Probably the most underrated watch manufacturer of all time. Bulova have made an admirable effort to make waves in the industry for decades. Most of their watches are good lookers, also their electronic accutron line are nothing to throw rotten fruit at
@@LastWatch The Curve line is the only type of watch in a men's size that a woman can confidently wear. The 40mm looks fabulous and is so comfortable. Bull's-eye
I would buy it in 40mm with the 262 kHz quartz movement. I wonder why Bulova is just making big dinner plate instead of reasonably sized watches. It’s sad ... beautiful watch in a poor size case.
I listen to many watch reviews from multiple channels, most of whom are really good and a few are great. Can't put my finger on it but your ability to navigate history and personal experience is captivating. I was doing something fairly important when I curiously began watching this. I'll resume that when I finish commenting on this unexpected grand bit of storytelling and subscribe. Bravo!
This is very nice review of the Bulova Lunar pilot -- well done! A couple of background comments, if I may. Bulova (pronounced BULL-uh-va, with accent on the first syllable, and no long "o" sound but "uh" instead) wanted to get their products on the wrists of astronauts and lobbied US Congress hard to get another shot at a contract, pointing to the rules set out in the 1933 Buy American Act. Bulova didn't have any manual wind chronographs in their catalog, so they went to their Universal Geneve subsidiary and procured the watch that became the prototype worn by David Scott in 1971. Ironically, it was a Swiss watch through and through, with a Valjoux 72 or 7736 movement. David Scott was given the watch by fellow astronaut Frank Borman, a West Pointer (US Military Academy) with personal ties to the president of Bulova at the time, who also knew Borman from West Point. Bulova's CEO was retired five-star General Omar Bradley, yet another famous graduate of West Point beloved for his leadership in World War II. The watch was carried as a favor and part of Scott's "personal effects", which all astronauts were allowed to bring on board with approval from NASA. They also took a bunch of first-day-of-issue postage stamps, which led to a major brouhaha later as NASA took a very dim view of astronauts using their government service for financial gain. The Omega Speedmaster did indeed fail after the second EVA on the moon, so Scott simply strapped his Bulova prototype on and completed the third and last EVA and wore the watch back to earth. There are photographs of him wearing it in the life raft in the water next to the space capsule after splashdown. Charlie Duke of Apollo 16 also had his Speedmaster fail, with the same exact symptoms. His occurred after the multiple EVA sequences on the lunar surface were over. NASA opened an engineering inquiry on the matter and determined that both watches failed because of overpressure of the air inside the watch caused by the extreme heat of the harsh unfiltered sun (their calculation was 190F), causing the crystal to pop off. They closed the inquiry because it was felt to be not a significant issue as the Apollo project was winding down. Several reviews have implied that David Scott purposefully caused the failure in order to wear the Bulova, but in truth he wasn't all that interested in the watch. He only carried it on the mission as a favor to Borman, referred to it as a "Waltham of some kind" during the debriefings, and of course he promptly forgot about it and threw it in a safe deposit box for forty years. Only when he discovered it again did he think about putting it up for auction, which he could do because it was his own personal property. Bulova never did cash in on the event, never releasing the "Bulova Space Compax" in the US market. They too forgot about it and Omega continues its dominance of the flight-certified watches to this day. I owned the first issue of the Bulova Moon Watch (as it was called back then -- I guess Omega got huffy with Bulova for using the term in advertising, hence the rename to Lunar Pilot). Unlike the prototype which was 42 mm in diameter, the modern homage is 45 mm and wears very large even on my 7-1/4" wrist. It may be that the current generation has some AR coating on it, but mine was plagued by reflections which made telling the time more of an effort than it should have been. I found that the 20 mm lug width with NATOs and even the bracelet imparted a "lollipop effect". In the end, I didn't wear the watch very much and eventually flipped it. I liked it, but never loved it. It does have some bit of space history -- but only tenuously -- and my wish is that Bulova will see that a smaller version would be worth the investment to produce. I like the design, but didn't like the comfort and was really bothered by the reflections on the prominent sapphire crystal.
Thanks Lee, I had a lot of this in my notes but sadly people stop watching if you make the video too long hence it got ditched, the whole buy american thing was quite controversial. I hope people take the time to read your comment. Oh and my pronunciation is more down to my accent than any thing else.
Last Watch. Thanks! I’m old enough to remember the TV advertisements that Bulova ran regularly in the 60s and early 70s in the US, so the pronunciation of the name was well-established with a whole generation of watch lovers. Thanks again for a very thorough review.
The original is 43mm. According to Bulova, the size is due to combining the movement with a chronograph. The combination requires the 45mm size to get the right relationship between the subdials. Mine wears quite well on my 7.5 inch wrist, but I can see the preference for something smaller.
Thank you SO much ! I just started collecting watches .. I found this watch randomly on the net ... looked it up and saw your video last week , I ordered the watch and I just received it now in the mail .. what a beautiful watch ! I love that it’s historic .. an actual real moon watch developed for NASA !! Thank you for all the details you have in your vid ... much appreciated !!! Peace ✌️
It seems to be a widely overlooked fact that the original prototype watch Scott wore was a shade over 43mm - it was pretty large for its day. I believe the reason the modern reissue is 45mm is due to packaging constraints with the movement
@@LastWatch Please see ua-cam.com/video/p5cYhue0Z4o/v-deo.html as the movement takes up the whole width of the watch case and is a real marvel for the price with three aspects of thermo compensation, etc, check here: ua-cam.com/video/AzeV3mX3YlI/v-deo.html , cheers, Alex
i purchased the no date version the other day and while waiting I went on to watch about half a dozen videos. no other video showed the recessed minute markers had the cool rings around the whole watch. it definitely gives the watch a bit more depth. your macro shots were awesome. and the history you told was more accurate then other channels who skimmed over its history. thanks for the video
The Lunar Pilot is a watch I've lusted after for years. A friend of mine bought one several years ago which really whetted my appetite even more. Still, I held out as even though I own about a dozen watches I'm not really a collector, I just like nice watches. My thought process was that I already had a bunch of watches, I didn't need another. Well, the other day I was perusing the internet looking to buy myself something for Christmas and found a deal on a Lunar Pilot with the bracelet. However, I didn't pull the trigger. As usual for me I started watching reviews which of course talked me into it. I don't have it yet but it should arrive in a few days. Can't wait to get it on my wrist. Thanks for the in depth review. Very well thought out and done.
Great review mate. I purchased the two strap model. I’m a bit of a moon/lunar nut and the speedy used to be my grail watch, this Bulova has scratched the itch. It wears beautifully, but like you I only wear sparingly not because I dont like it, but because it feels too special to be an everyday timepiece. Whilst I like mechanical watches and wondered why Bulova did not do an authentic reproduction, I guess they like to flex their technical muscle and show their high frequency quartz movement and its ability to only shed 5-10 seconds per year!
Ron Vandenberg Thanks Ron, after leaving it so long I wanted to do the watch some justice. I’m a bit of a nut myself, I think I chose this watch for the same reasons as you.
You don't feel it is too big ? I have Hamiltons and Raymond Weils which are 42 and 43mm but as much as I desire that Bulova, 45mm is way too big for my wrist and would just look awkward
A beautifull watch - have had one for sometime and never tire of wearing it. Mine is the verion with the 2 staps. Purchased mine on line .. on special , with free shipping - win.
Have this one love it, it's a quality piece. I wear it off and on, one of my favorites with my alpina startimer chrono and citizen and seiko divers. Size is perfect for me. I can't wear my 99 seamaster pro anymore, can't read it with the hands anyways and don't like the size any more. Can't find any faults to the bulova except i would rather see the modern bulova symbol on the dial instead of the text. Amazon discounts it heavily a few times a year, like black friday, around 275-300. I like the steel strap, it's very nice. For the same price as the leather strap watch, i chose metal. the strap retails for over 100. better to buy a leather or nato strap separately, altho i haven't been tempted to remove the stainless one yet (note the case for this and the leather strap model are apparently drilled differently, meaning the 2 straps aren't interchangeable). The shape of the case is beautiful and the long pushers unique. The crystal sticks out quite a bit. I don't mind it but i'm careful. If you walk around banging into doorknobs and wall corners, you might want to pass on this watch since the high edge of the crystal will be ground zero for impacts.
