Bulova CURV 98A328 Forged Carbon Review: Real Gold, Specs, Price & Is It Worth It?

If you have been searching for the Bulova CURV 98A328 Forged Carbon, you have probably noticed something frustrating: almost every listing online repeats the same official paragraph word for word. It tells you the case is "forged carbon infused with gold flake," and then stops. It does not tell you whether the gold is real, whether this is a numbered limited edition, whether you can swim with it, whether you can ever replace the strap, or whether a quartz chronograph is actually worth $2,050. Those are the questions real buyers in the US are asking, and this guide answers every one of them.

At Lexor Miami, an authorized Bulova dealer with a showroom in Miami, Florida, we have handled the 98A328 in person. Below you will find the full specs, the honest pros and cons, how it compares to other Bulova chronographs, and exactly what you get when you buy it from an authorized retailer instead of a gray-market seller. If you want to see the full range first, you can always browse our complete Bulova watches collection.

Shop the Bulova CURV 98A328 at Lexor Miami

Quick Answer: What Is the Bulova CURV 98A328?

The Bulova CURV 98A328 is a 44mm men's quartz chronograph released as a special edition for Bulova's 150th anniversary (Bulova was founded in New York in 1875). Its case is made of forged carbon infused with 97.97% pure gold flake, framed by a gold-tone stainless steel bezel with exposed screws. It uses Bulova's curved NR20 CURV high-precision quartz chronograph movement, which vibrates at 262 kHz and is rated accurate to within seconds per year. It has a curved sapphire crystal, a black multilayer dial with gold-tone accents, an exhibition caseback, a premium HNBR rubber strap with a foldover buckle, and 30 meters of water resistance. At Lexor Miami it is priced at $2,050, sold new with the full Bulova manufacturer's warranty.

In one sentence: it is the most daring CURV Bulova has ever made, built for buyers who want a statement chronograph with a genuinely unusual material, not another steel sports watch.

Bulova CURV 98A328 Specifications

Specification	Bulova CURV 98A328
Reference	98A328
Collection	Bulova CURV, 150th Anniversary Special Edition
Case material	Forged carbon infused with 97.97% pure gold flake, with 316L stainless steel components
Bezel	Gold-tone stainless steel with exposed screws
Case diameter	44mm
Crystal	Curved sapphire
Dial	Black multilayer with gold-tone accents, three chronograph sub-dials, open aperture showing the movement
Movement	NR20 CURV curved high-precision quartz chronograph
Frequency	262 kHz
Caseback	Gold-tone stainless steel with exhibition window
Strap	Black HNBR premium rubber
Clasp	Foldover buckle
Water resistance	30 meters (3 ATM)
Warranty	3-year Bulova limited warranty (Bulova adds an extra year when you register the watch)
Price at Lexor Miami	$2,050

A Short History: Why the CURV Matters

To understand why the 98A328 exists, you have to understand what the CURV was when Bulova launched it about a decade ago. Chronograph movements have always been flat. That is simply how the gears, circuits and pushers are laid out. A flat movement forces a flat case, and a flat case sits on a round wrist with gaps at the edges. Bulova's engineers set out to bend the movement itself, and the result was the world's first curved chronograph movement. It allowed a chronograph case that wraps the wrist instead of sitting on top of it.

That is the core idea of every CURV: a curved movement, inside a curved case, under a curved sapphire crystal. The collection has since grown with steel, titanium, two-tone and gold-tone versions, plus collaborations such as the CURV designed with Marc Anthony. But for the brand's 150th anniversary, Bulova wanted something more than a new dial color. It chose a new material entirely.

This fits Bulova's long habit of arriving early to new technology. This is the company that introduced the Accutron tuning-fork watch in 1960 and later the ultra-high-frequency Precisionist movement. If you want the broader story, our guide to the enduring legacy of Bulova watches covers the brand's major milestones, and our full Bulova collection shows how that heritage carries into the current lineup.

Is the Gold Real? Forged Carbon and 97.97% Gold Flake Explained

This is the question we hear first, both online and in our Miami showroom. Yes, the gold is real. Bulova specifies the flake as 97.97% pure gold. It is not gold-colored paint or a printed pattern on top of the case. The gold flake is part of the forged carbon material itself, which is why you can see it glint at different depths when the watch catches the light.

