43mm Bulova Lunar Pilot - Hands on Review with Both New Smaller Bulova Lunar Pilot Moon Watches
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- Опубліковано 21 жов 2024
- 43mm Bulova Lunar Pilot - Hands on Review with Both New Smaller Bulova Lunar Pilot Moon Watches
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The dimensions seem perfect honestly. The 45mm looks much bigger compared to the 43mm. Personally for me the 50mm lug to lug is the max my slightly larger than 7 inch wrist can handle so I’m hoping it fits because I really love the look of this.
Great looking watch. I now have an Omega moon watch and a Bulova moon watch. The Bulova is a 45mm and I like the size.
Finally I've found a watch guy with a decent wrist size! Most of the watch youtubers make the wrist roll and say: on my 6/6 and a half/7ish inch wrist.
I have an 8 inch wrist and You are a big help for me to imagine how could a watch wear for me.
👍
I LOVE the textured white dial. Love what Bulova did with this.
I love the blue and white version!!
I'm very curious about these, but I'm afraid that even this version will be too big for my 6,5inch wrist. But I'm going to try them, for sure. Wish they also had a brushed/bead blasted version in this size, but that might too come later.
I was excited to learn about the new smaller Bulova, sadly they did not go small enough. 40mm max would have been great
I agree with you about the size, however keep in mind, it’s that movement that drives up the minimum size of the case. It’s very accurate, and high-quality as far as quartz movements go but it is big, and it’s thick. Unless they do a complete redesign of that movement 43 mm is about a small as it’s gonna get.
I'm in the same boat as you. 40mm, 47mm lug to lug and maybe I would snap one up instantly.
Hi, do you now how long the battery life is ? Thank you.
Hi, about 2 to 3 Years.
I have the 45mm version, which I like, but has never felt right on my 7.25” wrist. I am a Bulova fan and the decision I need to make is whether I buy a 43mm right away or wait for a price drop. I am hoping that Bulova gets back to making more models in the 38-42mm size range.
I would definitely wait. I got my 45mm for $350 new last summer.
I agree with you… But it’s the movement of dries up the case size on this one. It’s really cool because it’s probably the most accurate movement made… But it’s big and thick… I bought the 45 hoping that it would fit on my 7 1/2 inch wrist and it didn’t. I’m gonna wait for a price drop but I’m definitely going to get this one because I don’t see this particular watch getting any smaller as long as they use this precisionist movement
@@Themanthatisi I don’t think this one’s coming down below 5 to 600… And it’s not gonna get any smaller than this because of the movement driving up the case size… I’m gonna wait for a price drop of at least a few hundred bucks… But I bet it settles out there
@@johnbuckmaster569 I am curious, did you try the 45mm with metal bracelet or leather or nato band? I have about a 7.5" wrist too, and with the leather, just makes it. Sometimes, the metal bracelet can make it wear larger...
I ordered mine with the leather band, also came with nato and changed it for a high quality leather band (black with white stitch), made the watch look much better and wear better too. You are probably correct on pricing too, the list price went up from the 45....
The new Lunar Pilot is available direct from Bulova for $899 with Friday delivery. I like the smaller case size and the polish instead of the bead blast finish. But I 'm a 45mm owner who paid far less for this watch.
It’s odd that the original (actual on the moon version) had a brushed case. I have the 45mm version. Keeping it.
I'm sure pricing on this will eventually drop.
The 45 mm original retail price was very close to this. I love the new size but I'm the opposite on the case finishing. I prefer the blasted case on the 45. The blasted look is great for the very tool aesthetics of the watch.
That blue panda is a looker though. If the market price drops like the original I'll consider it. Until then I'm happy with the 45.
Im not seeing where they can justify this high of a price tag. I also own the bracelet version in the 45mm. Love the watch but its not worth $900 in any size. If it was mechanical id pay $2000 for the watch, especially in a smaller size.
@JJL206 that was what i was hoping for in this new version (a brushed finish). Polishing and bead blast is a cost-saving measure, im sure because brushed finishes take time and skill.
@@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen So true! I paid $278 on Amazon at the beginning of '21, for the pvd version. The leather strap that came with it looked great, but the second keeper is sewn in place too far away to hold solidly.
i love the contrast white and black, everything looks very crisp and legible
That white blue one is beautiful!
