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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Bulova Marine Star Series C pairs an open-heart automatic dial with a manufacturer-rated 200 m water-resistance rating. The two references covered here are the blue-and-silver 96A291 on a rubber-backed leather strap and the black-and-gold-tone 97A174 on a metal bracelet. Both have 45 mm cases and 22 mm lugs; the choice is primarily about finish and wrist feel.
What the Marine Star Series C offers
Both watches are three-hand automatics powered by Bulova’s 8N26 movement. An opening in the dial exposes part of the movement, while the exhibition caseback listed by Bulova gives another view from the rear. The design places that visible-mechanics feature alongside a sport-watch case and a stated 200 m water-resistance rating.
The specifications below are Bulova’s listings unless otherwise noted. A 2022 hands-on review adds observations about proportions and wear, but no independent water-resistance test is established here.
96A291 or 97A174: what changes?
| Feature | 96A291 | 97A174 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial and finish | Blue open-heart dial with stainless-steel case | Black open-heart dial with gold-tone PVD stainless-steel case |
| Strap or bracelet | Blue leather strap with rubber backing | Gold-tone stainless-steel bracelet |
| Case and lug width | 45 mm; 22 mm | 45 mm; 22 mm |
| Crystal | Mineral | Mineral |
| Movement | Automatic 8N26 | Automatic 8N26 |
| Water resistance | 200 m, as listed by Bulova | 200 m, as listed by Bulova |
Bulova Mexico’s listings identify these configurations and specifications: 96A291 and 97A174. Bulova’s Ireland product pages also identify the references and list a 21-jewel automatic movement and exhibition caseback: 96A291 and 97A174.
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#1 Best Overall
- An incredibly bold design, this men’s Bulova Marine Star High Performance Quartz sport watch pushes the limits with Bulova’s cutting edge technology and a strikingly modern case.
- Defined by a rugged, angular profile, the 43mm stainless steel case features brushed facets and polished accents, with a unidirectional timing bezel with a ceramic insert, a sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown ensuring 200m water resistance.
- The bright white dial takes its inspiration from the undulating crests of the ocean, with a wave pattern accented by applied hour markers and a bold handset, all featuring luminescent material for unrivaled legibility in all conditions.
- A date window is position at 3 o’clock, while the red-tipped seconds hand brings a subtle pop of color and sweeps smoothly around the dial thanks to Bulova’s proprietary Precisionist movement, a revolutionary 8-jewel quartz mechanism vibrating at a remarkable 262kHz and accurate to seconds per year with increased resistance to temperature changes.
- With a 3-link, dual-finished stainless steel bracelet featuring a secure foldover clasp, this men’s Bulova timepiece is equipped to handle everything from the office to the ocean.
How they may wear on the wrist
Bulova lists both cases at 45 mm, with 22 mm lugs. In Ricardo Sime’s October 19, 2022 hands-on review, the watches are reported at 52 mm lug-to-lug and 15 mm thick, with a screw-down crown. Those latter dimensions and the crown description are reviewer observations, rather than measurements confirmed here by a manufacturer listing.
The 45 mm case is a substantial starting point, and the reported 52 mm lug-to-lug span may also matter if a watch tends to overhang your wrist. The 96A291’s leather strap has rubber backing; the 2022 reviewer described it as comfortable. The 97A174’s bracelet gives the gold-tone version a more continuous metal look and a different feel from the strap model. The reviewer characterized both designs as balancing sporty and dress-oriented cues.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Chronograph, Calendar
- Two-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
What the water-resistance rating does—and does not—tell you
Bulova advertises both references as water resistant to 200 m. The 2022 review also reports a screw-down crown. These are useful features to compare, but the available information does not establish an independent pressure test or certify a specific diving use. Check the watch’s current manual and care guidance before relying on it for a particular activity, and make sure the crown is secured as instructed.
Movement and power-reserve discrepancy
Bulova identifies the movement as an automatic 8N26. The Ireland pages list 21 jewels; Sime’s 2022 review reports a beat rate of 21,600 beats per hour and a 42-hour reserve. However, Bulova Mexico’s current product descriptions conflict internally for both references: descriptive text states 38 hours, while the technical fields state 42 hours. Since those official figures disagree, a definitive reserve should not be assumed from these listings.
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- Capturing the daring style of Marc Anthony, one of music’s most influential artists, Bulova presents the all-new Marc Anthony Series A.
- The bold, angular silver-tone stainless steel case features brushed finishing with polished accents, a silver-tone bezel with grey accents, a flat mineral crystal, and a screw-down crown. The stunningly vibrant blue dial combines sunray texture along the hour track and a central dial with a radiant sunburst finish, complete with hands with luminescent treatment, polished indices, and a grey running seconds sub-dial.
- The dial is further accented with diamond hour markers at 1, 3, and 5 o’clock, chosen by Marc for their personal significance. Visible through both the dial aperture and an exhibition case back, the open heartbeat automatic movement features 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.
- The 44mm watch has 200m of water resistance and is complemented with a matching silver-tone stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant clasp. Uniting Marc Anthony’s iconic music with Bulova’s proprietary technology and Bold at Heart spirit, this new men’s timepiece will keep you always within style’s rhythm.
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Price and availability depend on market and date
The October 2022 review reported US launch prices of $595 for the 96A291 and $695 for the 97A174. Those are historical launch figures, not current US prices. Bulova’s regional pages display prices and offers in local currencies, which can vary by market and date; current US pricing and stock are not established here. Confirm the exact reference and configuration with a local seller before buying.
For model-specific details, consult Bulova’s official pages for the 96A291 and 97A174. The dated comparative review is available at Time+Tide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
- Chronograph, Calendar;Luminous Hands and Markers
- Gray Ion-Plated Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #4
- 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.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Sub Second Hand, Hack Feature
- Two-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Which reference makes more sense?
- Choose the 96A291 if you want the blue dial and a strap rather than a metal bracelet; its leather strap is rubber-backed.
- Choose the 97A174 if the black dial and gold-tone case-and-bracelet treatment better suit your style.
- Compare fit before ordering if a 45 mm case may feel large; the 2022 reviewer reports a 52 mm lug-to-lug span for these watches.
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.