It is important to set the right expectation, though. This is not a solid gold watch, and you should not think of the gold content as a store of value. The gold is present as fine flake distributed through the carbon, and its purpose is visual. What you are paying for is the rarity of the material and the manufacturing process, not the weight of precious metal.

What is forged carbon?

Traditional carbon fiber is woven from long strands, which is why it has that regular checkerboard look you see on car parts and bike frames. Forged carbon is different. Short carbon fibers are mixed with a resin and compressed under heat and high pressure in a mold. The fibers settle randomly, which creates a marbled, almost stone-like pattern instead of a grid. It is a material first made famous in supercar manufacturing and later adopted by high-end watchmakers because it is very light and very rigid.

In the 98A328, gold flake is added to that mix before it is compressed. The result is a case where black carbon, subtle gray fiber and bright gold flecks swirl together in a way no machine can repeat exactly.

Why some listings say "resin" and others say "stainless steel"

If you have compared listings, you may have noticed confusion about the case material. Bulova's own spec line lists the case as "Stainless Steel 316L + Forged Carbon," while some European retailers describe it as "carbon reinforced resin." Both are describing the same watch from different angles. Forged carbon is, technically, carbon fiber held together by resin. And the watch uses 316L stainless steel for the bezel and caseback. So the accurate description is a forged carbon case body with gold flake, combined with gold-tone stainless steel components. Nothing is being hidden. It is simply a hybrid construction that is hard to summarize in one word.

Is every 98A328 really unique?

Yes. Because the fibers and gold flake settle randomly during forging, no two cases have the same pattern. Two 98A328s side by side will look like siblings, not twins. For collectors, this is one of the strongest reasons to choose this model. You own a watch whose exact case pattern exists nowhere else.

See the Forged Carbon CURV Up Close

Is the Bulova CURV 98A328 a Limited Edition?

Here the internet is genuinely confusing, so let's be precise. Bulova officially calls the 98A328 a 150th Anniversary Special Edition. Some resale listings go further and call it "limited," and many retailers, including us, place it alongside their limited edition watches because it is tied to a one-time anniversary rather than the permanent catalog.

What Bulova has not done, as far as we can confirm, is publish a fixed production number or engrave an individual serial like "001/500" on the watch. So the honest answer is:

• It is a special edition created specifically for the 150th anniversary.
• It is unique in the sense that every forged carbon case pattern is one of a kind.
• It is not, based on public information, a numbered limited edition with an announced production cap.

Why does this matter? Because if you are buying it primarily as an investment expecting numbered-edition scarcity, you should know that up front. If you are buying it because you love the design and want a genuinely unusual CURV that commemorates a historic milestone, it delivers exactly that. Anniversary pieces also tend to disappear from retail once their production window ends, so availability is not something to count on long term.

If commemorative Bulova pieces are your thing, you may also enjoy our deep dive on the Bulova Shelby Daytona Coupe 96K118 Limited Edition.

Quartz at $2,050: Is the 262 kHz Movement Worth It?

Many enthusiasts have a reflex: "quartz" means cheap. That reflex made sense when quartz meant a $30 fashion watch with a ticking seconds hand. It does not describe the CURV movement.

How the 262 kHz movement is different

A standard quartz watch uses a crystal that vibrates at 32,768 Hz, roughly 32 kHz. That typically gives accuracy in the range of about 15 seconds per month. Bulova's high-precision movements vibrate at 262 kHz, about eight times faster. The higher frequency makes the movement far less sensitive to temperature and small disturbances, and Bulova rates the CURV as accurate to within seconds per year, not per month.

Movement type	Typical frequency	Typical accuracy	Maintenance
Standard quartz	~32 kHz	About ±15 seconds per month	Battery changes
Bulova CURV high-precision quartz (98A328)	262 kHz	Within seconds per year	Battery changes, reseal
Typical Swiss automatic	28,800 vph (mechanical)	Often several seconds per day	Periodic full service

What that means in daily life

In practice, you set the 98A328 and essentially forget about it. It will not drift noticeably over months. There is no need to wind it or keep it on a watch winder, and a battery change costs a fraction of a full mechanical service. For a busy professional in Miami who wants a watch that is always right and always ready, that is a real advantage, not a compromise.

So what are you paying for?

