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.
Here is why the Lunar Pilot is so important to me. First the specs- 43.5mm, anti reflective saphire crystal, high end 262 kHz three pronged quartz with insanely smooth movement, very cool black leather NATO strap, polished base..all very cool stuff including the rich history of being on the moon. I did the research and thought I would treat myself and get one in Dec, 2023. It is important to note that i have worn it and love it but I never looked at the back of it until today. The reason I bought the watch in the first place was to treat myself after losing two parents this year. Today I was doing more research on the particular mission this watch was on the moon for and realized that it was in the year I was born, 1971. I thought how cool would it be to have that year noted on the watch itself so I removed the NATO strap and low and behold there is an inscription that reads- "Apollo 15, July 26, 1971 to AUGUST 7, 1971, EVA 3, August 2, 1971" as well as the moon coordinates where the watch was worn. Why this is all so very important to me is that not only is 1971 the year of my birth, my mom's birthday is August 7. It is a replica of a watch from the year of my birth that she had me and it has my mom's birthday on it. Moreover I bought it in the year of her passing. Very strange. Owned the watch for over a month and never noticed this until today. The watch has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Here is another aspect of my story, my father, the first to pass this year, left me a vintage 70's Bulova watch and believe it or not it did NOT influence my decision to purchase the Lunar Pilot. It was just a happy coincidence...like father like son I suppose. I fretted at spending so much on the watch but I guess I had their approval all along. Thanks guys. I will never get rid of this watch.
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!
This watch is just as advertized. It’s the perfect size with the perfect amount of bling. Love the history of it, and love the watch!