I bought mine online in Italy for 521 Euros (about 558 Usd). I am still waiting to receive it; it is expected in a few days. I tried both (the 45mm and the 43.5mm) at the official dealer. The 45mm felt too big on my 17.5cm wrist; the 43.5 was perfect. Also, the 43.5mm is the actual size of the 1971 original. Only the movement is quartz and not manual, like in the original, but I bet Bulova will finally release an automatic version sometime.
Bought mine in amazon for 330 us
White and blue looks awesome, but I still prefer that classic black dial with the pop of white! And I'm a white dial lover...!
The Lunar watch looks so humble after you had on that Santos. The Cartier is a gem of time piece, beautiful.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for keeping up with this new release!
I'm a huge moon watch fan, retired military and airline pilot who was 14 in 1969 and whose owned an Omega Moon watch for years.
I purchased the original version, date, new logo and three finish case in 2019 and while I liked the watch on my 7.7" wrist, the newer 45mm version, all polished case, old logo and no date was even better, so I sold the old one and bought the new one. However, I know the history well and even wrote/called Bulova to see if they would make it in the original 43mm... I guess they listened. 😉
I'm trying to decide if I should sell my 45mm and get the new 43mm black dial version.
Bulova always makes really awesome reissues that miss the mark in such odd and random ways. If they were keen on making the 43mm one more true to the original why did they only make it in full polish (the original was bead blasted). Really awesome watch but their logic confuses me as they always seem to do their reissues this way
Exactly, honestly its beyond belief... I'd buy exact reissue in a heart beat!.
@@scottcrawley7566 funny enough the one time they made a reissue EXACT was the mil ships ... and everyone hated its “odd” proportions. So I guess damned if you do and damned if you don’t when dealing with watch collectors lol
not to mention that they don't have an automatic movement.
@FDO agreed but tham it would be unattainable for me. Lol. Wine taste with a beer pocket. 😂
You have to see it in person. It´s a tool watch and dressy at the same time.
I love both watches and am struggling with which one to buy. From the historical perspective, it has to be the black version…but that white/blue one is gorgeous.
When I first saw the 45 BLP, I loved it. I love the 43 mm even more.
For me the 45mm version was just perfect as I have a 19cm (7.5") wrist. When you have dials within dials you need a big overall display - chronos just don't work well on small watches and can be very hard to read.
I know the movement in this is huge, but man, if they could manage to get this down to 41mm, they'd sell tons of these. The black looks so good!! Maybe it'd be possible by moving the tachemeter to an external bezel (?) That way it would at least "appear" smaller.... but that'd be changing the design of the watch, yes.
The Cartier Santos has been destroyed by George Santos lol.
Must give context. I must know. Please haha
He invented the Santos watch, didn’t he…?
Who is that lol
Na. His is a $20 shitter no question.
@@JJL206 I heard he invented the modern wristwatch as a concept, shortly after he invented the human wrist.
I like the original size for this watch. I ordered the black one, because it is more authentic, and also would be easier to read than having white hands on a sort of white background. I have an original Omega Speedmaster Mark II professional from 1974. I get it maintained by Omega service about every 5 years. I wear it on occasion. I used it a lot when I was flying air charters. I used it for its timer function for navigation. I was flying photographers up North of Montreal for areal photos of forestry and nature.
Anything upgraded in water resistant? 50m kinda weak.
Truly enjoyed the blue panda, I did a video myself and this watch is freaking awesome 🎉❤️ Great video bro 👊
Blu &white version it's so nice
I just received this watch in the black for father's day. For me the size is great sinze I'm a bit bigger of a guy. 7.5+ wrist and I typically wear a 42-44mm watch. It does come as a set with a strap. I originally was looking at the omega moon watch but after trying it on it felt a bit small on my wrist. When I saw this one come out in the 43mm I was excited. I'm glad I decided on this one.
I love this watch, I would definitely buy one if it came in 39 or 40 mm. The 43mm is still big for my 6.5" wrist.😢
Love the new size and color way, can’t wait to see it in person!
Not a fan of the quartz movement. Wish it was an automatic. Really like the white and blue dial.
Yep beautiful dial but it's a quartz. Oh well
I like the black one better because it looks like the speedmaster.
I love the sound of a 43mm. Can't wait to try one on.
Wow, 43mm is the perfect size. But the price around 1k$ kills me.
I got my original version for $300 brand new about six months after its release. Maybe if you waite awhile for a deal.
@@philipdarnall787 yep. 670.00 now 9n Kay outlet. Probably 6 months more and it'll be all over amazon if theirs stock left for 400?