The $2,050 price is not about the quartz crystal. It reflects three things that are genuinely expensive to make:

1. The curved movement. Bending a chronograph movement required new engineering, and Bulova is still the brand known for it.
2. The forged carbon case with gold flake. This is a material usually reserved for watches that cost many times more.
3. The curved sapphire crystal. Flat sapphire is common; curved sapphire that follows the case profile is much harder to produce.

If you love mechanical movements specifically, a different watch may suit you better. If you want a technically unusual, highly accurate statement chronograph, the CURV movement is a strength, not a weakness. Our review of the Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 explores the same 262 kHz technology in a very different design, if you want a comparison.

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Design Breakdown: Dial, Bezel and Caseback

The dial

The 98A328 uses a black multilayer dial, which means the dial is built from stacked levels rather than a single flat plate. The chronograph sub-dials, the hour markers and the open section that reveals part of the movement sit at different heights. Under the curved sapphire, this creates real depth, and the gold-tone accents echo the gold flake in the case so the whole watch reads as one design. The three sub-dials handle the chronograph functions, and the layout stays legible despite the complexity.

The bezel with exposed screws

The gold-tone stainless steel bezel is attached with visible screws, a detail borrowed from high-end sports watches. It does two things. First, it frames the dark carbon case with a bright gold ring, which makes the gold flake inside the carbon easier to notice. Second, it gives the watch an engineered, industrial feel that pairs well with the modern material. It is the detail most people comment on when they see the watch on the wrist.

The exhibition caseback

Turn the watch over and you will find a gold-tone stainless steel caseback with a display window. This is where you can see the curved movement itself, which is the entire reason the CURV exists. It is a nice touch that most quartz watches skip, and it turns the movement into a conversation piece rather than something hidden.

Size and Wrist Presence: How Does a 44mm CURV Wear?

On paper, 44mm sounds large, and many buyers with smaller wrists hesitate at that number. The CURV is one of the few watches where the diameter alone is misleading. Because both the movement and the case curve downward, the lugs follow the shape of the wrist instead of sticking out past it. The result is a watch that looks bold from the front but sits closer to the arm than a flat 44mm chronograph.

Forged carbon also helps. It is lighter than a solid steel case of the same size, so the 98A328 does not feel top-heavy, and the soft HNBR strap keeps it anchored during the day.

Our honest advice:

• Medium to large wrists: The 98A328 will wear comfortably and look proportionate.
• Smaller wrists: The curve helps a lot, but it is still a statement-size watch. Try it on if you can.
• Style: It works best with smart-casual and evening outfits. Think a black shirt, a linen jacket, or a night out in Brickell or Wynwood, rather than a formal suit with a slim cuff.

If you are in South Florida, you can try the 98A328 at our showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL, with free parking. Seeing the gold flake in natural light is honestly the best way to decide.

The Strap: HNBR Rubber and Replacement Questions

What is HNBR?

The 98A328 comes on a premium HNBR rubber strap. HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber) is a technical rubber used in industries where materials have to resist heat, oils and aging. For a watch strap, that translates into a material that holds its shape, resists sweat and sunscreen better than basic silicone, and stays comfortable in hot, humid weather. For Miami's climate, that is exactly what you want.

Can you replace the strap?

This is one of the most common questions about any CURV with a factory rubber strap, and it deserves a straight answer. The CURV case uses an integrated, model-specific strap fit shaped to the curved case. That means you generally cannot drop in an off-the-shelf strap from a generic brand the way you could on a standard flat watch. Owners in watch forums consistently point out that Bulova is the source for replacement straps on rubber-strap CURV models.

We are telling you this because it matters for long-term ownership, and because it is one of the strongest reasons to buy from an authorized dealer. When you buy the 98A328 from Lexor Miami, you are buying a watch with a legitimate warranty and a clear path to Bulova's official service channel if you ever need a replacement strap or buckle. A gray-market purchase can make that process much harder.

A few tips to make the strap last:

• Rinse it with fresh water after the beach or pool deck, and dry it with a soft cloth.
• Avoid leaving it in direct sun on a car dashboard for hours.
• Do not overtighten the foldover buckle; a snug but comfortable fit reduces stress on the strap.

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Water Resistance: Can You Swim With the Bulova CURV 98A328?

