Bulova 98B301

Bulova Marine Star Series C Chronograph Watch Model 98B301 User Manual

Comprehensive Guide for Your Timepiece

1. Introduction

Welcome to the user manual for your Bulova Men's Marine Star Series C Chronograph Watch, Model 98B301. This timepiece combines sophisticated design with robust functionality, featuring a six-hand chronograph movement, 200-meter water resistance, and a durable stainless steel construction with rose gold-tone accents. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your watch to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Bulova Marine Star Series C Chronograph Watch, front view

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Bulova Marine Star Series C Chronograph Watch (Model 98B301). This image displays the blue dial, rose gold-tone accents, chronograph subdials, and the date window at the 6 o'clock position.

2. Initial Setup and Time Adjustment

2.1 Components Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your watch:

  • Crown: Used for setting time and date.
  • Pushers (A & B): Used for operating the chronograph functions.
  • Bezel: Rotatable ring around the crystal, often used for timing.
  • Hands: Hour, Minute, Small Second, Chronograph Second, Chronograph Minute, Chronograph 1/20 Second.
  • Subdials: Display chronograph measurements and small seconds.
  • Date Window: Displays the current date.
Side view of Bulova Marine Star watch showing crown and pushers

Figure 2.1: Side view of the watch, highlighting the crown and chronograph pushers.

2.2 Setting the Time and Date

  1. Pull out the crown to position 2 (first click) to set the date. Rotate the crown to adjust the date.
  2. Pull out the crown to position 3 (second click) to set the time. Rotate the crown to move the hour and minute hands. Ensure the AM/PM is correctly set by observing the date change at midnight.
  3. Once the time and date are set, push the crown back to position 1 (normal position) to engage the movement.

2.3 Operating the Chronograph

The chronograph function allows for precise timing of events.

  1. Start: Press pusher A (top pusher) to start the chronograph. The chronograph second hand will begin to move.
  2. Stop: Press pusher A again to stop the chronograph. The elapsed time will be displayed on the chronograph subdials.
  3. Reset: After stopping, press pusher B (bottom pusher) to reset all chronograph hands to their zero positions.
  4. Split Time (if applicable): Consult the full Bulova movement manual for advanced chronograph functions like split time, if supported by your specific movement.

3. Daily Operation and Water Resistance

3.1 Water Resistance

Your Bulova Marine Star watch is water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet). This rating makes it suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not for saturation diving.

  • Important: Do not operate the crown or pushers when the watch is wet or submerged, as this can compromise the water resistance.
  • Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in before exposing the watch to water.

3.2 Rotating Bezel

The ratcheted rotating bezel can be used to measure elapsed time.

  1. Rotate the bezel so that the zero mark aligns with the minute hand.
  2. As time passes, the minute hand will indicate the elapsed time on the bezel scale.

4. Care and Maintenance

4.1 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, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
  • After exposure to saltwater, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry thoroughly.

4.2 Battery Replacement

Your watch is powered by a Lithium Metal battery (1 required, included). When the battery needs replacement, it is recommended to have it replaced by an authorized Bulova service center to ensure proper sealing and water resistance.

Back view of Bulova Marine Star watch

Figure 4.1: Rear view of the watch, showing the screw-back case. Professional service is recommended for battery replacement to maintain water resistance.

Bulova watch disposal information

Figure 4.2: Information regarding proper disposal of the timepiece, indicating it should not be treated as household waste.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your watch, please refer to the following common solutions:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Watch stops or loses timeLow batteryReplace battery at an authorized service center.
Date does not change at midnightAM/PM setting incorrectAdjust time by 12 hours.
Chronograph hands do not reset to zeroRequires calibrationConsult Bulova service center for adjustment.
Condensation inside crystalTemperature change or water ingressContact an authorized service center immediately.

For issues not listed here or if solutions do not resolve the problem, please contact Bulova customer support or an authorized service center.

6. Product Specifications

  • Model Number: 98B301
  • Movement: Quartz, 6-Hand Chronograph
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel with Rose Gold-Tone Accents
  • Dial Color: Blue
  • Crystal: Domed Mineral Crystal
  • Bezel: Ratcheted Rotating Bezel with Blue Glass Insert
  • Water Resistance: 200 Meters (660 Feet)
  • Functions: 1/20 Second Chronograph (measures up to 60 minutes), Calendar (Date), Small Second Hand
  • Bracelet: Stainless Steel and Rose Gold-Tone with Fold-Over Buckle Closure, Safety Bar, and Extender
  • Case Diameter: 45mm
  • Case Thickness: 15mm
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Metal battery (included)
  • Weight: Approximately 7.39 ounces

7. Warranty and Support

7.1 Limited Warranty

Your Bulova Marine Star 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, including exclusions and limitations.

7.2 Customer Support

For warranty service, repairs, or technical assistance, please contact an authorized Bulova Service Centre. You can find contact information and locations on the official Bulova website or through your point of purchase.

For more information, visit the official Bulova Store: Bulova Store on Amazon.

© 2024 Bulova Corporation. All rights reserved. Model 98B301.