Lunar Pilot
Archive Series
Special Edition Lunar Pilot Chronograph from the Archive Series. Six-hand chronograph movement features proprietary high-performance quartz technology with 262 kHz vibrational frequency for precise accuracy. This new edition is complete with polished 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case, black dial with white accents, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, black polyester NATO strap with three-piece buckle closure, and water resistance to 50 metres.
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Product Details
Model
- 96A225
Movement Technology
- NP20
- HPQ NP20
- A movement featuring a 3-pronged quartz crystal with a frequency of 262 kHz that is 8 times greater than standard quartz, leading to an accuracy of seconds a year.
Case Size (mm)
- 45
Lug Width (mm)
- 20
Band Type
- Strap
- Nylon
Case Material
- Silver-Tone
- Stainless Steel
Crystal
- Sapphire Crystal
- Superior scratch resistance and hardness
Clasp
- 3-Piece Wire Strap Buckle
Dial
- Black
- Silver-Tone
- Luminous Hands and Markers
Water-Resistance
- [WR50/5Bar/166ft] Swimming
Additional Functions
- Chronograph
- High Performance Quartz Movement
Reviews
I have admired the Lunar Pilot for years. I would check it out online every few months watching for a good price. Over the last year I discovered how comfortable and versatile NATO straps are, so when I saw the Lunar Pilot offered on a NATO strap for such a low price I finally bought it. There are so many things to love about the Lunar Pilot. First, there is the history represented by this watch. Second, the accuracy of the 262.144 kHz quartz movement powering it (mine is running exactly on time after 1 month). Last the impeccable styling, from the placement of the sub-dials to the excellent visibility of the white on deep black color scheme. Honestly, the Lunar Pilot looks so much better in person, than the pictures show on the site. More specifically, this version has several features that make it superior to the previous (date) version for me. In no particular order: No date - Less really is more! The removal of the date window gives the watch dial back a cleaner, symmetrical, less cluttered look. Return to the older font - I really like the simpler font for the "BULOVA" name. The polished case - Wow, so nice to see a polished case in this world of bead blasted and brushed steel watches. It makes the watch look really classy and more expensive than it's price. The single pass nylon NATO strap is thick and well made. The second keeper could be placed closer to the primary, but it's a minor quibble for me. The only weak element is the lume, which could be brighter. Still, a real winner! Cool, cool, cool. Thanks Bulova
I have admired the Lunar Pilot for years. I would check it out online every few months watching for a good price. Over the last year I discovered how comfortable and versatile NATO straps are, so when I saw the Lunar Pilot offered on a NATO strap for such a low price I finally bought it. There are so many things to love about the Lunar Pilot. First, there is the history represented by this watch. Second, the accuracy of the 262.144 kHz quartz movement powering it (mine is running exactly on time after 1 month). Last the impeccable styling, from the placement of the sub-dials to the excellent visibility of the white on deep black color scheme. Honestly, the Lunar Pilot looks so much better in person, than the pictures show on the site. More specifically, this version has several features that make it superior to the previous (date) version for me. In no particular order: No date - Less really is more! The removal of the date window gives the watch dial back a cleaner, symmetrical, less cluttered look. Return to the older font - I really like the simpler font for the "BULOVA" name. The polished case - Wow, so nice to see a polished case in this world of bead blasted and brushed steel watches. It makes the watch look really classy and more expensive than it's price. The single pass nylon NATO strap is thick and well made. The second keeper could be placed closer to the primary, but it's a minor quibble for me. The only weak element is the lume, which could be brighter. Still, a real winner! Cool, cool, cool. Thanks Bulova
I was fascinated with Apollo in my youth. This was an opportunity to capture a memento of that era. Excellent watch looks much more expensive than its price The larger size is not an issue - The no-bezel appearance of the flat sapphire makes it look bigger than it wears. Flawless execution and ultra-accurate. This will be my reference piece to keep my automatic collection on time.
I was fascinated with Apollo in my youth. This was an opportunity to capture a memento of that era. Excellent watch looks much more expensive than its price The larger size is not an issue - The no-bezel appearance of the flat sapphire makes it look bigger than it wears. Flawless execution and ultra-accurate. This will be my reference piece to keep my automatic collection on time.
I was fascinated with Apollo in my youth. This was an opportunity to capture a memento of that era. Excellent watch looks much more expensive than its price The larger size is not an issue - The no-bezel appearance of the flat sapphire makes it look bigger than it wears. Flawless execution and ultra-accurate. This will be my reference piece to keep my automatic collection on time.
Great watch. Excellent quality. Highly legible. Fit and finish is excellent. Had a problem with second hand alignment, easy adjustment. I contacted customer service they responded quickly. They emailed instructions, problem solved. Cool looking watch. Would definitely recommend.
