Lunar Pilot
Archive Series
Lunar Pilot
Archive Series
On August 2, 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the moon, engineered for the demands of the lunar environment. Now, Bulova returns to the design and updates it with an exclusive high precision quartz movement, continuing its legacy of precision timing with the men’s Bulova Lunar Pilot chronograph from the Archive Series. The Lunar Pilot chronograph features the same 43.5mm silver-tone stainless steel case as the original Bulova chronograph. Slim chronograph pushers and a crown featuring the Bulova tuning fork logo are positioned at 3 o’clock. Under the flat sapphire crystal, the six-hand chronograph dial is rendered in a deep black evocative of space, with stark white accents including the tachymeter ring and retro Bulova logo. The slim hands and applied markers offer exceptional legibility and are applied with super luminova for low-light display. The recessed, circular grooved sub-dials include a 1/20 chronograph seconds counter at 3 o’clock, running seconds hand at 6 o’clock, and a 60-minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock. The Lunar Pilot is powered by Bulova’s proprietary high precision quartz movement, resonating at a frequency of 262khz for unparalleled accuracy. The watch is paired with a matching 3-link silver-tone stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant clasp and a NATO leather strap, both of which feature an easy release system for quick changes. The Bulova Lunar Pilot brings the past to the present with a design from space exploration history, perfect for the modern adventurer. Calibre: NP20
Model #: 96K111
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Product Details
Model
- 96K111
Technology
- HPQ NP20
Case Size (mm)
- 43.5
Crystal
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Impact and shatter resistant - anti-reflective coating deflects light
Water-Resistance
- [WR50/5Bar/166ft] Swimming
Dial
- Black
- Luminous Hands and Markers
Band Type
- Bracelet
- Stainless Steel
Case Material
- Silver-Tone
- Stainless Steel
Additional Functions
- 6 Hand
- Chronograph
- High Performance Quartz Movement
Reviews
With atomic sync timing everywhere these days—phones, TVs, cars—accuracy was the top priority for me. I wanted something that could keep time on its own, without leaning on radio or GPS correction. So far, it’s living up to it. After a few weeks it’s still within a second of atomic time from when I set it, which is exactly what I was hoping for. The one thing that caught me off guard is the small seconds subdial. It doesn’t sweep smoothly like the chronograph seconds hand, it jumps twice a second. Not a big deal, just something I noticed, and kind of surprising since one hand sweeps and the other doesn’t. Early on I also had to realign the chronograph hand after a lot of timing use—it drifted slightly off zero. But I did that once, it was easy, and it’s stayed lined up ever since. I also really like the paddle pushers. They were designed for astronauts wearing gloves, but the benefit on the wrist is that they don’t stick out as far as traditional pushers. The watch keeps a tighter profile and doesn’t flare out as much, which makes it wear better than I expected. As for the lunar walk story, honestly, I’m tired of hearing it. This watch doesn’t need that backstory to be appealing. It looks sharp on its own, the dial and details are crisp, and overall it feels like a serious, well-made watch. This is my first Bulova, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I like that it’s an American brand with real history, and that they’ve been behind a lot of firsts and innovations in watchmaking. That matters to me, and it makes me want to pick up more from their HPQ line over time.
Process ☆☆☆☆☆ Packing/Shipping ☆☆☆☆☆ Product (uhhhhh) ☆☆☆☆☆ Service (haven't needed them yet) So, upon receiving my Lunar Pilot [LP] in its luxurious box, I finally laid hands on the timepiece. It does not disappoint. I have tiny wrist and large hands, so finding a watch to bridge that gap visually is usually a task... task accomplished by the LP. Not overbearing on the wrist, the lines and demure coloring accent a variety of wardrobe choices. With the addition of the black leather wrist-band in quick-change format, the choices for upscale events is even larger. Only time will tell (sorry) if the clock mechanisms are accurate over the years. As I've only had the LP for a couple of weeks, that part of the equation is still an unkown. BUT, if the insides are like the outsides, and the service, and the process, they should be high quality and run as smooth as silk for decades to comes.
Process ☆☆☆☆☆ Packing/Shipping ☆☆☆☆☆ Product (uhhhhh) ☆☆☆☆☆ Service (haven't needed them yet) So, upon receiving my Lunar Pilot [LP] in its luxurious box, I finally laid hands on the timepiece. It does not disappoint. I have tiny wrist and large hands, so finding a watch to bridge that gap visually is usually a task... task accomplished by the LP. Not overbearing on the wrist, the lines and demure coloring accent a variety of wardrobe choices. With the addition of the black leather wrist-band in quick-change format, the choices for upscale events is even larger. Only time will tell (sorry) if the clock mechanisms are accurate over the years. As I've only had the LP for a couple of weeks, that part of the equation is still an unkown. BUT, if the insides are like the outsides, and the service, and the process, they should be high quality and run as smooth as silk for decades to comes.
I’ve been looking at the reviews for two days online and it doesn’t disappoint. This is far the most stunning watch I own. I love big watches and this fits in perfectly with the rest. Very stylish and classic design. I am in love! Very happy with my purchase. If you’re on the fence about getting one, don’t! The quality is way up there!!
