Bulova Archive Series Men’s Watch, Stainless Steel Lunar Pilot Chronograph, Silver-Tone (Model: 96B258)

Here are some impressions having just received mine. First: the size. I have a 6″ wrist, thin bone structure, and this is the absolute largest watch I could wear. The case is elongated to a huge 52 mm from lug to lug, but with only a 20 mm lug width. However, the dial portion of the case is only 45 mm, so the watch wears smaller than its dimensions suggest. These proportions, on a tonneau shaped case, are classy and flattering but no one would ever regard a watch this size as dainty.

The dial has a very 3D appearance, which has white applied stick indices, recessed chronometer markings in lieu of a chapter ring, and a raised tachymeter ring that is under the flat sapphire crystal (vs. on a bezel like a dive watch). White markings on a black background are very high-contrast and legible.

I find diver-style fold-over deployant clasps easier to manage than the butterfly-style double deployant clasp on the “President” style bracelet, but it’s solid and rattle-free with solid endlinks. The chronometer pushers actuate with crisp clicks, tactile feedback that is not often found on chronometers at this price point.

Finally, the mixture of finishes gives the Moon Pilot an interesting look that distinguishes it from typical brushed steel watches. The case has a satin bead-blasted finish, the pushers and crown are polished, and the bracelet is brushed. I think people will either love or hate this unusual mixture of finishes. But the matte case finish helps offset the large size, which is too often associated with overly bright, blingy, hypermasculine watches (e.g. Nixon 51-30). Also, the flat sapphire with barely visible chamfer is not flush with or slightly recessed below a bezel, but is exposed about a mm so may be more vulnerable to dings.

No one will mistake this for an Omega Speedmaster, but it’s a solid watch for the price.

I have had an Omega Moon Watch for 25 years. It is of course the ultimate mechanical chronometer, and it always will be.

But I eventually got tired of daily morning winding, spending money on maintenance, and eventually the bracelet on the Speedmaster fell apart. The authentic Omega replacement bracelet retails at ~ $800. Not an attractive option.

So I started to look around, actually bought a couple watches, some quartz, some automatic, and I love them. But they are all missing one thing: they have not been to the moon! That’s it: I bought the Omega because as a kid I wanted it because it went to the moon.

Then I saw the Bulova: it has a beautiful layered black and white dial for legibility, a convenient and super accurate quartz movement, the stop watch feature I use almost every day, and …. it’s been to the moon!

I bought it right away. One of the most satisfying purchases of my life. Then my wife said she’d pay for it: for my birthday! She too thinks it’s beautiful. Thanks honey!

I have always loved the omega speedmaster professional (moon watch) and was doing my research on the countless reference numbers when I stumbled upon the Bulova Moon Watch. I was torn between just saving some more and getting the omega speedmaster reduced (about 2k) or just scratch the itch and hope it’s goes away with the Bulova.

Since I recently made a big purchase and bought a new Rolex datejust II, I figured why not try the Bulova For the $370 I paid (now listed at $350).

I have to say, I am pretty pleased with the Bulova Moon Watch. The bracelet is comfortable and butterfly clasp is outstanding. The watch is precise as hell. The monochromatic dial is appealing and I find myself staring at it often when I wear this on the weekends. The raised sapphire crystal is a really cool and unique feature that I look at often as well.

There are some cons in my opinion. Firstly, while this watch is not too big for my wrist (7.25 inches in diameter), Bulova should not have gone larger than 42mm. Even on the substantial bracelet, the watch is top heavy.. also, I wish the bracelet tapered. Lastly, I do wish the entire case matched the brushes surfaces as the bracelet. It’s not screaming at me when I look down but just a little thing to note.

I do not think this watch is suitable for anyone with a wrist smaller than mine or 7″ at most. It’s a big watch (not like silly invicta big).

I do recommend this to someone who is looking for an omega speedmaster alternative. It satisfied my itch and has a really cool story to tell when people mistake it for the omega or just wonder what’s on your wrist. For me, it’s in the weekend rotation only since I wear a suit and my Rolex to work everyday.

I hope this helps some of you on the fence.

For the price, this watch is as good as it gets. I wanted an Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, but they are 10-12 times more expensive than this one, and this one’s appearance is very close to the Omega. Bulova is a respected name in the watch world, as they were first to have an electronic watch movement, the famed Accutron.

I finally reached a point where I could get one of these, and was so excited when it arrived. Beautifully boxed and presented. Documentation lies under the watch in the box in a recessed cavity. I took it out, removed the center cushion, and put it on my wrist. And then my heart sank. I’m a small man, and this watch covered my entire wrist, meaning from edge to edge, such that the strap dropped perfectly vertical across both sides of my arm. It’s just way too big for me, and I’m not aware of a smaller version. At 45 mm across, it’s one of the largest sizes I’ve seen, 3 mm bigger than the Omega. So I’ve returned it. Damn.