Damn, 200 something for a bracelet model! They are over $500 now... My biggest gripes with these is that if you get the strap version you can not fit the bracelet after the fact. Then you have those issues with the bracelet being brushed instead of bead blasted like the case. Outside of those 2 gripes I love my Moonwatch. Love your thought on the case/pusher design in relation to 40's/50's rockets... very interesting. The pushers for the chrono are so much better designed for space suit use with their thick gloves compared to the Omega. I still can't believe NASA went with a non American watch.
I've been considering this watch but felt it was too big, and I didn't care for the case finish. I really like the HFQ movement though. If only they made it in 40mm case, 100m water resistance, leveled crystal to the bezel, and some nice case finishing and I would love it.
I returned this watch because of that similar reason. The face was fine, but that narrow lug/strap killed it for me. Looks too out of proportion and borderline silly. Loved the watch though. Kept unbelievable time. Would've been the perfect watch if it had a 22mm lug.
Best review of this watch I’ve seen! If it was smaller and with a better bracelet and clasp I’d buy one. I love the high frequency 262 hertz movement. I would like to buy the movement and put it in some of my watches that have cheaper inaccurate automatic movements! Super accuracy with a sweeping second hand- awesome.
Excellent review of this superb watch. My Bulova Moon Watch is a beautiful soft semi-glossy black, with a matching black triple link stainless steel bracelet. It is scary-accurate, and extremely comfortable to wear. The comments some folks have made like ”I would buy one if they were smaller” tell me they have never seen one in person nor tried one on. It is one of the very most comfortable watches I own; perfectly proportioned, and just the right thickness. If I didn’t already own this one, I’d buy it again without a second thought. BTW, my caseback top is oriented to 12 o’clock and engraved same as yours. Bulova attention to details is outstanding and always has been.
I too have just bought this watch (the one with leather and fabric straps). I was looking at this or the more expensive titanium and gold version for some time. Not a massive difference in price and close enough to be competitors. Then during Black Friday week I noticed it was on sale at H Samuel jewellers for £288. That was the decider and went to buy it at the earliest I could which was 2 days later. They had sold out in the shop but went on the computer to order one. To my surprise it was reduced further to only £218. They could not order one as the system would not let them. They took my details and said they would contact me later. I heard nothing that day, I was gutted. The next day though they phoned me at work unexpectedly and told me they had got me one and made an appointment with me to pick it up. What a bargain.
Accutron 214 Cushion Shape Solid 14 KT Yellow Gold! It had a “Tuning Fork Movement” which “hummed”.... the pin lever was a diameter of a hair with a Jewel on the end striking the index wheel 365 X a Second giving the second hand a “fluid movement” appearance.. Awesome Technology! I was in High School, had the Blessing of being employed at Carl’s Diamond Brokerage, Carl’s Fine Jewelry. I learned Gemology, China, Silver, Fine writing instruments, and Fine Watches, we carried many lines of fine Watches and it was there I became a “Watch Addict! I still have and enjoy that beautiful 14KT Gold Accutronl timepiece and it was the most accurate timepiece in the world. I still wear and enjoy that Gorgeous Timepiece. I purchased a Bulova Luna Pilot which is the reissue of the original Bulova Moon Watch. The Movement is a new Generation of the Bulova Accutron Movement. Bulova was Purchased by Citizen. This is “Tri-Tuning Fork Technology” operating at 262 kHz and has a fluid movement that is one of the most accurate timepieces in the world. I have the Bulova Lunar, with a Leather and NATO Strap and I love the legibility of the White Hands, markers, and indices over the black dial. Very handsome timepiece, very accurate (+/- 1-3 seconds per year?). I also have this movement in a Beautiful Rose Gold Curve Dress Chronograph which is Gorgeous! Now, Bulova has Introduced the 2020 Spaceview with New Movement Technology. Yes, I Love Bulovas - so I will eventually want one. Why do some Chronographs stope recording at 1 hour? Yes, we have timing devices on our aircraft - but if instrument systems fail you can navigate using your chronograph. I have several that record up to 24 hrs. Thank You for Your wonderful Reviews and Videos!
i have this watch, it's my favorite timepiece. But it is quite substantial on your wrist so if you wear dress shirts then make sure you buy shirts with wide cuffs so the watch can be tucked under without issue.
Great review on the Lunar Pilot watch, and I have it with the two strap version. No complaints about the size, and for the money it is a beautiful piece, and very nicely built. I love it 👍 Tam.
Great video - so it wasn’t all about the Speedmaster! I have a Bulova Luna and a Speedy - I love the Bulova as much as I love my Speedy. Thanks for explaining the background of this fabulous watch.
I wear mine regularly in rotation in my twelve watch collection, I got the polished no date version on the nylon strap and it wears fine on my seven and quarter inch wrist. I never really considered the Flash Gordon similarity but now you’ve pointed it out it is pretty obvious, I loved watching those serialised B&W episodes on TV in the seventies. It’s a cool watch, I think many that criticise it’s size haven’t actually tried one on, I’m open to all sizes of watches, I’m actually wearing a 34 inch Timex Marlin on an expanding bracelet as I type this, so it’s not like I’m into huge watches, just watches in general that have some sort of historical importance.
Just ordered one this week and can’t wait to get it in! :D I bought the leather version that comes with the secondary NATO strap. I figured it would be easier to find a bracelet, as opposed to ordering the bracelet and hunting for the leather/natos. Bulova is an amazing American company that single-handedly kept American luxury watchmaking alive after the 70s.
Just be aware that the spring bar holes on your version are located differently from the bracelet version, the Bulova bracelet wont fit if you decide to go down that route in the future
I’ll probably get one of these soon, it’s much cheaper than I thought it was gonna be. I’m also confident that I’ll probably never wear it. I think it’s still cool enough, and especially for the price, worth picking up regardless of wrist time.
I love the clean and multilevel dial, almost complete lack of any reflectivity, and brushed case. The version I have came with both a black leather and an astronaut-eseque velcro-closure NATO with a leather tab with watch specs embossed on it - and neither sat particularly well on my wrist. This watch, to me, wears a bit big, but fits my 7 3/4 wrist nicely. I put the watch on a quality medium gray single-pass NATO and it wears much better -- and looks stunning as the band complements it so well.
Just got one as a birthday present and I love it. It wears smaller in every direction than my Hamilton Jazzmaster Seaview Chrono (TENET) but it's actually bigger. My brother has a Speedy and he keeps telling me I need one too, but I think I like the Bulova better.
Re: the Flash Gordon hypothesis -- unprovable, but suggestive. I, too, see a striking resemblance to the serial's spaceships and other accoutrements. I even received a "Flash Gordon" raygun toy as a Christmas gift ca. 1947 -- almost too big for my small hands to handle, and the trigger pull took all my strength, but was rewarded with a rather anemic flash of red light (piezoelectric, I now realize) in a chamber windowed with mica or a similar substance. The raygun's esthetic was solidly in line with the spaceship -- and the "Moon Watch". By the way, I own one of these Bulovas and like it but it's way too big for my 6 3/4-inch wrist so it lives most of its life in a box. Rather sad.
Totally agree: Bulova please, make that watch smaller 40mm is enough. If Quartz, why not a solar? Better, make it mechanical. You could have a winner there in your drawer. Make something out of it!
Excellent vid sir and such a good watch! Get this - I actually bought it too about a year and a half ago... and I've not even unboxed it!!! I can't say exactly why, probably too many other watches. I got the commemorative edition and you have just inspired me to look it out. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
I've had mine for a couple of years now and don't have any intentions of ever selling it, and I am a serial "flipper" its a great under rated timepiece. 👍
I fell in love with the watch at the store I had the same issue as it lives in my watchbox. I bought the leather strap version It wasnt till i placed it on a nato that it felt comfortable to wear.