I’ve been looking at the reviews for two days online and it doesn’t disappoint. This is far the most stunning watch I own. I love big watches and this fits in perfectly with the rest. Very stylish and classic design. I am in love! Very happy with my purchase. If you’re on the fence about getting one, don’t! The quality is way up there!!
I’ve been looking at the reviews for two days online and it doesn’t disappoint. This is far the most stunning watch I own. I love big watches and this fits in perfectly with the rest. Very stylish and classic design. I am in love! Very happy with my purchase. If you’re on the fence about getting one, don’t! The quality is way up there!!
I have had many rolex watches none compare to this watch. I never take it off. I have the black dial and am saving up to get the white and blue. HOME RUN BULOVA.
I have had many rolex watches none compare to this watch. I never take it off. I have the black dial and am saving up to get the white and blue. HOME RUN BULOVA.
This is my my 4th watch I just added to the collection. I’m starting small didn’t want to go all out and buy I higher brand such as Rolex or etc. Although this feels like an expensive watch, pretty solid no complaints.
This is my my 4th watch I just added to the collection. I’m starting small didn’t want to go all out and buy I higher brand such as Rolex or etc. Although this feels like an expensive watch, pretty solid no complaints.
This is my my 4th watch I just added to the collection. I’m starting small didn’t want to go all out and buy I higher brand such as Rolex or etc. Although this feels like an expensive watch, pretty solid no complaints.
I own a special edition all black lunar pilot. I love that watch. I recently saw this new, smaller lunar pilot and immediately jumped on it. When I received it, it just looked beautiful. The finish of this watch is very impressive. The bracelet look great and feels high quality. This watch is a great overall with an awesome story. If you are in the market for a chrono and want a watch with history, look no further. To the moon!!
Shrinking down the case size of these new models is perfect, and exactly what this line needed. It wears like a dream now on my 6.75" wrist. Bonus points for keeping the ideal 20mm lug width. Only minor complaint is that the chrono seconds hand isn't perfectly centered at 12 (the manual adjustment doesn't quite get it there), but that's how every Lunar Pilot I've seen has been so I expected it.
Gift to Mechanic
I have a few good "automatic" watches, my daily is an old Panerai, but the guy who did superb work on my vehicle told me that he loved this Bulova, so I bought it for him as a gift. Could not have been easier- talked to a phone rep while on the website, ordered based on wrist size supplied to me and done. Watch order was processed quickly and shipped overnight. The new owner of the watch could not be prouder--it was a nice thing and Bulova made it easy to do. Kudos to your company.
With atomic sync timing everywhere these days—phones, TVs, cars—accuracy was the top priority for me. I wanted something that could keep time on its own, without leaning on radio or GPS correction. So far, it’s living up to it. After a few weeks it’s still within a second of atomic time from when I set it, which is exactly what I was hoping for. The one thing that caught me off guard is the small seconds subdial. It doesn’t sweep smoothly like the chronograph seconds hand, it jumps twice a second. Not a big deal, just something I noticed, and kind of surprising since one hand sweeps and the other doesn’t. Early on I also had to realign the chronograph hand after a lot of timing use—it drifted slightly off zero. But I did that once, it was easy, and it’s stayed lined up ever since. I also really like the paddle pushers. They were designed for astronauts wearing gloves, but the benefit on the wrist is that they don’t stick out as far as traditional pushers. The watch keeps a tighter profile and doesn’t flare out as much, which makes it wear better than I expected. As for the lunar walk story, honestly, I’m tired of hearing it. This watch doesn’t need that backstory to be appealing. It looks sharp on its own, the dial and details are crisp, and overall it feels like a serious, well-made watch. This is my first Bulova, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I like that it’s an American brand with real history, and that they’ve been behind a lot of firsts and innovations in watchmaking. That matters to me, and it makes me want to pick up more from their HPQ line over time.
Lunar Pilot
I am very impressed with my Lunar Pilot. excellent Quality. I now am looking to get the Blue and White dial of the Luner Pilot next purchase in the future. The band was original spec to be size to 6.5 , but I responded to your e-mail saying it could not be done at 6.5 , so I said I remeasured my wrist said make it 8 inches. It was shipped at 6.5 so I had to get it resized by my local watch maker.
Own Both Speedmaster & Lunar Pilot
I own both a Speedmaster and a Lunar Pilot. I prefer the Lunar Pilot. I bought my Speedmaster Professional pre-owned for $375 in 1988. Bought my Lunar Pilot bracelet edition pre-owned in 2016 for $285 because it was too big for the owner. The Speedmaster needs a $1,400 service. Won't do that. The only feature that the Lunar Pilot lacks is the 12-hour timer register. But if I need that feature I'll wear my Casio. I prefer the original bead blasted model with the matte bracelet. Not a fan of the current polished center links. I do like the current font though. Overall a great watch. The size works for me and embodies what a tool watch should be...and it went to the moon!