The New Lunar Pilot - Panda is the first Bulova I have ever owned. It joins the 17 other watches in my collection as a truly beautiful and unique addition. Amazingly - with some modifications I'll detail later - it fits comfortably on my 6.5" wrist. Outstanding design features: - The textured White dial with blue tachymeter ring, sub dials, and pushers provide a nice contrast to the shiny stainless steel case. - amazing +/-10 seconds per year accuracy. - smooth sweep of the timing hand rivals a mechanical watch. The running tenths-of-a-seconds sub-dial is crazy-fast and mesmerizing to watch. Although it stops after 30 seconds have elapsed, it will resume if timing is stopped and started again. -The varying depths: the raised dial is set off nicely by the applied minute markers, sunken minute track and sub-dials, and the tachymeter ring above it all which sits just under the crystal. The sub-dials and minute track have azurage (circular lines) for visual interest. -Easily swap the brushed and polished bracelet with the included matching leather NATO strap without tools. -Suede covered travel/display case with clear window on top is great for showcasing your watch. The NATO bracelet fits comfortably inside the lid, allowing you to take both straps on your travels. The only con for me is that the raised ring on the case back is perfect for grabbing arm hairs! How was I able to fit this very large watch on my very small wrist? Although thankfully the NATO strap fit using the very last hole in the strap, even after removing all the links I could on the bracelet, it was still too loose. I didn't want to resort to an aftermarket bracelet, so I employed a denim fabric adhesive-backed clothing patch and applied it to three places on the butterfly clasp. Success! The moral of the story is to not let the size of the watch deter you. Although I doubt I could wear the first Lunar Pilot, this reissue/redesign can be pulled off for those with smaller wrists.
Watch arrived inoperative. Had to return. Still awaiting company response and watch replacement.
The white/blue panda looks very sharp. Its textured dial is lovely. It is a little bit big on my 7 inch wrist, but totally wearable. A 40-41 mm size will be very good. It stands 13.5 mm and it does not have an external bezel. With the box sapphire glass on top, it looks a lot thicker/chunky then it is. Also the leather(??)/vinyl NATO strap is on the thin side. Feels like will break anytime. The MSRP on this 43 mm is about 2x$$ vs 45 mm that came out a few years back. With the father's day discount, it is still doable. With Citizen's backing, it is a no brainer. 5mm , ,
Love the panda style dial. It is accurate, looks great and gets lots of comments. I have not tried the optional nylon band yet but not expecting any problems. I did have to add one link to get the right fit. guess my wrist grew between order and delivery. No problems there well within my capabiities