Impeccable Design
I have been wanting a Lunar Pilot ever since I began collecting watches and understood the rich history and build quality associated with the Lunar Pilot. After receiving this watch and having it in hand, I can see why this watch is sought after to such a degree. The robust case and craftsmanship is second to none and reflects a watch two- or three-times as expensive. I have an 8.5 inch wrist and this watch wears like a dream (and genuinely feels lighter than some dive watches I wear at a smaller diameter). All in all I cannot recommend this watch enough - if the size does not scare you off, I have nothing but positive reviews to share about owning it.
Great Watch & Fun Homage to History
There's a lot of things to love about this watch if you have a big wrist and like a hefty watch. The watch is 45mm and weighs in a bit over 3½oz with a Nato strap. It works well for those of us with thick arms and wrists. I'm about 5'10" and weigh 190lbs. I have a 8¼" wrist and this watch looks and feels good on my wrist. My brother is 6' even, 160lbs and has a 6¾" wrist. He didn't like the feel of the lugs on his wrist. The case is completely mirror polished. It gives the watch more of a dressed up feel than a brushed or mate case. The juxtaposition of the mirror case and the Nato strap seem a bit much. I replaced the strap with a padded black calf-skin strap. The new strap matches the case polishing a bit better IMHO. The high-frequency movement keeps awesome time. I have had the watch for about 2 months. It has gained about 1 second (if that). This is a true set it and forget it time piece.
Perfect watch!!
This is such a beautiful watch! I love how it sits on my arm! I thought that it might be too big, but it is perfect!! If you are on the fence just get it you will be happy with it!
Fabulous Watch for the Money
I absolutely love this watch, more than my Omegas and more than my previous Rolexes watches. It has a few things that I would change but overall I think the design and engineering are really excellent. I purchased the Nato strap version because it was cheaper but in fact it It's the only 45mm version with a polished case, which I think makes it much less utilitarian and makes it look more expensive. I've seen complaints about this watch being too big. It's not too big, it's just too big for the people who make that complaint. I have a 7 3/4 inch wrist and it fits me perfectly . If you have a smaller wrist buy a smaller watch. This watch does need you to have at least a 7" wrist and also to have a wide wrist because of the lug-to-lug size. There is a 43.5mm version in two variants if you need smaller and they are stunning. The case is beautifully polished and I really like the unique style of the Chrono pushes. I've read that they were made this way for astronauts using thick gloves to make them easier to press but I like the way they integrate into the case better than traditional pushes. I also like the extra large crown which again makes it very easy to use. The crown has the Accutron logo. On my watch it’s barely visible - that’s the only manufacturing fault I could find. One complaint I have is that it is only water resistant to 50 meters. This might have been good for the moon but we don't live on the moon and it would have been easy I think to have a push in crown/pushers and have at least 100M WR. I never thought I would like a Nato strap. I've always thought “what's the point in putting a really cheap strap on a really nice or expensive watch?” But I'm surprised that this Nato is really nice. It has leather reinforced eyelets, a nice horizontal weave and it absorbs light so it always shows as really deep black. The hardware is highly polished and matches the case. Note that if you buy the non bracelet versions of the 45mm you cannot put the bracelet on it because the lug holes are positioned differently. I don't know what genius came up with this but it's really dumb. It doesn't bother me though as this Nato strap is so nice. The face is absolutely gorgeous. The crystal sits high above the case and some reviews say it “could” chip, but I've never heard of one cracking or chipping. It just adds to the beautiful design. The tachymeter is much higher than the rest of the face; it drops to a chapter ring which in turn is lower than the main body of the face and the sub dials again are lower than the main face but not as low as the chapter ring. The hands and sub hands and all printing are all beautifully white and cleanly done. It's a wonderful design really well executed. The only thing I would change is the 60 minute sub dial which I think is a little too small. The sub dial hands do not have a pointer at the end of them and so it can be difficult to see exactly what minute on the 60 minute sub dial they're pointing to. I would have loved a 12 hour chronograph counter instead of 1/10th Secs but I suppose that would have ruined the authenticity. I very much like the smooth return of the chrono seconds hand on reset and it must put less stress on mechanical parts of the movement than a hand that snaps back. I think Bulova call this movement NP20? Anyway I'm pretty sure it's made by Miyota especially for Bulova (Cal. 8136). That would make sense as Bulova and Miyota are both owned by citizen. It uses a 399 high drain battery, perfect for chronographs. I believe this movement used to have a date and I can understand why Bulova took it off for authenticity and looks but I'm so used to having a date. So a few minor quibbles you get with any watch but nothing serious. How much do I love this watch? Well I've packed away my Omegas and I purchased a second Lunar Pilot. Nuff Said. Just remember your wrist size, especially the lug to lug measurement.