Bulova Men's Marine Star 98B203 Quartz Watch Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the proper use, care, and maintenance of your Bulova Men's Marine Star 98B203 Quartz Watch. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your timepiece.

The Bulova Marine Star 98B203 is a high-performance sport watch featuring a stainless steel case and bracelet, a black dial, luminous hands and markers, and a calendar function. It is designed for durability and precision.

2. Key Features

• Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet
• Black Dial with Luminous Hands and Markers
• 3-Hand Quartz Movement with Date Display
• Rotating Ratchet Bezel Ring with Black Anodized Aluminum Insert
• Screw-Back Case
• Double-Press Fold-Over Clasp with Extender
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
• Mineral Crystal

3. Watch Components

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Bulova Marine Star watch:

• Crown: Used for setting the time and date. Located on the right side of the watch case.
• Bezel: The rotating ring around the watch face, often used for timing events.
• Dial: The watch face displaying time, date, and other indicators.
• Hands: Hour, minute, and second hands.
• Markers: Indicators for hours and minutes on the dial.
• Date Window: Displays the current date.
• Bracelet/Strap: Secures the watch to your wrist.
• Clasp: Mechanism to secure the bracelet.

Figure 1: Front view of the Bulova Marine Star 98B203 watch, showcasing the black dial, luminous markers, and rotating bezel.

Figure 2: Side view of the watch, highlighting the crown and the textured edge of the bezel.

4. Setup Instructions

4.1 Setting the Time and Date

1. Pull out the crown: Gently pull the crown out to the first click position to set the date, or to the second click position to set the time.
2. Set the date (first click): Rotate the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise until the correct date appears in the date window. Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this may interfere with the date change mechanism.
3. Set the time (second click): Rotate the crown to move the hour and minute hands. Set the time a few minutes ahead, then push the crown back to the normal position.
4. Push in the crown: Once the time and date are set, push the crown back completely into its normal position to start the watch.

4.2 Adjusting the Bracelet

The stainless steel bracelet may require adjustment for a comfortable fit. This typically involves removing or adding links. It is recommended to have this procedure performed by a qualified jeweler or watch technician to prevent damage to the bracelet or clasp.

Figure 3: The Bulova Marine Star 98B203 watch worn on a wrist, demonstrating proper fit.

5. Operating Your Watch

5.1 Wearing the Watch

Ensure the watch is securely fastened to your wrist using the double-press fold-over clasp. The extender provides additional length if needed for a comfortable fit over clothing or a wetsuit.

5.2 Water Resistance Guidelines

Your Bulova Marine Star 98B203 watch is water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet). This makes it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. However, it is not suitable for scuba diving. Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in before exposing the watch to water.

• Do not operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or submerged.
• Avoid exposing the watch to hot water, steam, or extreme temperature changes, as this can compromise water resistance.
• After exposure to saltwater, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly.

5.3 Using the Rotating Bezel

The rotating ratchet bezel can be used to measure elapsed time. Rotate the bezel counter-clockwise to align the zero marker with the minute hand. As time passes, the minute hand will indicate the elapsed time against the bezel's markings.

6. Care and Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning Your Watch

To maintain the appearance of your watch, wipe the case and bracelet regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For stainless steel, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

6.2 Battery Replacement

Your quartz watch is powered by a battery. When the battery runs low, the second hand may start to jump in 2-second intervals (End-of-Life indicator). It is recommended to have the battery replaced by an authorized Bulova service center or a professional watchmaker to ensure proper sealing and maintain water resistance.

6.3 Storage

When not wearing your watch, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The original watch box provides excellent protection.

Figure 4: The Bulova watch box, closed, providing secure storage for the timepiece.

Figure 5: The Bulova watch box, open, revealing the watch cushion for safe storage.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Product Specifications

9. Warranty & Support

Your Bulova Marine Star 98B203 watch comes with a 3 Year Limited Warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. Please refer to the official Bulova warranty documentation included with your purchase for full terms and conditions.

For warranty claims, service, or technical support, please contact Bulova customer service or visit their official website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

Bulova Official Website: www.bulova.com