Bulova Lunar Pilot Review & Unboxing

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a modern reissue of a legendary chronograph that has been worn on the moon. Although closely resembling the Omega Speedmaster, the Lunar Pilot is a fantastic piece that stands on its own, while being much more affordable.
Buy the Bulova Lunar Pilot: amzn.to/3pxzJMj
Wrist check - Seiko 5 SNK809: amzn.to/34WpYjG
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Unboxing
1:48 Close-up look
2:04 Bulova Lunar Pilot horological history
3:12 Upgrades
3:24 Movement
3:45 Dimensions
4:34 Wrist check - Seiko 5 SNK809
4:47 On-wrist dimensions & comfort (7")
5:38 Thickness and crystal
5:52 Sapphire crystal with AR coating
6:17 Satin finish case
7:03 Caseback & inscription
7:47 Dial
8:40 Dial layers and chapter ring
9:05 Chronograph & pushers
9:47 Bracelet
10:25 Price & Value
10:52 Conclusion
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#Bulova #BulovaLunarPilot #Chronograph
Song used in the intro (copyright-free)
Title: Xenogenesis
Artist: TheFatRat
Link: • TheFatRat - Xenogenesi...
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[@ChronometerCheck]

Despite being a bit thicc, the Lunar Pilot is an awesome watch. Get one here: amzn.to/3pxzJMj

[@Maxiius]

I for one actually like the larger size even though I usually prefer smaller watches. It aids in legibility and makes it one of the most easy to read chronographs out there.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Good points. I also assume they must have evaluated that this would be a better seller for some reason, I'm sure they have way more insight into their sales than I (we) do.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Agreed!

[@DAWesome_]

Got mine a month ago and it is by far my favorite piece as of late.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Awesome, it's a great watch. Enjoy.

[@pclarin]

Nice review. Thanks

[@yankeexpress]

Have had the first issue Pilot and the black PVD Pilot for several years. Great watches!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Awesome! Those models are sweet as well - it was difficult to choose which one I'd go with.

I love watch story thing, above all I love the watch, total package!!

[@lareno04]

Phenomenal watch! 😊

[@rameshdathrampersad9216]

Great review and great watch. But is there a reason why the subdials are different from the original, i mean in terms of what they do. Thanks

[@MrSmoothasf]

That's a beautiful watch, never even considered a Bulova before watching this

[@ChronometerCheck]

I'm glad to help feed the addiction. :)

[@jordongrant2782]

The biggest load of nonsense I believed about this watch is that it wears HUGE. Everybody says it does. Then i tried one on and lo and behold, it wears just fine.😉

[@ChronometerCheck]

Mr. Muscles over here 🤣

[@jordongrant2782]

Definitely not lol

[@tk423b]

Measure your wrist. Most reviewers have small wrists.

[@timothydunn5889]

I own this and a 6 and three quarter wrist. Perfect match. Nowhere near Breitling or Panerai.

[@william38022]

I just ordered this watch about two weeks ago from Jomashop and then after I ordered i found out they don’t have any more stock in the warehouse but they said not to worry I should have it in about three weeks I ordered the highly polished version with no date on a NATO strap I have big hands and a large wrist so I’m hoping this watch will be just right for me it sure looks nice I have some automatic wind up watches but most of the time I prefer not to wear them I don’t like to fiddle with the date and I don’t like to have to zero in the time down to the last second or try to anyway quartz watches are so much easier and I understand that this one is quite accurate I think cell phones have ruined us all we want the precise time we pretty much go by it anymore it seems like. Do you think that metal bracelet would fit an 8 1/4 inch wrist?

[@Snicker60515]

Can't wait to buy mine, in PVD black while I save up for the OG Omega.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Nice choice

[@thomashood6551]

Awesome Video

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you very much thomas, much appreciated

[@cyrankowski22]

Hello could you please tell us which référence IS it ? There IS 2 versions and I rather prefer this version to the other ( version 96B258 AND 96K111) THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[@boombya123]

A good looking watch with cool history behind only issue I can see really is that huge lug to lug but apart from that it looks like a stunner

[@ChronometerCheck]

The new 43mm coming out next week may be perfect for ya!

[@poorks]

try it on a dark brown leather, or a grey mocca! looks amazing

[@jareddionisio8590]

One of the subdial hands (3 o'clock) isnt zeroed properly. Driving me nuts 😜 Good review. Just got one with the polished case and no date window. Looks good with a bond nato 😍

[@ChronometerCheck]

Oh no, I didn't mind/notice until you pointed it out. Now I can't unsee it! Great to hear. How are you enjoying it so far? Finding the size not too large?

[@jefferyneu3915]

Nice review. There is a lot I love about this watch. If it had good lume, it would get more wear.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks Jeff!

[@paulblakey4589]

My Lume seems pretty good, recently purchased-maybe Lume improved recently ?

[@ChronometerCheck]

@@paulblakey4589 It's certainly possible. I believe I purchased this from Amazon, perhaps a grey market dealer sold an old stock with not as good lume. How are you enjoying the watch overall?

[@corentco]

@Chronometer Check, I just received mine today. Quick question, can you comment on the pushers on your watch. Do they have any play? Up and down movement while in their resting position. My watch has maybe more play that I expected and the pushers do make a little bit of noise.

[@ChronometerCheck]

They do have a minimal amount of play, but not enough to concern me. Sounds like you might have a bit more. How do they feel when they actuate to use the chronograph? Did you buy from a seller you can exchange? If so, I would suggest it, be on the safe size.