The 98A328 is rated to 30 meters (3 ATM). Despite the number, that rating does not mean you can dive to 30 meters. In practical terms, a 30-meter rating means the watch is protected against:

• Rain and splashes
• Washing your hands
• Sweat and humidity

It is not intended for swimming, snorkeling, showering or diving, and you should never press the chronograph pushers while the watch is wet. Several CURV owners have admitted online that they did not realize the collection is less water resistant than a typical sports watch, so we want to be clear before you buy.

If you live in Miami and want a watch you can wear into the ocean, the CURV is not that watch, and that is fine. Think of it as your evening and weekend statement piece, and pair it with a dedicated diver for the beach. Our Bulova watches collection includes more water-resistant options if you need one.

Battery Life and Service

Because the 98A328 is quartz, you will need a battery change periodically rather than a full mechanical overhaul. How long a battery lasts depends on how often you run the chronograph, since the chronograph draws extra power. Some owners of earlier CURV models report batteries lasting around two years; others report longer with light chronograph use.

Two service tips matter more than the battery itself:

1. Have the watch resealed. Bulova recommends that water-resistant models be tested and resealed every two to three years or whenever the battery is replaced. On a watch with a special case like this, that step protects the movement.
2. Use an authorized service center. Opening the watch at a random kiosk can damage the case, the gaskets or the curved movement, and it can affect your warranty. Some owners have also reported that after a DIY battery change, the chronograph hands did not return to zero correctly, which usually requires a proper reset procedure.

If you ever need help, our team at Lexor Miami can guide you on where and how to service your Bulova properly.

Bulova CURV 98A328 vs Other Bulova Chronographs

Before choosing the 98A328, it helps to know how it fits among Bulova's other high-precision chronographs. Here is a practical comparison.

Feature	CURV 98A328 Forged Carbon	Standard steel CURV chronograph	Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335
Main appeal	Unique forged carbon + gold flake, anniversary edition	Curved design in a classic steel package	Apollo 15 space heritage, ultra-black dial
Case	Forged carbon with gold flake, gold-tone steel bezel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Movement	Curved 262 kHz quartz chronograph	Curved 262 kHz quartz chronograph	262 kHz high-precision quartz chronograph
Crystal	Curved sapphire	Curved sapphire (most versions)	Sapphire
Each piece unique?	Yes, one-of-a-kind case pattern	No	No
Best for	Collectors, statement wear, gifting	Everyday wear with the CURV feel	Space and history enthusiasts

The short version: choose the 98A328 if the material and anniversary story are what excite you. Choose a steel CURV if you want the curved chronograph experience in a quieter, more versatile package. Choose the Lunar Pilot if the moon-landing history speaks to you. For more help comparing, read our list of 5 Bulova watches worth buying right now.

Pros and Cons of the Bulova CURV 98A328

Pros

• Genuinely unusual forged carbon case with real 97.97% pure gold flake
• Every case pattern is one of a kind
• Commemorates Bulova's 150th anniversary, a once-in-a-lifetime milestone
• Curved movement and case that wear smaller and more comfortably than the 44mm diameter suggests
• 262 kHz movement accurate to within seconds per year
• Curved sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback
• Comfortable HNBR rubber strap suited to hot, humid climates
• Full manufacturer's warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer

Cons

• 30-meter water resistance: not for swimming
• Model-specific strap; replacements go through Bulova
• Quartz, which may not appeal to strict mechanical-watch purists
• Bold 44mm presence may be too much for very small wrists
• Special edition, but not a publicly numbered limited run

Who Should Buy the Bulova CURV 98A328?

This watch is a strong choice if you are:

• A collector who wants a Bulova that marks the brand's 150th anniversary and has a genuinely unique case.
• A modern-design fan drawn to supercar materials like forged carbon but not willing to spend five figures to get them.
• Someone who values accuracy and convenience and wants a grab-and-go chronograph that is always correct.
• A gift buyer looking for something more memorable than a standard steel watch for a birthday, promotion, anniversary or Father's Day.

It may not be right for you if you need a daily swimmer, prefer small dress watches, or only collect mechanical movements. In those cases, our team is happy to suggest another model from the Bulova lineup.

Why Buy the Bulova CURV 98A328 at Lexor Miami?

You will find the 98A328 listed at several places online, including resale marketplaces. Here is why buying from an authorized dealer matters for this watch specifically.

