Bulova Lunar Pilot - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is an iconic watch that draws its inspiration from American space history. It pays homage to the original chronograph that astronaut David Scott wore during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, marking Bulova's presence on the Moon. This watch combines true-to-the-original design with modern technologies to deliver exceptional precision and performance.

Historical Context

On August 2, 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission, Commander David Scott wore a Bulova chronograph specially designed to withstand lunar conditions. This chronograph was used during extravehicular activities on the Moon, notably to measure elapsed time and monitor oxygen reserves. After the mission, this watch became a rare collector's item, selling at auction for a considerable sum. In 2016, Bulova decided to re-release this legendary model under the name "Lunar Pilot", retaining its distinctive design while incorporating contemporary technical improvements.

Design and Aesthetics

The Bulova Lunar Pilot features a surgical-grade 316L stainless steel case, measuring 45 mm in diameter and 13.5 mm thick. This imposing case faithfully reflects the dimensions of the original model, offering a notable presence on the wrist. The case finish varies between versions, with models in polished stainless steel or with a black PVD coating for a more modern appearance. The black dial is adorned with white accents, providing a striking contrast that improves readability. The hands and indexes are coated with luminescent material, ensuring optimal visibility in low light conditions. A tachymeter scale is present around the edge of the dial, allowing speed to be measured over a given distance. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial, providing increased scratch resistance and exceptional clarity. The case back is engraved with commemorative details, recalling the historical heritage of the watch.

Movement and Precision

Unlike the original model from the 1970s which was equipped with a mechanical movement, the reissue of the Lunar Pilot features Bulova's exclusive high-performance quartz movement, vibrating at a frequency of 262 kHz. This frequency is eight times higher than that of standard quartz movements, offering exceptional precision with a variation of only a few seconds per year. This technology also ensures smooth movement of the chronograph seconds hand, mimicking the continuous sweep of mechanical watches. The six-hand chronograph allows for precise measurements, with dedicated sub-dials for minutes, hours and fractions of a second.

Bracelet and Comfort

The Bulova Lunar Pilot comes with different strap types to suit individual preferences. Available options include a textured black leather strap with a traditional pin buckle, offering a classic and elegant look. Another version features a black NATO-style nylon strap, reminiscent of military straps, with a triple buckle closure for added security. This bracelet is decorated with a nubuck patch commemorating the date of the Apollo 15 mission (1971), adding a distinctive historical touch. The bracelets are designed to provide optimal comfort and durability suitable for everyday use.

Additional Features

In addition to its precise chronograph functions, the Lunar Pilot is equipped with a calendar function, displaying the date in a discreet window positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock. The watch's water resistance is rated at 50 meters (5 ATM), protecting it against splashes and light submersion, although diving is not recommended. The chronograph pushers are designed for easy operation, even with gloves, reflecting the attention to functional details.

Special Editions and Variants

Since its reintroduction, Bulova has expanded the Lunar Pilot line with special editions and variants to meet the diverse tastes of collectors and watch enthusiasts. For example, a special titanium edition was launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission, limited to 5,000 examples. This version features gold accents on the bezel, crown and pushers, as well as a gray NATO-style leather strap. The case back is engraved with a depiction of an astronaut on the lunar surface, accompanied by commemorative inscriptions. Another notable variant is the "Blue Panda", introduced in 2023, which sports a silver dial with contrasting blue subdials and a blue tachymeter scale, offering a refreshing aesthetic while retaining the iconic features of the Lunar Pilot.

Conclusion

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is much more than just a watch; it is the testimony of a historical moment when human ingenuity reached new heights. By combining a design faithful to the original with modern technological advancements, Bulova offers watchmaking and space history enthusiasts a unique piece that captures the spirit of exploration and innovation. Whether for its historical heritage, its exceptional precision or its distinctive aesthetic, the Lunar Pilot continues to fascinate and inspire those who wear it.

(Updated February 2025)