Bulova Adds Lunar Pilot Chronographs with Slimmed Down Cases to Archive Series
Bulova returns to the space race with the addition of two new Lunar Pilot Chronographs to their Archive Series.
In 1971, astronaut, Dave Scott wore the original chronograph during the 1971 Apollo 15 mission. Inspired by this watch, the new Lunar Pilot features the same 43.5mm case diameter as the original.
The 1971 Original
Although Scott wore the standard-issue Omega Speedmaster at the start of the mission, he had been given a prototype of a Bulova which he carried as backup. When the Speedmaster’s crystal unfortunately popped off, Scott opted to wear his personal Bulova watch for his third EVA on the surface of the moon.
In 2015, Scott’s original Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph became the only privately-owned watch to make space history, selling at auction for an astronomical $1.625 million!
The following year, Bulova launched the first Archive Series Lunar Pilot Chronograph. Since then, we have seen a few different incarnations including a 2021 Special Edition to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Mission.
What’s New: 2023 Lunar Pilot Chronograph
So what’s new about the two 2023 Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronographs? Crucially, the case size is now a smaller 43.5mm (previous versions have had a 45mm case). To achieve this, Bulova has removed the date and made the case narrower around the bezel. Secondly, Bulova offers two different colourways. Firstly, for the purists, a black dial version as per the original. Secondly, and more unusually, a silver “panda” dial with blue subsidiary dials. This version looks particularly fresh with its raised, blue tachymeter scale and blue edged luminous indexes and hands. Also, we love how the ergonomic, shaped pushers are in blue to complement the dial.
Additionally, the straps on the new models are interchangeable. Fitted with a quick release system, both watches are supplied with an additional leather NATO strap. This makes swapping between the bracelet and the strap a breeze.
Under the dial, Bulova’s proprietary NP20 high frequency movement powers the Lunar Pilot. Accurate to -10/+10 seconds per year, it also allows the running seconds hand to have a smoother sweep than most quartz watches.
The solid screwdown caseback features the brand’s tuning fork logo along with details of the Apollo 15 mission and the specific EVA for which Scott wore the watch.
Verdict and Where to Buy
There’s no doubt the new Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph is a great looking watch with a fascinating story to tell.
Priced at £599, both the 98K112 “Panda” and 96K111 black dial versions are available to buy from an Independent retailer via watchspecialists.com.
Watch Specialists
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