Bulova Lunar Pilot Review: The Moonwatch That Rivaled Omega

One Giant Leap for Bulova

Few timepieces capture the imagination quite like those with a genuine link to history. While the Omega Speedmaster often dominates conversations about watches in Space, there's another compelling narrative that often goes overlooked, yet offers an equally profound connection to human exploration: the Bulova Lunar Pilot. This watch isn't just a tribute; it's a direct descendant of a timepiece that actually made it to the moon. Join me on a deep dive or flight, into the Bulova Lunar Pilot.

The Storied Past: Bulova's NASA Connection

To truly appreciate the Bulova Lunar Pilot, one must first understand its remarkable backstory. Forget the notion that this is a mere copy; it’s a historically significant piece in its own right. The tale begins in 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission, when American astronaut David Scott famously wore two different watches on the moon. While Scott was issued a NASA Omega Speedmaster for his first two moonwalks, that timepiece unfortunately failed1. For his third walk, Scott turned to his personal Bulova pilot watch, a prototype designed to withstand the harsh lunar conditions. Amazingly, this watch survived not only the moon's surface but also the equally brutal re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

This made Scott's Bulova the first privately owned watch ever to visit the moon, a stark contrast to the NASA-issued Omegas, which remain government property. After remaining tucked away for over 40 years, Scott’s original Bulova Lunar Pilot was auctioned in 2015 for an astonishing $1.62 million, becoming one of the most expensive pieces of astronaut memorabilia ever sold. Shortly thereafter, Bulova released its first reissue of the Lunar Pilot chronograph to honor that Apollo 15 watch (Because if the original can go for almost two million dollars, Imagine what people would pay for a copy). The piece has since become a cornerstone in the brand's catalog. It's a tangible link to a pivotal moment in the Space Race, offering a slice of that extraordinary Apollo Mission history right on your wrist. Beyond this specific watch, Bulova also played a significant role in NASA projects, providing precision instruments and timekeeping devices with their Accutron tuning-fork technology for 46 Space missions from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Specifications: Design and Engineering

The modern Bulova Lunar Pilot does an excellent job of aesthetically capturing the essence of the 1971 original, with the case, dial layout, hands, and markings all in line with its vintage appearance. Initially released in a substantial 45mm diameter, Bulova responded to enthusiast demand by unveiling new versions in 2023 that mirror the original prototype's 43.5mm case size. While still a larger watch (with a 51mm lug-to-lug distance), the 43.5mm variant is significantly more wearable for those with average-sized wrists, feeling more appropriate and comfortable than its larger predecessor. It wears well, comparable to a 42-43mm case, fitting snugly, especially with the bracelet. The watch boasts a combination of finishes, originally predominantly bead-blasted, while newer models feature a fully polished central case with a brushed bezel. The signature elongated chronograph pushers and prominent oversized crown are distinctive design elements.

Underneath the thick sapphire crystal (which protrudes about 1mm above the bezel, just as the original did), the dial is a visual treat. The expansive step matte black dial includes an inner tachymeter scale that sits higher than the main dial surface, creating a fantastic sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Hour markers are luminous batons, and the hour, minute, and central seconds hands are fully luminous for legibility in low light, though the subdial hands lack this feature.

The true star, however, is the movement. Flipping the watch over reveals a screw-down case back with inscriptions detailing the time and place of the lunar event. Powering the Lunar Pilot is Bulova’s highly accurate, high-frequency quartz movement, the Caliber NP20. This movement beats at an incredible 262,144 times per second (262 kHz), which is eight times faster than a standard quartz crystal. This ultra-high frequency translates into unparalleled accuracy, typically only losing seconds per year. Another impressive feature is the continuously sweeping central seconds hand, a rarity in quartz movements, providing a smooth, mechanical-like sweep that defies its quartz nature. The chronograph features include a 60-minute register and a 1/20 of a second register, adding visual flair while the

chronograph is operating. Newer 43.5mm models also benefit from the removal of the date window, a nod to historical accuracy.

So, is the Bulova Lunar Pilot the right watch for you?

The historical provenance is arguably the watch's biggest selling point. You're buying a piece of history that genuinely went to the moon, not just an homage. For a watch with such a rich connection, its attainability is unmatched. In addition, the high-frequency quartz movement offers incredible precision, often cited as accurate to within seconds per year. This makes it one of the most accurate timepieces available on the market, especially at its price point.

However, there are negatives to the watch, the biggest being the size. Despite the smaller 43.5mm version, it's still a large watch. The lug-to-lug distance (51mm for the 43.5mm model, 53mm for the 45mm) can still be challenging for individuals with very small wrists, potentially leading to overhang. When you add in the thick sapphire crystal. This could quickly turn into a watch that is unwearable for most.

With that being said, the Bulova Lunar Pilot stands as a compelling choice in the chronograph market. It seamlessly blends an extraordinary historical narrative from the Apollo Mission and the Space Race with cutting-edge quartz technology, delivering exceptional accuracy and a visually stunning design. If you're a watch collector looking for a piece with genuine provenance, a beginner seeking an impressive first chronograph, or simply a watch buyer who appreciates precision and a captivating story, the Bulova Lunar Pilot offers a winning combination of style, substance, and heritage that's truly hard to beat. It's often considered one of the best watches under a thousand dollars, providing a "Moonwatch" experience without the Speedmaster price tag. Don't just take my word for it; dive into the history and see if this unique moonwatch finds a home on your wrist.

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