Bulova Rubaiyat Hands-on Review

This last week, The Watch Index had the opportunity to review three Bulova Rubaiyat watches hands-on, and I’m excited to say that the watches are as pretty in person as they are in pictures. The Bulova Rubaiyat collection features stylish ladies dress watches that are simple yet classic.

We reviewed the rose gold Rubaiyat 98R248, the rose gold and stainless steel Rubaiyat 98R247, and the stainless steel Rubaiyat 96P184. All three watches are under $1,000 (with the stainless steel version coming in just above $500).

The first Bulova Rubaiyat was introduced in 1917, and it was the first watch to have a female-focused design. Now a century later and Bulova has revitalized the Rubaiyat collection with modern designs and styles. That being said, the feminine essence that was apparent in the 1917 watches is still a large part of these modern Bulova watches.

In terms of design, you can choose a watch with diamond detailing or one without. The two rose gold models feature 50 diamonds individually hand set on the case parenthesis, as well as eight diamond hour markers. The stainless steel model includes the eight diamond hour markers.

Our recommendation? If you’re looking for a dress watch that sparkles, your decision is easy. Go for the diamond-studded watches. If you’re looking for a dress watch that can be dressed up or down, then the simpler watch may be more your style. That being said, all three of the watches were comfortable to wear and dressy enough to make a statement.

These Bulova watches also feature a synthetic blue spinel cabochon crown at 12 o’clock. The placement of this crown streamlines the watch design. Whereas if the crown where located at the traditional 3 o’clock position, it would interrupt the design of the case parenthesis.

The case on this watch is 35mm across and 8.45mm thick, and personally this size worked well for my wrist. I believe a dress watch should be on the smaller side because a bigger watch can detract from an outfit. However, this watch wasn’t so small that it was hard to read the time.

Variations

Rose Gold

   -   Reference Number: 98R248
-   Price: $995
-   Case: Rose-gold tone stainless steel
-   Diamonds: 50 diamonds on case parenthesis and 8 diamond hour markers
-   Dial: Textured silver-white dial
-   Movement: Quartz
-   Water Resistance: 3 bar

Rose Gold and Stainless Steel

  -   Reference Number: 98R247
  -   Price: $995
  -   Case: Rose-gold tone and stainless steel
  -   Diamonds: 50 diamonds on case parenthesis and 8 diamond hour markers
  -   Dial: Textured silver-white dial
  -   Movement: Quartz
  -   Water Resistance: 3 bar

Stainless Steel

-   Reference Number: 96P184
-   Price: $550
-   Case: Stainless steel
-   Diamonds: 8 diamond hour markers
-   Dial: Textured silver-white dial
-   Movement: Quartz
-   Water Resistance: 3 bar