I'm considering buying one, I like the story behind it & I've heard other watch reviewers give Bulova a bit of a bashing while others love them. I think I'd go for the 50th anniversary limited edition though.
i have one and i wear it, for my wrist just perfect and i just love the fact that i do not have to care about the accuracy, cause it just is without my interferrence
I have the 96AA25 Archive series without the date complication which is the closest you can get to what actually was worn on the moon. Lovely watch, I do own a speedy which I dearly love and it does get regularly used, I just love its simplicity and clarity. However for a daily wear watch that is elegant and has character and also has a panache, you cant beat this in my opinion. It took a while to find the the 96AA25 as everything on the market seems to be the date complication model or the all black version. Still it was worth the hunt !
About time this Bulova is reviewed, the history review was of interest. It's worth watching the interview with astronaut Dave Williams as well as he discusses his collection. I've always thought of the high beat Quartz movement by Bulova as a great , worth owning , watch. I do think it would be nice to have a 42 to 40 mm case size. Thanks for the review. Well done
Thanks for this - looked for one half price myself and got one off Amazon UK (fulfilment) for £214 - I'd have never looked if it wasn't for this Channel - so big thanks
Its my wife's amazon - she tells me it was pending and never went through - although they tried to charge the CC twice. No detail from Amazon - just a 'we're sorry' email but it did'nt give a reason. For what it's worth I emailed the company for an explanation as I was really p1ssed.
I ended up putting a nice waffle strap on mine - now it spends less time in the watch box! Fits fantastic on my smaller wrist now, and really looks the part!
Wonderful review, excellent history and great take on size, marketing shortcomings, and querying the specifics of Dave Scot’s narrative I have the (now) bigger original with date complication. Love the tool watch aesthetic with its peerless legibility and uncommonly I do make frequent use use of the chrono. That size though - really a little too big for most of us who don’t find the need to put on our spacesuits for the workday
Like the presentation, loved how you focused on its capability in space something even Bulova has seem to neglect doing.I also have a Bulova Lunar Pilot watch, and can't understand why everyone complains about the size, my only quam is it should be offered as an automatic. Lastly, I would love if you did a presentation on the Victornox Ambassador XL automatic it was a limited edition. Amongst my watches it one of the most beautiful watches I've ever seen (IMHO)
Bulova are definitely missing a trick with the Lunar Pilot, they recently did an anniversary special, still quartz, still the same dimensions ? I'd be happy to review your victorinox if you send it to me
I love mine and it gets plenty of wrist time, even if it is on the large size for my wrist. This is one of two watches I have to purposely take off so my other watches get worn. Great review!
Part way through your video so I am expecting some bad news but for now thanks for the heads up on the polished version, having done a few searches to see images of it I think I prefer the 96A225
Greetings from northen Sweden and a fellow watch entusiast. This one is on my list. I have tried it on and it's a wee bit large but still wears well. Nice review.
I have the polished case version. Would have preferred if mine came with the bracelet like yours. I changed the standard nylon strap out to a leather rally strap, as I didn't like how the nylon strap ran under the case and made an already tall watch even taller, plus it hid the story on the case back. It's my only Quartz, and I love it as a grab and go piece, especially with it's +/- 10 seconds PER YEAR accuracy. Basically just set it when you replace the battery and you're good!
I have a lunar pilot and two Sea Kings, all 262s ... and the accuracy on average is a gain of 10 to 12 seconds per year. I would encourage Bulova to get on the solar charging bandwagon so we can leave the original factory seals on the case back intact. My lunar pilot is the polished version and I would hold that machining and polishing up to any Rolex in comparison; it's stunningly well done. It also has no date complication as the original didn't. Further, the "Bulova" seraph typeface lettering on the polished version is authentic to the original while the bead blasted version is not. I'm entertaining the notion of ordering a bead-blasted case to swap onto mine for better authenticity. I have a proper crystal press and tools to do all that myself.
I bought more mine over two months ago due to a jeweler having one in the case for over two years.after a long discussion I was able to get it for $300 with both the leather and mission style strap. I love this watch and have compared it directly with a Omega Speedmaster in person and I enjoy the Bulova much more for much less! IMO it’s an amazing watch that will always have a home in my collection! Thanks for the review on this truly unique watch! P.S. try it on a mission style strap it wears amazing!
Its a great watch and I watch every video that comes out but I cant put my finger on why I cant bring myself to buy one, its strange is it the quartz movement or am I a bit of a watch snob dont know, you summed it up at the beginning, if I brought it it would sit in its box forever never seeing the light of day for me as a collector, I do however appreciate how good it is at the price point.
The Flash Gordon "'30s" influence is apparent to me, too, and is welcome. Who can say what positive influence the "old" sci-fantasy fiction, both in film and in print, has had on the development of space exploration? It's bound to be there, and I suspect it's considerable. Maybe this watch design represents a tiny nod of recognition.
Beautiful watch not too big. On my wish list for next purchase for my collection. Expensive for a quartz but the history if true is amazing, where do you suggest purchasing one in the uk? Thank you for such a good video review. Daniel. London uk
I waited for a sale on H Samuel's website and got an extra discount for subscribing to their email, if you're patient you can get a great deal on the Bulova
Thanks for the great review. I own both the Stainless Steel Bracelet model (96B258), as well as the Special Edition model on Leather Strap with the additional NATO strap model (96B251). I wore the stainless steel bracelet model on and off for about two years, but have since neglected to wear it in favor of my Seiko SKX007J1 and Citizen Promaster NY0040-09ee black dial dive watches. This is mostly because I much prefer the dive watch design as an every day tool watch and also because I do not want to damage the Bulova, especially the highly exposed box crystal. I will probably wear it on some future special occasions, just not very often. The Special Edition version has never been worn and remains in its original black presentation box since the day I purchased it. In fact, the quartz movement has also never been activated. I prefer to save the special edition version as a collector's piece and keep it in absolute pristine condition.
I don't know about 'a likely story,' in that there are stories floating around that Omega speedies are prone to having crystals pop off at inopportune moments...
I am thinking of buying this one. The Omega Speedmaster Professional is financially out of reach for me. The /ulova would be a bo brainer if not for the integrated bracelet. All in all, it is a cool watch@!
I love Big watches. I have a 44mm Seagull Ocean Star Diver. I would love to get this Bulova but I bought the Seagull 1963 column wheel chronograph hand wound as I don't like quartz watches. The Bulova was made to be worn over your Pullover if you are a desk space pilot.
@@LastWatch There's only one size. 44mm x13mm thick. Blue or Black. There is one available with a ceramic bezel for a bit more money. Mine was £300 from Sea-gull.com.
@@LastWatch I see you meant the 1963 Seagull Chronograph. I got the 38mm with Sapphire chrystal on a brown leather strap. I bought from Poljot 24 for £300. Ive seen the acrilic dial 38mm on a green nato for £150.
@@LastWatch I havent seen any from Aliexpress or any reports. I played safe and got it quicker from Poljot 24 as they are in Germany and I am in England. Poljot 24 were very good to deal with, and I got a 2 year warranty.
I've got the strap model and not really a quartz fan so it doesn't get the wrist time it deserves. Great watch for someone new to watch collecting because of the entry level price but for diehard collectors Bulova should have put a mechanical movement in the watch... Great review..
I ordered the black one. My smaller wrist, on my right hand, is 8.5" so I need a bigger watch. With a big wrist, you look silly with a small watch. This is perfect. It uses a Cr-2016 Lithium battery cell, which usually lasts 10 years in most watches, so I'm not sure the 2-year life is going to be accurate. This is probably a big person watch. I have a Heuer Monza 150.501 I bought in 1977, which is very similar to this, as it has a tach scale and is PVD coated, but it needs repair and may have to be sent to Switzerland.