[@corentco]

@@ChronometerCheck They feel fine on actuation, but at the ends furthest way from two screws securing them they move more than I had hoped. I bought the watch from a reputable online seller I've dealt with in the past, but will probably walk into a local Bulova AD to have them take a quick look. Thank you for getting back to me. Love it otherwise.

[@paulblakey4589]

Great review . I have a special edition strap version which is great but this bracelet version looks very impressive. I have tried a steel bracelet on my strap version but cannot find a curved lug end bracelet that fits ( anyone know if one?) so I may go for broke and get this version also?? Update-the seller confirmed that the bracelet doesn’t match the case too well-case is shot blasted and bracelet is partly polished??? Contrast maybe?? Anyway I’ve passed on it for now.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Unfortunately, that might be difficult, doesn't seem like there are too many third-party bracelet options for this model. Your best bet might be sourcing a straight end-link bracelet, which isn't ideal, but could work in a pinch. You could also more easily find a bracelet that matches the finish of the case (since the brushed bracelet here doesn't really match the satin case of the watch. And it kind of bugs me) Thanks for watching!

[@NathanChisholm041]

Nope they are not interchangeable so finding a bracelet with curved fitted end links will be hard! Theres always a straight end bracelet?

[@toolavish]

What's been your experience with changing straps on this specific watch

[@ChronometerCheck]

Awful. Only the original bracelet or pass-through straps are feasible

[@Starstreak170]

Imagine how much more they would sell with a smaller case option? I think the movement is the limiting factor in it, they could produce a smaller case with a more traditional quartz movement if necessary.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Indeed. What don't you like about the movement? I actually enjoy the high frequency quartz

[@Starstreak170]

@@ChronometerCheck I mean the high frequency quartz movement itself is too big to allow for a smaller case size. The original 1971 was smaller than the current model.

[@ChronometerCheck]

​ @The Iron Giant ​Gotcha, gotcha. That makes a lot of sense and actually is a detail I've overlooked - the case dimensions are a result of the size of the movement itself. Thanks for the insight.

[@krystianstepien5835]

There is 43mm available on the market.

[@florinflorin249]

what's better lasting in time, polished or matte case version ?

[@NathanChisholm041]

Polished with scratch easy and brushed will hide scratches but in terms of case life they will both last as long! I have the brushed version on a bracelet and bought it for that reason. Plus it just looks awesome...

[@ChronometerCheck]

Matte will hide scratches better

[@Angelo-uo2gj]

You mentioned you had other watches you would recommend in this price range. Would you mind sharing?

[@ChronometerCheck]

Oof, so many. Is there anything in particular you're looking for? That could help me point you in the right direction. Take a look at the other videos on my channel, it may give you some ideas.

[@Gingeora]

What is the nato size for this watch ?

[@ChronometerCheck]

20mm lug width but I've heard it can be difficult to fit a NATO into the version with a bracelet.

[@fenwickc2274]

where did you buy this for sub 400 ?

[@ChronometerCheck]

Jomashop

[@larsstougaard7097]

Love it, but my small wrist can't handle 52mm lug to lug unfortunately 😔

[@ChronometerCheck]

Hey, welcome to the club. Been doing wrist exercises to make the watch look a little more appropriate on me.

[@Ktrb]

This is the main problem with this watch.

[@ChronometerCheck]

@@Ktrb Other than that, it's really great

[@Fm-qi1vl]

Interesting commentary, you covered various aspects of the watch. My only complaint regarding the watch would be it’s size, all I could say is it’s hard to pull off a 45mm watch that has a lug to lug distance of 52mm.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you. Agreed - it is quite chunky. Even though I enjoy the watch, the size is enough of a detriment that I don't wear it frequently.

[@blurayauthority]

No lume shot?

[@ChronometerCheck]

I had filmed it, but completely missed it in editing, my apologies.

[@The7dioses]

As much as I like the watch, I can’t get my head around why they had to make it the size of a door knob !

[@timyoungnc]

I wish they would make this model in a 40mm.

[@ChronometerCheck]

43mm model coming soon :)

[@annakquinn7084]

People saying the size is a problem are crazy. Watches must be big.

[@thinredline2795]

Well done Bulova, you created a beautiful watch that everyone wants...except it's too big for most people, genius.....

[@ChronometerCheck]

Good news! They released a smaller version just recently.

[@tyroneshoelace4872]

I appreciate you making this review. However, you omitted the most important information. How can you review a watch and not mention the power source? How can you review a watch and not demonstrate the functions of the sub- dials?

[@waalererik]

Can you trust someone who wears the watch on the wrong arm😂

[@GixxerZilla]

Hold the camera steady pls

[@ChronometerCheck]

Fair point

[@sovannarapha4459]

Too big for me if they do for 42mm case I will buy it

[@ChronometerCheck]

It would be a huge hit at 42mm.

[@NathanChisholm041]

I slightly polished the case on mine to match the bracelet better and looks awesome but took ages just rubbing for hours. Also your 1/20th chrono hand is not lined up right!

[@ChronometerCheck]

That's a good move. If I wore this one more I would probably do the same! Awaiting the 43mm version that will be released soon.

[@TerenceHughes4501]

I picked mine up yesterday and am elated. I honestly don't know why people are so hung up on the size. I've got a very average 7 inch wrist and it wears absolutely fine. Not only that but it has presense and understated class.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Just a personal preference. It feels a bit top heavy and looks a bit large on my wrist for my taste, but I think it looks fine, not comically large, just bigger than I like