I have the 45mm version and got the email from Bulova today about the new ones. Oh man that blue version looks so good!
I have not been able to see these in person but with the videos I see of them both I think that the black one is prettier. It has a very deep black face with excellent crisp white contrast and the stainless steel really drives it home. I am open to the blue due to the unique dial and colorway but I would have to see these in person to really drill it home. I currently daily a 42mm Eco Drive (gift from my mother in law) and I think I can handle this size well. A 45mm honestly seems absolutely massive for my 6-3/4" wrist. I want a nice watch I can wear daily and although this isn't an automatic, I really like the look.
This has always been a great design and the smaller size is a nice addition. My 45mm is my only big watch (that isn't a G-Shock square) but it does fit my 6 3/4" wrist. I would not be looking to replace it just for 2mm. Incidentally, the 262 movements are big, for quartz. The Surveyor from a few years ago, at 40mm, is the smallest we'll ever see unless Citizen OKs an entirely new movement be designed by its subsidiary here.
When are these available in the UK?
I bought the original hoping that it would wear better on my 7 1/2 inch wrist(it did not)… I knew it was too big but I wanted it anyway. I would like to see it smaller than 43, however, people need to keep in mind that it’s the movement that drives up the minimum case size. It’s high frequency and ridiculously accurate, but it’s big and it’s thick. I’m gonna buy one and 43 mm we’ll just have to do.
I wish it has the same finish as the 45 mm version. I can't stand high polished case.
is it possible to buy... where?
Hi Chris, I have heard that the 262 kHz quarz movement would not fit in a smaller case. Best regards, Frank
This is an excellent release from Bulova. The 262 khz quartz movement ticks away so smooth almost like my automatics. I have this same movement in my Bulova Accutron `Bumble-bee' Snorkel chrono which still is more appealing to me. Great review Chris so glad Bulova is still marketing watches with this same tested movement.
lol what? 262 kHz movement glides across the dial unlike a Rolex that ticks by at 8 ticks a second.
Looks great! Not worth me swapping out my 45mm, and for frequent use I prefer the leather strap on mine.
I got to check these out at the RJO show in San Antonio two weekends ago. To me the size difference felt very noticeable. I’m gonna be getting the black one. And yes, they do come with a strap and bracelet
Owned the 45, sold it when I bought a speedy, I’ll probably pick up one of these to try, but I do wish they would do an automatic version
Thanks for the review, Chris. I always have liked the styling of the watch, but with the 43 mm version, I wished they would have snuck in an increase to WR, say 100m, just to make it more of an all-rounder. Just my wish!
Humans die at 55m. What is it with people and wanting 100m+ on every watch?
It's a chrono... you aren't going compression diving in a chrono...
In standard mode, what acts as the second hand? Is it the std long second hand or the small 6 o’clock dial? I can’t see making a quarts movement with the ability to move like a mechanical second, but it remains stationary at 12 o’clock unless the chrono is activated.
In standard mode, seconds are tracked by the six o clock subdial and the long needle is stationary. It only moves when chrono mode is engaged.
As someone who sold the 45mm one because it was grotesquely large for my wrist, I'm so getting the 43mm one as soon as it shows up in the NL, hoping I'll be able to sport at least that one.
A/R and better lume this time around?
In my opinion, they messed up by not using white hands on the subdials on the blue version. The silver hands not only look out of place, but they are way harder to read with much less contrast than the white hands on the black version. It’s a white dial! Use white hands! I’ll be picking up the black one in a few years when Jomashop and Amazon has them for half of this crazy list price. 😊
I just found a dealer today with the white/blue one in stock and on sale for around 700sh. I like the black for the historical side of it, but man that white/blue one just popped in the store. Absolutely gorgeous! I am trying really hard to talk my wife into a "yes", especially after i just bought a Tissot PRX Pm80. I'm really torn on which dial to aim for.....
I have the 45mm and absolutely love it. It has replaced my seiko flighty for every day wear.
I love this Bulova, I have a old version and is great! thanks Chris 👏👏👏
I got the 43mm version about a week ago.
I find that it does fit my 7-inch wrist much better than the 45mm version, but it still wears pretty big. The polished finish actually makes it look dressier, so I was comfortable pairing it with a suit jacket on the leather strap.
It should be pointed out that because one of the selling points of this line is its history, there’s a limit to how much this watch can be altered, including the case size. The original prototype chronograph watch was designed to directly compete with the Omega Speedmaster Professional, so future versions can’t really go smaller than 42mm. The 5ATM WR is actually the same as the Speedy Pro, and is actually better than the MoonSwatch.