@@LastWatch I'm really thrilled with it. It brought me back to 1977 when I started working in engineering I bought a new Heuer Monza 150.501 for $117.50 with my first paycheck at a local jewelry big box store. It's very similar and I like a chronograph without a moving second hand. The Heuer was very accurate and worked well. I still have it, and it needs repair and I've matured enough to realize that initially, I made mistakes when it needed repair and I brought it to local shops that were unqualified for working on it. and caused some cosmetic damage, and possibly some mechanical damage. You really should not try to bargain hunt when looking for repairs. Back then, spending hundreds of dollars for repairs or maintenance just sounded offensive, as most people usually don't spend that amount, even on a new watch.
I'm hoping that a family member will come forward some years after the individual who "liberated" it from NASA passes on (its been 50 years, just sayin') and returns it on the condition of anonymity.
Just purchased this watch and love it.....As a bigger person size is perfect, Question I have is there any way to use the giant chronograph hand as the sweeping second hand ?
GREAT Video... I love mine. Quick question if I may. Are you aware of when the date switches over, I dont think it happens exactly at 12. Thx for any feedback
@@LastWatch That's why I put mine on a black carbon strap. Way lighter, too. It's about as big as I can pull off on my 17 cm wrist, but it is in rotation!
I like that case size, it fits my wrist like it was meant to be there. I have the strap and the bracelet version, am looking for the dark side of the moon one. The high polish version isn’t my bag and these fit great on a larger wrist. I have an 8.5” wrist and I think the most important thing with with this watch is the flat plain of the wrist on top. The movement is remarkable, one of my watches is a few fractions of a second out of sync with an atomic clock after one year and the other is about 3 seconds. I’m a precision junky, the idea of a cosc Chrono from Bulova in the same case is odd. Why would I give up that level of precision for a piece that is out by 4 seconds a day? A smaller case wouldn’t work for me. I have a Seiko monster, a samurai and they look small on me. I do think Bulova missed the boat with the opportunity presented by this piece of history, it’s a remarkable story and a beautiful item. A broader spectrum of case sizes is something that they should explore in my opinion. And the 50th anniversary would be an ideal time to put out a true to form, historically correct mechanical version. Great review! Well informed and educated. If nasa ever does let you know where that original speedy ended up drop me a line, I’m down to help however I can. 😉
If NASA get in touch, you'll be the first to know. Its good to hear this fits a larger wrist so well, I'm currently working on a review of a very poor chronograph, it fails miserably compared to the Bulova.
Yes of course but bizarrely I understand that the Bracelet and canvas strap versions have their lug holes in slightly different places therefore the bracelet is not interchangeable
Not on my wrist? Never... I work in aerospace and i just can't bring myself to wear my Omega Moonwatch for fear of damaging it but I wear my Bulova moonwatch almost every day.
Great analogy and observation on the old space shows and this watch. I also got some of that nostalgia. It's such a great looking piece. I have been contemplating a purchase but am worried it may look too large on my 7" wrist.
I have a 6.75" wrist and wear my Bulova LP regulalrly. It is big but not really awkward. I have recently been wearing it on a bond NATO and it somehow even makes it look better albeit higher on my wrist. I thought the NATO would make it look even bigger on my wrist but that wasn't the case. The NATO somehow makes it look better. I suggest you look at the watch from arm's length (perspective of other people) in order for you to see if it looks awkward or not. But I do agree this is the biggest I can possible wear. I think a 42mm version of this would be perfect but a 40mm version would be too small and make the dial to crowded or hard to read. It is designed to be a pilot watch for astronauts after all. But as it is, am really happy with this watch.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
Probably the most underrated watch manufacturer of all time. Bulova have made an admirable effort to make waves in the industry for decades. Most of their watches are good lookers, also their electronic accutron line are nothing to throw rotten fruit at
The curve line is pretty decent but I think they forgot that most peoples wrists are flat on the top and curved underneath
@@LastWatch The Curve line is the only type of watch in a men's size that a woman can confidently wear. The 40mm looks fabulous and is so comfortable. Bull's-eye
Yes Bulova, make this 40mm and mechanical, it will fly off the shelves!
Imagine
I would buy it in 40mm with the 262 kHz quartz movement. I wonder why Bulova is just making big dinner plate instead of reasonably sized watches. It’s sad ... beautiful watch in a poor size case.
@@switzknight Love the case size it's great
They could leave the Quartz model as it is but make an automatic version which
would be the same size as a Daytona!
I’d be totally down with a 42mm and a 300hz
I've seen several Lunar Pilot videos so far, yours is the best yet.
Many Many Thanks
I listen to many watch reviews from multiple channels, most of whom are really good and a few are great. Can't put my finger on it but your ability to navigate history and personal experience is captivating. I was doing something fairly important when I curiously began watching this. I'll resume that when I finish commenting on this unexpected grand bit of storytelling and subscribe. Bravo!
High praise in deed, I hope to keep up to your high standards
This is very nice review of the Bulova Lunar pilot -- well done!
A couple of background comments, if I may. Bulova (pronounced BULL-uh-va, with accent on the first syllable, and no long "o" sound but "uh" instead) wanted to get their products on the wrists of astronauts and lobbied US Congress hard to get another shot at a contract, pointing to the rules set out in the 1933 Buy American Act. Bulova didn't have any manual wind chronographs in their catalog, so they went to their Universal Geneve subsidiary and procured the watch that became the prototype worn by David Scott in 1971. Ironically, it was a Swiss watch through and through, with a Valjoux 72 or 7736 movement.
David Scott was given the watch by fellow astronaut Frank Borman, a West Pointer (US Military Academy) with personal ties to the president of Bulova at the time, who also knew Borman from West Point. Bulova's CEO was retired five-star General Omar Bradley, yet another famous graduate of West Point beloved for his leadership in World War II. The watch was carried as a favor and part of Scott's "personal effects", which all astronauts were allowed to bring on board with approval from NASA. They also took a bunch of first-day-of-issue postage stamps, which led to a major brouhaha later as NASA took a very dim view of astronauts using their government service for financial gain.
The Omega Speedmaster did indeed fail after the second EVA on the moon, so Scott simply strapped his Bulova prototype on and completed the third and last EVA and wore the watch back to earth. There are photographs of him wearing it in the life raft in the water next to the space capsule after splashdown. Charlie Duke of Apollo 16 also had his Speedmaster fail, with the same exact symptoms. His occurred after the multiple EVA sequences on the lunar surface were over. NASA opened an engineering inquiry on the matter and determined that both watches failed because of overpressure of the air inside the watch caused by the extreme heat of the harsh unfiltered sun (their calculation was 190F), causing the crystal to pop off. They closed the inquiry because it was felt to be not a significant issue as the Apollo project was winding down. Several reviews have implied that David Scott purposefully caused the failure in order to wear the Bulova, but in truth he wasn't all that interested in the watch. He only carried it on the mission as a favor to Borman, referred to it as a "Waltham of some kind" during the debriefings, and of course he promptly forgot about it and threw it in a safe deposit box for forty years. Only when he discovered it again did he think about putting it up for auction, which he could do because it was his own personal property. Bulova never did cash in on the event, never releasing the "Bulova Space Compax" in the US market. They too forgot about it and Omega continues its dominance of the flight-certified watches to this day.
I owned the first issue of the Bulova Moon Watch (as it was called back then -- I guess Omega got huffy with Bulova for using the term in advertising, hence the rename to Lunar Pilot). Unlike the prototype which was 42 mm in diameter, the modern homage is 45 mm and wears very large even on my 7-1/4" wrist. It may be that the current generation has some AR coating on it, but mine was plagued by reflections which made telling the time more of an effort than it should have been. I found that the 20 mm lug width with NATOs and even the bracelet imparted a "lollipop effect". In the end, I didn't wear the watch very much and eventually flipped it. I liked it, but never loved it. It does have some bit of space history -- but only tenuously -- and my wish is that Bulova will see that a smaller version would be worth the investment to produce. I like the design, but didn't like the comfort and was really bothered by the reflections on the prominent sapphire crystal.
Thanks Lee, I had a lot of this in my notes but sadly people stop watching if you make the video too long hence it got ditched, the whole buy american thing was quite controversial. I hope people take the time to read your comment. Oh and my pronunciation is more down to my accent than any thing else.