Authentic, new, with the full manufacturer's warranty

Lexor Miami is an authorized Bulova retailer. Your 98A328 arrives brand new with the official box and papers and Bulova's 3-year limited warranty. Bulova also offers an additional year when you register your watch. With a model that has a proprietary strap and a specialized case, that warranty and official service access are worth more than a small discount from an unknown seller.

Real people, real showroom in Miami

Lexor Miami has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, over 3,100 five-star Google reviews, and a family-run, women-owned showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL. We are open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with free parking and on-site security. If you are visiting from Latin America or elsewhere, our guide on why you should buy your luxury watch in Miami explains how the international warranty works for travelers.

Shipping and returns

We offer free shipping on orders over $150 within the 48 contiguous United States, plus 30-day returns with a prepaid label. You can find all the details on our FAQ page. Before you check out, it is also worth looking at our current Lexor Miami promo and discount codes.

Questions before you buy?

Call or WhatsApp our team at +1 786 333 1331, or reach us through our contact page. We can confirm availability, send extra photos of the case pattern, or hold the watch for you to see in person.

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Is the Bulova CURV 98A328 Worth It?

After looking at every question buyers ask about this watch, our verdict is clear: yes, if you buy it for the right reasons.

The Bulova CURV 98A328 is not trying to be a dive watch, a heirloom mechanical piece, or a numbered investment. It is a bold, modern chronograph that uses a material you almost never see at this price, wraps it around a movement no other brand makes, and ties it all to Bulova's 150th anniversary. The gold is real, the case pattern is yours alone, and the accuracy is far beyond ordinary quartz.

Know its limits, and the watch rewards you. Keep it out of the pool, service it through authorized channels, and buy it from a dealer who can support you with the warranty and the strap if you ever need them. Do that, and you end up with one of the most distinctive Bulova watches of this decade.

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Final Thoughts

Bulova has spent 150 years arriving early to new ideas, from the Accutron to the Precisionist to the first curved chronograph. The CURV 98A328 Forged Carbon celebrates that history in the most fitting way possible: with a material and a shape that still feel new. Whether you are adding it to a collection, buying your first serious chronograph, or looking for a gift that will be remembered, it is a watch with a story you can actually tell.

Here is a quick recap of what we covered and where to go next:

• Bulova CURV 98A328 Special Edition Forged Carbon: $2,050, 44mm, forged carbon with 97.97% pure gold flake, curved 262 kHz chronograph, curved sapphire, 30m water resistance.
• Explore the full Bulova watches collection at Lexor Miami
• Browse special and limited edition watches

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Bulova CURV 98A328

Is the gold in the Bulova CURV 98A328 real?

Yes. The forged carbon case is infused with 97.97% pure gold flake, according to Bulova. The gold is part of the case material itself, not paint. However, it is present as fine flake for visual effect, so this is not a solid gold watch and its value comes from the design and material, not the gold weight.

Is the Bulova CURV 98A328 a limited edition?

Bulova calls the 98A328 a 150th Anniversary Special Edition. Bulova has not publicly announced a numbered production run, so it is best described as a special edition rather than a numbered limited edition. Each forged carbon case pattern is still one of a kind.

Can I swim with the Bulova CURV 98A328?

No. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters (3 ATM), which covers rain, splashes and handwashing. It is not designed for swimming, showering or diving, and you should not operate the chronograph pushers when the watch is wet.

How accurate is the Bulova CURV movement?

The curved NR20 CURV movement vibrates at 262 kHz, about eight times faster than a standard quartz watch. Bulova rates it as accurate to within seconds per year, compared to roughly 15 seconds per month for ordinary quartz.

Can I replace the strap on the Bulova CURV 98A328?

The HNBR rubber strap is shaped specifically for the curved CURV case, so generic aftermarket straps usually will not fit. Replacement straps and buckles are best sourced through Bulova's official service channels, which is one reason to buy from an authorized dealer like Lexor Miami.

Where can I buy the Bulova CURV 98A328 in Miami?

You can buy the Bulova CURV 98A328 at Lexor Miami, an authorized Bulova dealer at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL, or online at lexormiami.com for $2,050. It ships free within the 48 contiguous US states and includes the full Bulova manufacturer's warranty.

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• Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 Review: Space Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
• 5 Bulova Watches Worth Buying Right Now (and Why)
• Bulova Shelby Daytona Coupe 96K118 Limited Edition
• The Enduring Legacy of Bulova Watches: A Closer Look
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