As for the price, I would argue that it can be justified because there’s a pretty fair inventory of the 45 mm versions available, and the new version was probably affected by supply chain issues. I’d expect a price drop around late fall as the new version’s inventory builds up. I don’t mind paying the higher price now because it’s still a better value than the MoonSwatch, and still at least a sixth of the cost of a new Speedy Pro.
whats the reference number for 43 mm version?
@@maciek_m The black one is 96K111, the white and blue one is 98K112
Bulova has really been on a tear with many new watches. Last summer I got the lunar Pilot in 45mm and looks great on my 7.5" wrist. I also recently got the Sinatra "Fly Me To The Moon" edition. I may eventually get this white/blue version when the price drops and they have a version with the blasted case, or brushed. I would never pay more then $500 for a watch that relies on a battery. Its a bit much to have a fully polished case as well unless its a dress watch. However, White dials with blue bezels are really appealing. I just received my Seiko GMT Limited Edition in white/blue and its stunning...
Several of those Sinatra watches are really quite nice. But I actually don't like the Sinatra branding haha. Nothing against ol' blue eyes himself. I enjoy his music, just don't know if I need a Sinatra branded watch. That's probably just me though because there are several nice vintage inspired watches Bulova has created for that line.
@@christianaviles2199 I got the Sinatra as a tribute to my father, a huge Sinatra fan. Growing up in NY, in an Italian household, he was always playing. This pedicular piece, "Fly Me To The Moon" had that 50ties look I just love in a dress watch.... I understand what you are saying though as I would not typically buy a tribute watch to any entertainer... This made me think of my dad and it was all I needed. Plus, I got it for about 1/3 of retail price, new. 😉
The case is not fully polished....it is partially brushed and doesn't look blingy at all. And you would never pay more than $500 for a chronograph...on the most advanced HAQ ever made beneath the spring drive that nobody else has...on a uniquely textured dial....of a genuine heritage watch that is literally the only watch ever made to actually be designed to go to the moon...that looks just like the extremely sought after snoopy watch but arguably better....ok lol
Great watch I'm a big fan of Bulova & Timex the working man's Brands .
Christian from Theo & Harris did a great video on this watch ⌚ After hearing the price ... Ouch !!
Great comment Junior 👍
Great video. I haven't been able to find any info on how to activate the large second hand. My watch only has the smaller (lower center circle) active, and the larger hand only moves when I operate the chrono. Any suggestions? Thanks.
This is the correct function of the watch.
Hi Chris, years ago I had the original but for my taste it wore to large even for my. 7.5' wrist. So I was excited when I found out that a 43mm would be available. I have it on my wrist for the 2nd time since I purchased it because it is still to large for my taste. A shame because who doesn't like an underdog like the St Mary's or Gonzagas at March madness. I am very much a Omega owner but my goodness, they have beat the Speedmaster moon story to death. I would be so nice for this Luner Pilot to increase in popularity. Bulova would have a major hit in my opinion if it reduced the size to perhaps a 42mm or less.
Black vs Blue and strap v bracelet?
Hi, what are the ref codes to these watches?
Where is good place to get these at not msrp?
Now they are getting interesting. The 45mm (with 20mm lug width) always looked weird since it wear flat. Even on my "big" wrist.
But the price is quite higher thought :(
Oh I want this one. I bought in December the old 45 mm and I am whiling to sell it to buy this new one. I also think 42 mm is the magic size. Who is interested? The blue is really gorgeous. Thanks for the review. Please review the new Astronaut which I believe is a home run.
Hey. So, tell me what you have in mind?
Really hope they come out with a beadblasted version! It's soooooooooooo close to the exact model I'd like.
Completely agree, I'd buy it instantly.... they keep missing the mark on their own product??
I agree. This time they could bead blast the bracelet too.
I like the original sized version, and as close to the original. Thanks for the review Chris.
Chris, what are your thoughts on Armand Nocolet watches?
I got a moon phase one (brand new) for under a $1000, is it a good deal? Or this brand is a garbage one?
I owned the larger version a few times and while I really like the watch, just a but smaller should be ideal. Mine arrives next week.
Just ordered the black one but it comes with a crappy fabric NATO style strap. Please recommend some leather or stainless steel straps that would suit this watch.
I know you asked for leather or stainless but my favorite strap by far on my black lunar pilot is a rubber CTS strap from Delugs.