Last Watch. Thanks! I’m old enough to remember the TV advertisements that Bulova ran regularly in the 60s and early 70s in the US, so the pronunciation of the name was well-established with a whole generation of watch lovers. Thanks again for a very thorough review.
Now I realize that I have the non AR version 🤯
Great review! Thanks for taking the time to post it.
The original is 43mm. According to Bulova, the size is due to combining the movement with a chronograph. The combination requires the 45mm size to get the right relationship between the subdials. Mine wears quite well on my 7.5 inch wrist, but I can see the preference for something smaller.
Such a beautiful piece, well worth the money!!!
Thank you SO much ! I just started collecting watches .. I found this watch randomly on the net ... looked it up and saw your video last week , I ordered the watch and I just received it now in the mail .. what a beautiful watch ! I love that it’s historic .. an actual real moon watch developed for NASA !!
Thank you for all the details you have in your vid ... much appreciated !!!
Peace ✌️
I hope you enjoy the watch
Appreciate your honesty regarding the commission, it's refreshing.
Yes this guy is elegant and with an astronomic background, so I think I'll be looking at one soon!!!
Be sure to shop around, there are deals to be had
You actually made buy one , is coming in the mail by end the of this week. Thanks
It seems to be a widely overlooked fact that the original prototype watch Scott wore was a shade over 43mm - it was pretty large for its day. I believe the reason the modern reissue is 45mm is due to packaging constraints with the movement
Which is insane considering its a quartz
@@LastWatch Please see ua-cam.com/video/p5cYhue0Z4o/v-deo.html as the movement takes up the whole width of the watch case and is a real marvel for the price with three aspects of thermo compensation, etc, check here: ua-cam.com/video/AzeV3mX3YlI/v-deo.html , cheers, Alex
I guess this means it really is a special movement... and not the piece of crap you get in... oh say an Omega moonswatch.
i purchased the no date version the other day and while waiting I went on to watch about half a dozen videos. no other video showed the recessed minute markers had the cool rings around the whole watch. it definitely gives the watch a bit more depth. your macro shots were awesome. and the history you told was more accurate then other channels who skimmed over its history. thanks for the video
It was a delight digging into the history of this watch, thanks for watching
I like all the hands reach out to the markings like they are supposed to do. I recently bought this model and love it...
It doesnt get enough love
The Lunar Pilot is a watch I've lusted after for years. A friend of mine bought one several years ago which really whetted my appetite even more. Still, I held out as even though I own about a dozen watches I'm not really a collector, I just like nice watches. My thought process was that I already had a bunch of watches, I didn't need another. Well, the other day I was perusing the internet looking to buy myself something for Christmas and found a deal on a Lunar Pilot with the bracelet. However, I didn't pull the trigger. As usual for me I started watching reviews which of course talked me into it. I don't have it yet but it should arrive in a few days. Can't wait to get it on my wrist. Thanks for the in depth review. Very well thought out and done.
Thanks for watching, which variant did you go for, it’s had a few updates since my review and even comes in a very nice blue
I got the black dial 45 mm version. The blue one is nice but the history is with the original. That is a key point for me.
Great review mate. I purchased the two strap model. I’m a bit of a moon/lunar nut and the speedy used to be my grail watch, this Bulova has scratched the itch. It wears beautifully, but like you I only wear sparingly not because I dont like it, but because it feels too special to be an everyday timepiece. Whilst I like mechanical watches and wondered why Bulova did not do an authentic reproduction, I guess they like to flex their technical muscle and show their high frequency quartz movement and its ability to only shed 5-10 seconds per year!
Ron Vandenberg Thanks Ron, after leaving it so long I wanted to do the watch some justice. I’m a bit of a nut myself, I think I chose this watch for the same reasons as you.
You don't feel it is too big ? I have Hamiltons and Raymond Weils which are 42 and 43mm but as much as I desire that Bulova, 45mm is way too big for my wrist and would just look awkward
A beautifull watch - have had one for sometime and never tire of wearing it. Mine is the verion with the 2 staps. Purchased mine on line .. on special , with free shipping - win.
I own this same beautiful piece and as Ron stated, I don't wear it everyday due to being a special iconic watch. I love it...
Have this one love it, it's a quality piece. I wear it off and on, one of my favorites with my alpina startimer chrono and citizen and seiko divers. Size is perfect for me. I can't wear my 99 seamaster pro anymore, can't read it with the hands anyways and don't like the size any more. Can't find any faults to the bulova except i would rather see the modern bulova symbol on the dial instead of the text. Amazon discounts it heavily a few times a year, like black friday, around 275-300. I like the steel strap, it's very nice. For the same price as the leather strap watch, i chose metal. the strap retails for over 100. better to buy a leather or nato strap separately, altho i haven't been tempted to remove the stainless one yet (note the case for this and the leather strap model are apparently drilled differently, meaning the 2 straps aren't interchangeable). The shape of the case is beautiful and the long pushers unique. The crystal sticks out quite a bit. I don't mind it but i'm careful. If you walk around banging into doorknobs and wall corners, you might want to pass on this watch since the high edge of the crystal will be ground zero for impacts.
Banging this watch crystal is a major concern, I had heard the lugs are drilled differently dependent on strap choice, that i find very strange.
It's a great watch, and the only quartz timepiece in my collection.
Very special.
I think my quartz to automatic ratio is about 50/50
Damn, 200 something for a bracelet model! They are over $500 now... My biggest gripes with these is that if you get the strap version you can not fit the bracelet after the fact. Then you have those issues with the bracelet being brushed instead of bead blasted like the case. Outside of those 2 gripes I love my Moonwatch. Love your thought on the case/pusher design in relation to 40's/50's rockets... very interesting. The pushers for the chrono are so much better designed for space suit use with their thick gloves compared to the Omega. I still can't believe NASA went with a non American watch.
The bracelet was definitely an afterthought
A nice read-through of the history. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've been considering this watch but felt it was too big, and I didn't care for the case finish. I really like the HFQ movement though. If only they made it in 40mm case, 100m water resistance, leveled crystal to the bezel, and some nice case finishing and I would love it.
I returned this watch because of that similar reason. The face was fine, but that narrow lug/strap killed it for me. Looks too out of proportion and borderline silly. Loved the watch though. Kept unbelievable time. Would've been the perfect watch if it had a 22mm lug.
Best review of this watch I’ve seen! If it was smaller and with a better bracelet and clasp I’d buy one. I love the high frequency 262 hertz movement. I would like to buy the movement and put it in some of my watches that have cheaper inaccurate automatic movements! Super accuracy with a sweeping second hand- awesome.
Bulova also needs a screw down crown with at least 100 meters water resistance.
Smaller and a screw down crown, what a watch. I mean it has a screw down case back, why not the crown
They make a different chronograph with the same face and size and movement. Sells in US for under $200. See Amazon.
Excellent review of this superb watch. My Bulova Moon Watch is a beautiful soft semi-glossy black, with a matching black triple link stainless steel bracelet. It is scary-accurate, and extremely comfortable to wear. The comments some folks have made like ”I would buy one if they were smaller” tell me they have never seen one in person nor tried one on. It is one of the very most comfortable watches I own; perfectly proportioned, and just the right thickness. If I didn’t already own this one, I’d buy it again without a second thought. BTW, my caseback top is oriented to 12 o’clock and engraved same as yours. Bulova attention to details is outstanding and always has been.
James H. Nazarian, Ph.D. excellent build quality from Bulova
Best review of this watch so far...good job
Many Thanks
I too have just bought this watch (the one with leather and fabric straps). I was looking at this or the more expensive titanium and gold version for some time. Not a massive difference in price and close enough to be competitors. Then during Black Friday week I noticed it was on sale at H Samuel jewellers for £288. That was the decider and went to buy it at the earliest I could which was 2 days later. They had sold out in the shop but went on the computer to order one. To my surprise it was reduced further to only £218. They could not order one as the system would not let them. They took my details and said they would contact me later. I heard nothing that day, I was gutted. The next day though they phoned me at work unexpectedly and told me they had got me one and made an appointment with me to pick it up. What a bargain.
