BulovaMen's Archive Series Lunar Pilot 6-Hand Chronograph High Performance Quartz Stainless Steel and Black Nylon Strap Watch Set, Sapphire Crystal Style: 96B251

This watch has been reviewed on Amazon many times already, so I will try to not repeat too much of what has already been said, and if I do repeat, I'll try to condense my words to what you might really be interested to know.First: This watch has some historical significance, as a replica of the only other watch known to be worn on the Moon besides the Omega Speedmaster (which I also once owned). Bulova produced just a few of these back in the early 70's (through their Swiss subsidiary Universal Geneve), submitted some to NASA for testing, and gifted one to David Scott, who took it along as "backup" during the Apollo 15 mission. He ended up wearing it on the lunar surface while piloting the Lunar Rover. That particular watch sold at auction in 2015 for $1,600,000.Second: Even without the historical significance, it's a technically interesting watch with unique features. The watch uses Bulova's UHF quartz movement, in which the crystal vibrates 8 times faster than conventional quartz watches. This provides extreme accuracy of approximately 10 seconds/year as well as very smooth motion of the central chronograph seconds hand. The running seconds hand located on the subdial at six o'clock ticks every half-second, not every second like most quartz watches.Third: The styling is unique among modern Bulova watches, which are often very highly polished, glittery and sometimes "blingy". This watch is more of a "tool" or instrument, with a mostly bead blasted texture, and a little bit of a brushed finish on the bezel. The crystal is a thick flat slab of sapphire, and actually protrudes a millimeter or so above the edge of the bezel, just like the original plexiglass crystal did. The pushers to activate the chronograph functions are levers which operate in slots milled in the case. The dial is very precisely detailed, and has the subdials and the track for seconds recessed slightly below the level of the main dial, while the tachymeter track is raised above the main dial, giving a pleasing three-dimensional effect. The white lumed hands and markers offer high contrast with the black dial, and very good legibility. Basically, the watch looks like something designed to do a particular job, rather than something designed simply to look pretty.Fourth: The watch is physically large. The original was 43.3 mm diameter, and because the UHF movement used requires slightly more space, the case has been slightly enlarged to 45 mm, with an overall length of 53 from lug-to-lug and about 13 mm thickness. For most people, this isn't really a problem as large watches are fashionable, and it's not stupidly large like some other examples I could name. My wrists are almost exactly 7 inches, and I already owned other watches with similar size, so from my perspective it looks large, but not TOO large. If your wrists are less than 7 inches circumference, the watch MAY look big on you, depending on your personal preferences.Fifth: The build quality is excellent. I could find no defects at all, everything worked properly out of the box. I've heard of some buyers needing to reset the chronograph hands to zero (an easy adjustment), mine were fine from the start. The back is nicely detailed with information about the Apollo 15 mission and the famous Bulova tuning fork logo. The presentation box includes an extra velcro strap similar to those actually used by NASA, as well as a tool to remove the spring bars when changing straps. The leather strap which is attached to the watch is very nice, with a texture which resembles either carbon fiber or a basketweave (take your pick). Either way, it is kind of stiff to begin with, but in a day or so, conforms very well to my wrist. I find it comfortable enough to wear while sleeping, and although the watch is somewhat heavy, after a while it is easy to forget I'm wearing it. I wouldn't choose this watch to wear during very active sports such as mountain biking, as the weight on my wrist might be noticeable then. Also, I've got other watches which are lighter and better suited for that kind of use. However, for everyday wear, the Lunar Pilot is perfectly comfortable.Bottom line (see what I did there?) is that this watch is unique, comfortable, accurate and historically significant, and a LOT of watch for the money.

There isn't really much to be said about the Bulova Lunar Pilot that hasn't already been said. It's a absolutely stunning piece in person. None of the photos or videos did the vast array of changes in height and depth of the different complications and watch elements justice. I genuinely love looking at this watch every single time I turn my wrist. So far, it's accuracy has not been lied about. It has remained bang on down to the second from the moment I set the time. The fit and finish are excellent. As others have said, it is a lot of watch for the price especially if purchased on sale as I did.The main reason I am writing this review is because at the time of purchase and of writing this review (about a week a part) the items description lists the band size at 22mm. Which surprised me as I also purchased a 22mm nato strap at the same time and it did not fit at all. I checked today with my calipers and it's absolutely a 20mm width for the strap. So, the watch is incredible and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone but, just know, it's 20mm when purchasing other straps!Edit: I've been wearing this wonderful watch daily for a little over a month. I wanted to share a quick update with a few thoughts. First, this watch seems wonderfully durable. I haven't been abusing it by any means but, the sapphire looks as clear and perfect as the day I got it. And the case remains pristine. Secondly, it hasn't dropped even a second in that time which I am extremely please about. Thirdly, and finally, the lume is... garbage. I love everything about this watch with that as the one exception. Even after 45 minutes of charging in direct sunlight at noon, the lume does not glow brightly, and dims within 10~ minutes of going into dark. It's a shame because the blue hue of the lume is absolutely gorgeous. And every other part of the watch is divine but, the lume. If you really *need* legibility in dark situations or spend a lot of time in the dark, this may not be an ideal watch for you. While I am slightly disappointed, most of my work is done on the light side of the moon, so it's still all good for me haha.

The media could not be loaded. I am absolutely bonkers for this Lunar Pilot. I was a bit nervous after I ordered waiting for it to come as in the interim, I was reading a bunch of forums and watching YouTube and TikTok vids saying that this watch is too big . I was prepping myself to feel the same and return it .. however, once It came and I opened the box.. it was love at first sight . Pictures do not do this watch justice.. it's perfect and beautiful. The design is slick , high contrast and precise. It feels like a luxury watch. It's completely easy to read (which is great for these aging eyes) and I love the backstory. I don't have a speedy, but I DO have a homage Pagani speedy. This Lunar Pilot is bigger for sure , but it's a different animal .Again. I was initially afraid that it would be too large, however, it's no bigger than my Seiko Turtle. And definitely way less obtrusive than the bulking G shocks. Also, since the design is classic and subdued.. it's not a huge gaudy watch like giant chunky gold blingy ones.. the straps are both great but for now I'm sticking with this included basket weave style leather.. it feels very quality. I can't say enough good things about this . One last thing regarding the sapphire crystal. I saw another fellow online talking about how he banged the crystal edge on a sink and chipped it.. I CAN see this being an issue as there is nothing protecting the edge. It's simply a flat slab of sapphire sitting on top of the bezel. I imagine this is because this was based of of a prototype and is remaining true to the original.. I can see Buluva updating this perhaps ? Or maybe no.. I mean, it looks utilitarian and simple and for that reason I like it.. just hope I don't chop mine as well as I have a tendency to be rough with my toys... Anyhow.. get this watch.. you will love it