Sounds like the perfect time for me to grab a 45 mm one from the smaller astronauts that will go for the 43 as a replacement :)
🤣
I'll sell you my polished 45mm one (full set) identical to the new 43mm, old logo, no date so I can get a 43mm new one. While I can easily wear the 45mm on my 7.7" wrist, I want the original sized version. FWIW, mine keeps less than +4 seconds per year accuracy!
🤣🤣
The old 45mm bracelet looks the same, but was brushed vs partially polished. I guess the polishing makes sense on the new one given the polished case, but I still prefer the look of the older one.
I have the 45mm polished version ( with no date display ) ..
Is it just me or does the “polished” version look like cheap ? Always used to a Brushed finish casing ..
Please someone tell me polished watches aren’t cheap looking !!
If you’re worried about it being a 43mm watch put that out of your mind. It does not feel as big as it is. Wears very well. I love mine
I managed to get one last week and it's really a nice watch. It comes with a blue NATO that is the same as the grey 50th anniversary model.
Let's go! Been waiting for this once since the announcement!
Personally, I'll be waiting for the smaller version. A 50mm lug to lug won't work on my wrist with such a flat case.
Great looking watch. Glad they downsized it. I know the black and white is the original form, but that blue and white face just looks awesome.
Great move by Bulova! I have the bigger version on bracelet, and prefer having the date. But this looks to be a better size, love the white and blue too!
Cool watch. Glad they brought this out in 43mm. The 45mm was just too big for me to consider.
It is possible, given the size of the movement Bulova is using that they cannot get much smaller. If they used a manual wind or automatic they could easily get into the sub 40 size.
I wish to complain! I have the black version and thanks to you, now I need the blue!! I don’t need you to help me spend my money!! 😂
A thousand bucks seems a bit steep. Have they at least improved the water resistance?
I want one but still to big for me. Almost 51mm lug to lug. 48 is max for me.
That’s a beautiful watch… one of each please!
I wouldn't mind seeing a "Darkside" version with a black case, but in the meantime that blue and white one looks really, really nice.
Why double the price?
nice to have a watch that has a good size. perfect for my taste and wrist
I have the original in black on black (dark) version. My 7" wrist "absorbs" the size ok. The size difference for the new one will not sway me toward it though. The price for the 43mm has almost doubled. Why? One more thing, Chris. Just a positive critique. You have the habit of stating something about the watch, and then saying you will get back to your point about it later. I have seen you NOT get back to what you pointed out earlier. So please, just address what you pointed out in real time. Thanks for another great review. I really love your vintage aqualung!!
That blue panda version looks killer. I'm fine with the size.
3:16 that's around 51mm, not 50.1mm 😉
I’ve heard that Stanley Kubrick used this watch instead of the Omega Speedmaster when he went to the moon too…
This needs a bead blasted case version and an all black like they did with the 45mm and I’d be in.
I mean white textured dial is nice but I still prefer black dial as in the original.
Black for me best chronograph for the money 💰
I'm still happy with my 45mm version, especially for the price I paid. That said, if only they made this new one in a blasted case they'd have the perfect version of the watch.
I think it’s a home run. This is my grail watch. I’m a little bit scared about it, if only because I know that when I do, none of the rest of my collection will ever see my wrist. 😂
Neat, i was looking forward, for this watch, however the price sounds a bit steep tbh, I was hoping for something around USD 600-700...
With 45mm diameter it looked too big for its bracelet. Now the proportions are actually perfect, genuinely tempted by it
Nice watch but not 895 retail nice. Can't wait till this hits the gray market shops
I've been mainly wearing 40mm watches lately, I have a 45mm turtle 🐢 that if I put it on, I take it off pretty quickly.
I think Bulova have done the right thing in releasing a 43mm version of this awesome watch. It makes sense in that the original worn by Commander Scott was by all accounts that diameter.
Unfortunately, as is often the case (no pun intended) they have missed the mark in a very important aspect that nobody seems to mention. That being the thickness which at 13.5mm, remains the same as the first 45mm release. When you downsize it's important to do it in a proportional way. Although I can't say for sure, I don't think Scott's Bulova was so thick. The 45mm was too big, but had reasonable proportions. This new 43 looks too chunky on the wrist. It may have been that Bulova couldn't reduce the thickness due to the movement. I don't know.
Solution- release yet another version with a mechanical movement, satin finish bead blasted case and exactly the same dimensions as Scott's original. I have a feeling that eventually that's what we'll get.