I paid a little more than you did, also at H Samuels
Accutron 214 Cushion Shape Solid 14 KT Yellow Gold! It had a “Tuning Fork Movement” which “hummed”.... the pin lever was a diameter of a hair with a Jewel on the end striking the index wheel 365 X a Second giving the second hand a “fluid movement” appearance.. Awesome Technology! I was in High School, had the Blessing of being employed at Carl’s Diamond Brokerage, Carl’s Fine Jewelry. I learned Gemology, China, Silver, Fine writing instruments, and Fine Watches, we carried many lines of fine Watches and it was there I became a “Watch Addict! I still have and enjoy that beautiful 14KT Gold Accutronl timepiece and it was the most accurate timepiece in the world. I still wear and enjoy that Gorgeous Timepiece. I purchased a Bulova Luna Pilot which is the reissue of the original Bulova Moon Watch. The Movement is a new Generation of the Bulova Accutron Movement. Bulova was Purchased by Citizen. This is “Tri-Tuning Fork Technology” operating at 262 kHz and has a fluid movement that is one of the most accurate timepieces in the world. I have the Bulova Lunar, with a Leather and NATO Strap and I love the legibility of the White Hands, markers, and indices over the black dial. Very handsome timepiece, very accurate (+/- 1-3 seconds per year?). I also have this movement in a Beautiful Rose Gold Curve Dress Chronograph which is Gorgeous! Now, Bulova has Introduced the 2020 Spaceview with New Movement Technology. Yes, I Love Bulovas - so I will eventually want one. Why do some Chronographs stope recording at 1 hour? Yes, we have timing devices on our aircraft - but if instrument systems fail you can navigate using your chronograph. I have several that record up to 24 hrs. Thank You for Your wonderful Reviews and Videos!
Wow thanks for the knowledge Gary, I could use you as a consultant for any future Bulova's
i have this watch, it's my favorite timepiece. But it is quite substantial on your wrist so if you wear dress shirts then make sure you buy shirts with wide cuffs so the watch can be tucked under without issue.
Great review on the Lunar Pilot watch, and I have it with the two strap version. No complaints about the size, and for the money it is a beautiful piece, and very nicely built. I love it 👍 Tam.
Great video - so it wasn’t all about the Speedmaster! I have a Bulova Luna and a Speedy - I love the Bulova as much as I love my Speedy. Thanks for explaining the background of this fabulous watch.
It was a pleasure researching this historic masterpiece
I wear mine regularly in rotation in my twelve watch collection, I got the polished no date version on the nylon strap and it wears fine on my seven and quarter inch wrist. I never really considered the Flash Gordon similarity but now you’ve pointed it out it is pretty obvious, I loved watching those serialised B&W episodes on TV in the seventies. It’s a cool watch, I think many that criticise it’s size haven’t actually tried one on, I’m open to all sizes of watches, I’m actually wearing a 34 inch Timex Marlin on an expanding bracelet as I type this, so it’s not like I’m into huge watches, just watches in general that have some sort of historical importance.
Like you, I'm lucky enough to be able to vary my watch sizes
Just ordered one this week and can’t wait to get it in! :D
I bought the leather version that comes with the secondary NATO strap. I figured it would be easier to find a bracelet, as opposed to ordering the bracelet and hunting for the leather/natos.
Bulova is an amazing American company that single-handedly kept American luxury watchmaking alive after the 70s.
Just be aware that the spring bar holes on your version are located differently from the bracelet version, the Bulova bracelet wont fit if you decide to go down that route in the future
I’ll probably get one of these soon, it’s much cheaper than I thought it was gonna be. I’m also confident that I’ll probably never wear it. I think it’s still cool enough, and especially for the price, worth picking up regardless of wrist time.
There's something about this watch, people want it but dont want to wear it
Thanks for letting me know you had this review. Will purchase one soon - thanks again!
Hope it was helpful
I love the clean and multilevel dial, almost complete lack of any reflectivity, and brushed case. The version I have came with both a black leather and an astronaut-eseque velcro-closure NATO with a leather tab with watch specs embossed on it - and neither sat particularly well on my wrist. This watch, to me, wears a bit big, but fits my 7 3/4 wrist nicely. I put the watch on a quality medium gray single-pass NATO and it wears much better -- and looks stunning as the band complements it so well.
The Lunar Pilot definitely needs a bigger wrist
Just got one as a birthday present and I love it. It wears smaller in every direction than my Hamilton Jazzmaster Seaview Chrono (TENET) but it's actually bigger. My brother has a Speedy and he keeps telling me I need one too, but I think I like the Bulova better.
The Bulova is a great watch at a fraction of the price of the Speedy, and a great stand in whilst you consider or save towards the Omega
Re: the Flash Gordon hypothesis -- unprovable, but suggestive. I, too, see a striking resemblance to the serial's spaceships and other accoutrements. I even received a "Flash Gordon" raygun toy as a Christmas gift ca. 1947 -- almost too big for my small hands to handle, and the trigger pull took all my strength, but was rewarded with a rather anemic flash of red light (piezoelectric, I now realize) in a chamber windowed with mica or a similar substance. The raygun's esthetic was solidly in line with the spaceship -- and the "Moon Watch". By the way, I own one of these Bulovas and like it but it's way too big for my 6 3/4-inch wrist so it lives most of its life in a box. Rather sad.
Fundamentally that is the issue with the Bulova, its a little too big
Totally agree: Bulova please, make that watch smaller 40mm is enough. If Quartz, why not a solar? Better, make it mechanical.
You could have a winner there in your drawer. Make something out of it!
Hoping to wear it more now the review is done
@@LastWatch my last sentence was actually pointed at Bulova themselves.
7rslender I know but this watch needs to be worn
Got speedy and the lunar pilot, love this one more!
What swings it for you
Sure mate
Excellent vid sir and such a good watch! Get this - I actually bought it too about a year and a half ago... and I've not even unboxed it!!! I can't say exactly why, probably too many other watches. I got the commemorative edition and you have just inspired me to look it out. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
The Lume Room maybe it’s an occasion watch ?
Still in the box 1 1/2 years later?! Sounds like you may have quite the collection there!
@@willardhooton920 Yup. I need an inventory clean up 🙈
The Lume Room Me too!
Mind blown by the flash tie in... the crown became the jet engine!
Showing my age
I've had mine for a couple of years now and don't have any intentions of ever selling it, and I am a serial "flipper" its a great under rated timepiece. 👍
I hope you wear it more than I do mine
@@LastWatch I was wearing it as I typed this comment! 😉👍
@@watchluver you have it on bracelet?
@@danielhovet5675 yes, and i also bought the curved spring bars so i can wear it on a nato strap if i prefer.
I fell in love with the watch at the store I had the same issue as it lives in my watchbox. I bought the leather strap version It wasnt till i placed it on a nato that it felt comfortable to wear.
I think you you may have just sold me this watch (was looking at it against a different one) nice review, subscribing was easy decision :-)
Good luck
I'm considering buying one, I like the story behind it & I've heard other watch reviewers give Bulova a bit of a bashing while others love them. I think I'd go for the 50th anniversary limited edition though.
i have one and i wear it, for my wrist just perfect and i just love the fact that i do not have to care about the accuracy, cause it just is without my interferrence
Im a younger watch collecter (15 y/o) and i have a smaller wirst. i can wear 40mm just fine. Do you think this watch could fit my wrist?
@@wasiullah6038 if you can wear 40 mm you will be able to wear the Bulova just fine
This review is so well done, bravo sir.
Thank you kindly!
I have the 96AA25 Archive series without the date complication which is the closest you can get to what actually was worn on the moon. Lovely watch, I do own a speedy which I dearly love and it does get regularly used, I just love its simplicity and clarity. However for a daily wear watch that is elegant and has character and also has a panache, you cant beat this in my opinion. It took a while to find the the 96AA25 as everything on the market seems to be the date complication model or the all black version. Still it was worth the hunt !
