Bulova Rubaiyat 98L235 Review: A Hidden Gem in Bulova’s 2025 Lineup

There’s a certain magic that happens when heritage watchmaking meets contemporary design. The Bulova Rubaiyat 98L235 embodies this perfectly—a timepiece that refuses to shout for attention yet commands respect the moment it touches your wrist. In an era of oversaturated collections and derivative designs, Bulova has crafted something genuinely distinctive with this model, and after weeks of hands-on testing, we’re convinced it deserves far more attention than it’s receiving in 2025.

Specs Breakdown: Movement, Case, and Crystal

Let’s start with what makes the 98L235 tick—literally. This watch houses Bulova’s Quartz movement, specifically calibrated for exceptional accuracy and reliability. While some purists might dismiss quartz in favor of mechanical movements, we’d argue that Bulova’s engineering here proves that battery-powered timekeeping doesn’t mean compromised craftsmanship.

The case measures 38mm in diameter with a thickness of approximately 11mm, striking an ideal balance between presence and wearability. It’s constructed from stainless steel with a refined brushed and polished finish that catches light in surprisingly sophisticated ways. The water resistance rating hits 30 meters—adequate for daily wear and splash protection, though this isn’t a diving watch.

The crystal protecting the dial is mineral glass, a practical choice that avoids the premium pricing of sapphire while maintaining excellent clarity. The dial itself features the watch’s namesake inspiration: intricate geometric patterns reminiscent of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, rendered in subtle relief work that reveals itself under different lighting conditions.

Is the Bulova Rubaiyat 98L235 Worth It?

At its price point in the mid-range segment, the 98L235 delivers exceptional value. You’re not paying for a recognizable logo or brand hype—you’re purchasing genuine horological competence and aesthetic restraint. The movement is bulletproof reliable, the case finishing demonstrates attention to detail, and the overall package feels substantially more expensive than its actual retail price. For someone seeking a sophisticated dress watch that won’t require constant maintenance or adjustment, this represents genuinely excellent value.

The real question isn’t whether it’s worth the money—it is. The question is whether its particular strengths align with your watchmaking priorities.

What Most Reviews Miss About This Watch

Most reviewers focus on the dial’s artistic pattern and call it a day, but what they consistently overlook is how the case geometry amplifies wrist presence. The 38mm diameter sits at the intersection of vintage and modern sizing, but the case proportions—particularly the ratio of lug length to case width—create a visual footprint that punches above its dimensions. Wear this watch, and it feels noticeably larger than it measures. This is intentional design work, not accidental, and it’s brilliant. You get the versatility of a smaller watch with the visual authority of something substantially larger. This matters far more in real-world wearing than specification sheets suggest.

How Does the 98L235 Compare to Competitors?

In the accessible luxury segment, the 98L235 competes against watches like the Seiko Presage line and some Citizen offerings. Against the Seiko Presage SRPB45J1 at similar price points, the Bulova wins on case finishing and dial uniqueness, while the Seiko offers mechanical movement appeal. The Citizen Eco-Drive options provide superior battery longevity through solar charging, but the Bulova’s cleaner design language appeals to minimalist sensibilities more effectively.

Where the 98L235 truly distinguishes itself is in its refusal to chase contemporary trends. It doesn’t have an integrated bracelet, enormous case diameter, or pseudo-vintage aesthetics. It’s simply confident in what it is: a refined, understated dress watch for the modern professional.

4 Pros and 3 Cons

• Pro: Exceptional case finishing with visible attention to polishing and brushing techniques
• Pro: Dial design is genuinely artistic without becoming ornamental or difficult to read
• Pro: Reliable quartz movement requires minimal maintenance investment over years of ownership
• Pro: Ideal sizing and proportions work across multiple wrist sizes and occasions
• Con: Mineral crystal scratches more easily than sapphire and lacks anti-reflective coating
• Con: Water resistance at 30m limits accidental shower wear comfort
• Con: Lack of date window feels like a missed opportunity on an otherwise utilitarian-minded design

Who Should Buy This Watch (And Who Should Skip It)

Buy if you: Value understated design excellence, prefer quartz reliability, want a sophisticated dress watch that transitions to business casual, appreciate dial artistry, and seek something genuinely different from mass-market alternatives.

Skip if you: Demand mechanical movement on principle, need water resistance beyond 50m, want integrated date complications, prefer larger case diameters above 42mm, or insist on sapphire crystal and additional technical specifications.

Final Verdict

The Bulova Rubaiyat 98L235 represents everything we appreciate about contemporary watchmaking from established manufacturers: confidence in simplicity, execution without compromise, and design that rewards extended observation. It’s not a watch for everyone, but it’s absolutely the right watch for a specific type of wearer—one who values subtlety over specification sheets.

In 2025’s overcrowded watch marketplace, that’s genuinely rare. Highly recommended for dress watch seekers.

Score: 8.5/10

MT Watches Editorial Team

Further reading: best Bulova watches | Bulova Precisionist deep dive