Bulova Marine Star Men’s Chronograph Watch (98B258)

Marine Star is printed on the dial under the Bulova logo, and the watch lives up to the name. A rose gold-tone case is ringed by a black bezel with six dark screw-style accents, the crown and pushers are black, and the whole thing sits on a plain black silicone strap. It is a big, confident chronograph that still reads clean at arm’s length. \n\n Case and Wrist Presence \n The case is round, with a notched outer edge that catches light in short flashes rather than one long gleam. The rose gold tone is warm rather than brassy, and the black bezel ring keeps it from tipping into jewellery. Crown guards flank the black screw-down-style crown on the right, with a chronograph pusher above and below it. This is a watch with visible depth to the case sides, so it stands proud of the wrist rather than disappearing under a cuff. \n\n Dial and Legibility \n The dial is black with a fine radial texture that only shows when the light hits it. Roman numerals ring the outside in white and rose gold, and the hour and minute hands are broad white batons that stay readable against the dark background. Three sub-dials sit at left, right and bottom, and a date window is cut in between four and five o’clock. A red-tipped central seconds hand gives you a moving reference point without cluttering the layout, and a numbered inner scale runs around the dial edge for the chronograph to work against. \n\n Movement and Functions \n A quartz movement drives it, so timekeeping stays accurate without winding and the only maintenance a running watch needs is a battery every few years. The chronograph is worked by the two pushers: start, stop, reset. The date sits in its own window and steps over at midnight. \n\n Strap Clasp and Fit \n Black silicone is a sensible match for a case this size. It does not stretch as it warms, it does not absorb sweat the way leather does, and a wipe with a damp cloth cleans it. Silicone also stays soft in cold weather, which matters on a heavy watch that would otherwise pivot on a stiff strap. Expect it to sit flat rather than mould to the wrist the way a worn-in leather band eventually does. \n\n Who This Watch Suits \n Someone who wants a chronograph that is clearly a statement piece. The rose gold and black combination reads dressier than a steel sports chronograph but the silicone strap keeps it casual, so it works better with an open collar than a suit. If you prefer a watch that hides under a shirt cuff, this is not it. \n\n Care and Maintenance \n Rinse the strap with fresh water after a sweaty day and dry it before storing. Keep the rose gold-tone finish away from abrasive cloths and household cleaners, which dull plating faster than ordinary wear does. Do not operate the chronograph pushers or the crown while the watch is wet. \n\n Technical Specifications \n \n Brand Bulova \n Collection Marine Star \n Model 98B258 \n Gender Men’s \n Movement Quartz \n Functions Chronograph, date \n Case shape Round \n Case colour Rose gold-tone \n Dial colour Black \n Dial markers Roman numerals \n Strap material Silicone \n Strap colour Black \n \n\n Buying With Confidence \n Covered by a 24-month international manufacturer warranty on the movement, excluding the battery and normal wear. It ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, delivered nationwide with tracking, and the Consumer Protection Act right of return applies to an unworn watch still in its original packaging. The six black bezel accents are worth a look in person – they are what stop the rose gold from reading as ordinary.