Thanks for the info, I wasnt aware of the no date version, very tempting
Great video and thanks for sharing.
Comparing the chronometers to "craters" is a bit of a stretch, but learning the historical details was quite enjoyable. Good review!
Artistic licence
About time this Bulova is reviewed, the history review was of interest. It's worth watching the interview with astronaut Dave Williams as well as he discusses his collection. I've always thought of the high beat Quartz movement by Bulova as a great , worth owning , watch. I do think it would be nice to have a 42 to 40 mm case size. Thanks for the review. Well done
Smaller would be great
Bulova also supplied NASA with the in-capsule timing mechanisms for the moon missions.
Thanx for the info
@@Vox-Populi More specifically,these mechanisms were all Accutron electric unlike the Bulova "worn on the moon by accident" which was mechanical!
Thanks for this - looked for one half price myself and got one off Amazon UK (fulfilment) for £214 - I'd have never looked if it wasn't for this Channel - so big thanks
Glad I could help
Spoke too soon - obviously a con - they charged my CC twice and then order cancelled by Amazon this morning - more than a little gutted!
Ian Banister sorry to hear that, I’m on a stag but will look at it when I get back
@@ianbanister67 thanks Ian...I just ordered one... then cancelled straight away after seeing what happened to you, did you get your money back?
Its my wife's amazon - she tells me it was pending and never went through - although they tried to charge the CC twice. No detail from Amazon - just a 'we're sorry' email but it did'nt give a reason. For what it's worth I emailed the company for an explanation as I was really p1ssed.
2mm smaller was the original watch on the MOON, just right info!!
Very interesting review, full of much information. It’s well researched and brilliantly presented by an owner of a Lunar Pilot. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I ended up putting a nice waffle strap on mine - now it spends less time in the watch box! Fits fantastic on my smaller wrist now, and really looks the part!
Good choice.... any pics
Wonderful review, excellent history and great take on size, marketing shortcomings, and querying the specifics of Dave Scot’s narrative
I have the (now) bigger original with date complication. Love the tool watch aesthetic with its peerless legibility and uncommonly I do make frequent use use of the chrono.
That size though - really a little too big for most of us who don’t find the need to put on our spacesuits for the workday
Like the presentation, loved how you focused on its capability in space something even Bulova has seem to neglect doing.I also have a Bulova Lunar Pilot watch, and can't understand why everyone complains about the size, my only quam is it should be offered as an automatic.
Lastly, I would love if you did a presentation on the Victornox Ambassador XL automatic it was a limited edition. Amongst my watches it one of the most beautiful watches I've ever seen (IMHO)
Bulova are definitely missing a trick with the Lunar Pilot, they recently did an anniversary special, still quartz, still the same dimensions ? I'd be happy to review your victorinox if you send it to me
@@LastWatch hi sure just let me know the process in getting it to you and when will it be returned. And I can get it out to you.
I love mine and it gets plenty of wrist time, even if it is on the large size for my wrist. This is one of two watches I have to purposely take off so my other watches get worn. Great review!
what's the other watch
@@LastWatch a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
Part way through your video so I am expecting some bad news but for now thanks for the heads up on the polished version, having done a few searches to see images of it I think I prefer the 96A225
Apart from the size I have nothing negative to say about this watch
I just picked up the black module (dark side) it's a beautiful watch and looks good luckily I have large wrists.
Very smart
Thanks for your great entertaining video. I wish the Lunar Pilot was a couple of mm smaller.
We all do
very informative,i did not know the original was mechanikal
Greetings from northen Sweden and a fellow watch entusiast.
This one is on my list. I have tried it on and it's a wee bit large but still wears well.
Nice review.
How big is your wrist
I have the polished case version. Would have preferred if mine came with the bracelet like yours. I changed the standard nylon strap out to a leather rally strap, as I didn't like how the nylon strap ran under the case and made an already tall watch even taller, plus it hid the story on the case back. It's my only Quartz, and I love it as a grab and go piece, especially with it's +/- 10 seconds PER YEAR accuracy. Basically just set it when you replace the battery and you're good!
A leather rally, sounds like a good combo
That was a very interesting and pleasant review. I’d get one if it was smaller.
I have a lunar pilot and two Sea Kings, all 262s ... and the accuracy on average is a gain of 10 to 12 seconds per year. I would encourage Bulova to get on the solar charging bandwagon so we can leave the original factory seals on the case back intact. My lunar pilot is the polished version and I would hold that machining and polishing up to any Rolex in comparison; it's stunningly well done. It also has no date complication as the original didn't. Further, the "Bulova" seraph typeface lettering on the polished version is authentic to the original while the bead blasted version is not. I'm entertaining the notion of ordering a bead-blasted case to swap onto mine for better authenticity. I have a proper crystal press and tools to do all that myself.
It would be an easy swap
For me, 2021 is the year of the quartz. I’ll be getting the black version.
Stealth
I bought more mine over two months ago due to a jeweler having one in the case for over two years.after a long discussion I was able to get it for $300 with both the leather and mission style strap. I love this watch and have compared it directly with a Omega Speedmaster in person and I enjoy the Bulova much more for much less! IMO it’s an amazing watch that will always have a home in my collection! Thanks for the review on this truly unique watch! P.S. try it on a mission style strap it wears amazing!
Lane Edwards You got a great deal on a great watch
Its a great watch and I watch every video that comes out but I cant put my finger on why I cant bring myself to buy one, its strange is it the quartz movement or am I a bit of a watch snob dont know, you summed it up at the beginning, if I brought it it would sit in its box forever never seeing the light of day for me as a collector, I do however appreciate how good it is at the price point.
I have one and I enjoy it. It’s my second Precisionist. The only downside for me is Precisionist battery life.
Mine has died after 3 years, courtesy of accidentally leaving the chrono hand running. I have a replacement battery on my desk waiting to be fitted
The lum on that watch is horrible. I had one but decided to let it go as I have the Speedmaster as well.
Do you know if the newer iteration is better?
It's pretty but not strong, the Turtle blows it away
This is my next watch .... Just gonna see it in person first .....
so you should
The Flash Gordon "'30s" influence is apparent to me, too, and is welcome. Who can say what positive influence the "old" sci-fantasy fiction, both in film and in print, has had on the development of space exploration? It's bound to be there, and I suspect it's considerable. Maybe this watch design represents a tiny nod of recognition.
Glad you saw it
Beautiful watch not too big. On my wish list for next purchase for my collection. Expensive for a quartz but the history if true is amazing, where do you suggest purchasing one in the uk? Thank you for such a good video review. Daniel. London uk
I waited for a sale on H Samuel's website and got an extra discount for subscribing to their email, if you're patient you can get a great deal on the Bulova
Thanks for the great review. I own both the Stainless Steel Bracelet model (96B258), as well as the Special Edition model on Leather Strap with the additional NATO strap model (96B251). I wore the stainless steel bracelet model on and off for about two years, but have since neglected to wear it in favor of my Seiko SKX007J1 and Citizen Promaster NY0040-09ee black dial dive watches. This is mostly because I much prefer the dive watch design as an every day tool watch and also because I do not want to damage the Bulova, especially the highly exposed box crystal. I will probably wear it on some future special occasions, just not very often. The Special Edition version has never been worn and remains in its original black presentation box since the day I purchased it. In fact, the quartz movement has also never been activated. I prefer to save the special edition version as a collector's piece and keep it in absolute pristine condition.
I left the chrono working on mine and found it dead in the watchbox after many months of f the wrist, time for a new battery
I don't know about 'a likely story,' in that there are stories floating around that Omega speedies are prone to having crystals pop off at inopportune moments...
If it had 100 meters of water resistance, this watch would be right down my alley. ✌🏽
Hard to please
I am thinking of buying this one. The Omega Speedmaster Professional is financially out of reach for me. The /ulova would be a bo brainer if not for the integrated bracelet. All in all, it is a cool watch@!
Jeffery Neu The watch is available with different straps
*astronomical, not astrological.
Apart from that, a very good video! I own one of these and I love it. Not too big as I had feared.
