic chronograph character. The dual-time ring is a notable added function, but the available manufacturer information does not establish its practical accuracy, ease of use or legibility in everyday conditions.
- Fit: The listed case diameter is 43 mm, but that number alone does not show how the oval case sits on a particular wrist. Try it on if fit is a deciding factor.
- Controls and display: Consider whether the top-mounted chronograph pushers and separate crown for the dual-time ring suit your preferences. Official descriptions do not provide independent legibility assessments.
- Water use: Match intended water exposure to the specific guidance in the watch’s manual rather than relying on the rating alone.
- Edition and availability: Bulova states a worldwide limited edition of 5,000 pieces. Availability and price can vary by region and change over time.
Price and availability
When accessed, Bulova Ireland’s regional product page displayed a price of €549 and marked the watch “Sold Out.” That is a region-specific, time-sensitive listing, not a guarantee of current price or stock elsewhere. The cited official pages do not establish present marketplace availability.
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- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