It may have been a deliberate mistake on my part
I love Big watches. I have a 44mm Seagull Ocean Star Diver.
I would love to get this Bulova but I bought the Seagull 1963 column wheel chronograph hand wound as I don't like quartz watches.
The Bulova was made to be worn over your Pullover if you are a desk space pilot.
neil piper I’m tempted to get the seagull which size did you go for... imagine wearing a watch on top of your jumper
@@LastWatch There's only one size. 44mm x13mm thick.
Blue or Black. There is one available with a ceramic bezel for a bit more money. Mine was £300 from Sea-gull.com.
@@LastWatch I see you meant the 1963 Seagull Chronograph. I got the 38mm with Sapphire chrystal on a brown leather strap. I bought from Poljot 24 for £300.
Ive seen the acrilic dial 38mm on a green nato for £150.
neil piper Aliexpress had them cheap, how is the quality
@@LastWatch I havent seen any from Aliexpress or any reports.
I played safe and got it quicker from Poljot 24 as they are in Germany and I am in England.
Poljot 24 were very good to deal with, and I got a 2 year warranty.
I've got the strap model and not really a quartz fan so it doesn't get the wrist time it deserves. Great watch for someone new to watch collecting because of the entry level price but for diehard collectors Bulova should have put a mechanical movement in the watch... Great review..
Thanks Trevor
I ordered the black one. My smaller wrist, on my right hand, is 8.5" so I need a bigger watch. With a big wrist, you look silly with a small watch. This is perfect. It uses a Cr-2016 Lithium battery cell, which usually lasts 10 years in most watches, so I'm not sure the 2-year life is going to be accurate. This is probably a big person watch.
I have a Heuer Monza 150.501 I bought in 1977, which is very similar to this, as it has a tach scale and is PVD coated, but it needs repair and may have to be sent to Switzerland.
I think this will look great on your bigger than average wrist
@@LastWatch I'm really thrilled with it.
It brought me back to 1977 when I started working in engineering I bought a new Heuer Monza 150.501 for $117.50 with my first paycheck at a local jewelry big box store.
It's very similar and I like a chronograph without a moving second hand. The Heuer was very accurate and worked well. I still have it, and it needs repair and I've matured enough to realize that initially, I made mistakes when it needed repair and I brought it to local shops that were unqualified for working on it. and caused some cosmetic damage, and possibly some mechanical damage.
You really should not try to bargain hunt when looking for repairs. Back then, spending hundreds of dollars for repairs or maintenance just sounded offensive, as most people usually don't spend that amount, even on a new watch.
this watch had a lot of promise I wish the case was a little smaller the lug to lug was too long for me and I have a 7.25 inch wrist
Eric Slofer That’s a strange one it fits neatly on my 7” wrist but I guess you have to take into account wrist shape as well
They have a smaller version now.. that's more true to the original
Great review. I suspect the "Holy Grail" Aldrin Speedy is buried deep in Smithsonian storage. Think "Raiders of the Lost Ark" warehouse?
More likely in a private collection after its theft
I'm hoping that a family member will come forward some years after the individual who "liberated" it from NASA passes on (its been 50 years, just sayin') and returns it on the condition of anonymity.
@@get2dachoppa249 i suspect this as well.
Just purchased this watch and love it.....As a bigger person size is perfect, Question I have is there any way to use the giant chronograph hand as the sweeping second hand ?
You could let it run as a sweeping second, not sure what would happen when it hits the hour and I guess it will drain your battery quicker
Last Watch yes it only goes for a short period of time. Then stops. Thank you
GREAT Video... I love mine. Quick question if I may. Are you aware of when the date switches over, I dont think it happens exactly at 12. Thx for any feedback
It's 1 am and I'm still waiting
@@LastWatch lol. Ok let me know if you can, when it does... thx
Beautiful timepiece they BULOVA should have place an automatic movement by Citizen-Miyota
An easy fix surely
Just pulled the trigger on one because I found it on sale. Now just need to find a black & grey stripe NATO strap for it.
Checkout Vario and Watchgecko, good luck
I think that that's an attractive watch. I think you should wear it more often.
I should and I will
I have recently bought this watch but without the steel bracelet. Do you where I can get the steel bracelet for this watch?
Bizarrely if you bought the non bracelet version of the watch then the bracelet wont fit as the spring bar holes are in a different location.
Love that peice. Would love to add one to my collection. I do, however, wish it were a mechanical or at the very least a mechanical automatic. :-(
A hand wound mechanical would be good
@@LastWatch agreed.
Really don’t mind this particular quartz movement- accuracy is near Springdrive territory 👍
@@willardhooton920 that might be true but I would rather not have to replace a battery every few years.
@@kennethdjones8181 youd rather have it serviced every few years? Lol
I am interested enough to want one. 👍❤⌚
Chili Prepper Do it
Are there any special maintenance for these high-frequency Quartz??
I dont think so, just replace the battery when it goes flat
If ever a watch needed to go on a nato strap it's this one. 🙂
That would make it even bigger
@@LastWatchIt would make it slightly higher but more in keeping with the original.
The bracelet on it looks like an afterthought.
watch nut it does
@@LastWatch That's why I put mine on a black carbon strap. Way lighter, too. It's about as big as I can pull off on my 17 cm wrist, but it is in rotation!
Johan De Bondt Waffle strap is working wonders for mine!
I like that case size, it fits my wrist like it was meant to be there. I have the strap and the bracelet version, am looking for the dark side of the moon one. The high polish version isn’t my bag and these fit great on a larger wrist. I have an 8.5” wrist and I think the most important thing with with this watch is the flat plain of the wrist on top. The movement is remarkable, one of my watches is a few fractions of a second out of sync with an atomic clock after one year and the other is about 3 seconds. I’m a precision junky, the idea of a cosc Chrono from Bulova in the same case is odd. Why would I give up that level of precision for a piece that is out by 4 seconds a day? A smaller case wouldn’t work for me. I have a Seiko monster, a samurai and they look small on me. I do think Bulova missed the boat with the opportunity presented by this piece of history, it’s a remarkable story and a beautiful item. A broader spectrum of case sizes is something that they should explore in my opinion. And the 50th anniversary would be an ideal time to put out a true to form, historically correct mechanical version. Great review! Well informed and educated. If nasa ever does let you know where that original speedy ended up drop me a line, I’m down to help however I can. 😉
If NASA get in touch, you'll be the first to know. Its good to hear this fits a larger wrist so well, I'm currently working on a review of a very poor chronograph, it fails miserably compared to the Bulova.
@@LastWatch I’m packing a go bag, I just need 24 hours notice for a travel arrangements. We can trade off alternating weeks.
Can the bracelet be swapped out for any other 20mm strap/band?
Yes of course but bizarrely I understand that the Bracelet and canvas strap versions have their lug holes in slightly different places therefore the bracelet is not interchangeable
Not on my wrist? Never... I work in aerospace and i just can't bring myself to wear my Omega Moonwatch for fear of damaging it but I wear my Bulova moonwatch almost every day.
its a mindset
I prefer big watches. I mean not 47-50mm Invicta but 42-44mm is superb.
This 45mm is only 0,5mm each side on my preferences. Not bad.
Bulova sounds ideal
Great analogy and observation on the old space shows and this watch. I also got some of that nostalgia. It's such a great looking piece. I have been contemplating a purchase but am worried it may look too large on my 7" wrist.
I have a 7" wrist, I wouldnt go bigger than this
I have a 6.75" wrist and wear my Bulova LP regulalrly. It is big but not really awkward. I have recently been wearing it on a bond NATO and it somehow even makes it look better albeit higher on my wrist. I thought the NATO would make it look even bigger on my wrist but that wasn't the case. The NATO somehow makes it look better. I suggest you look at the watch from arm's length (perspective of other people) in order for you to see if it looks awkward or not. But I do agree this is the biggest I can possible wear. I think a 42mm version of this would be perfect but a 40mm version would be too small and make the dial to crowded or hard to read. It is designed to be a pilot watch for astronauts after all. But as it is, am really happy with this watch.