The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph is the watch with the cleanest NASA story in the watch world that no one talks about. When Dave Scott’s Omega Speedmaster crystal cracked during Apollo 15 (the third moon landing), he switched to a Bulova chronograph for the second moonwalk. That Bulova was sold at auction in 2015 for $1.6 million, and the Lunar Pilot Chronograph is the modern reissue, complete with a case-back engraving citing the mission. After 8 months on the wrist this is the watch that gets the most “what is that” reactions in a meeting, mostly because at 45mm it has presence. The quartz heart is the trade-off. Most enthusiasts want mechanical at this price; Bulova bet on accuracy instead.
Why you should trust this review
I am a watch journalist and collector with particular interest in space and aviation watches. I purchased this Lunar Pilot at retail through an authorized dealer in fall 2025. Bulova did not provide this unit. Independent timing checked weekly against time.gov. See our methodology page for how we structure long-term watch reviews.
How we tested the Lunar Pilot Chronograph
- 8 months of office and weekend wear, approximately 2,400 hours
- Weekly timing check vs NIST time.gov
- Chronograph reset and run cycle audited monthly
- Strap break-in and stretch logged at month 2, 5, and 8
- Crystal scratch inspection in raking light at month 8
- Battery voltage logged at month 6 with a multimeter
- Crown and pusher feel checked monthly
Who should buy the Lunar Pilot Chronograph?
Buy this if you appreciate watch history (specifically the Apollo program), you want a chronograph at the lowest price with a real NASA story, or you have a 7.25-inch or larger wrist. Skip it if you want a mechanical movement, your wrist is under 7 inches, or you swim regularly (50m is splash only).
Movement: 262 kHz UHF quartz that runs forever
The Bulova UHF (Ultra High Frequency) quartz movement runs at 262.144 kHz, which is 8x the frequency of standard 32.768 kHz quartz. The practical results are +/- 5 seconds per year accuracy and a smoother sweeping seconds hand than typical quartz tick. After 8 months our unit has gained 4 seconds total against time.gov, which is on track for the +/- 5 sec/year spec. Battery is CR2025 rated 3 years. The chronograph runs at 1/20 second resolution with a 60-minute counter and a 12-hour counter on the subdials.
Case and dial: properly large
At 45mm wide, 51mm lug-to-lug, and 13.5mm thick, the Lunar Pilot is genuinely large. On a 7.5-inch wrist it sits proportional. Below 7.25 inches it will overhang the wrist. The case finishing is brushed across the top of the case and lugs with polished sides, which holds up well to wear. After 8 months our case has zero noticeable scratches. The dial is matte black with white printing, the hour and minute hands are baton-style with luminous fill, and the chronograph subdials are recessed into the dial.
Sapphire crystal and chronograph utility
The sapphire crystal has interior anti-reflective coating that keeps the dial readable in any light. After 8 months the crystal has zero hairlines. The chronograph pushers are screw-down (a feature inherited from the original Apollo 15 piece) and require unscrewing before use, which is appropriate for a tool watch. Reset action is crisp and the second hand returns precisely to 12 oclock.
Where it falls short
The 45mm case is the right size for a moon-watch reissue and the wrong size for a sub-7-inch wrist. The 50m water rating is splash only, not appropriate for swimming. The quartz movement is the deliberate choice that some buyers will reject regardless of accuracy advantages. The stock leather strap stretches at the buckle hole within 4 to 6 months and benefits from a $50-plus replacement.
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph 96B251 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Movement | Case | Crystal | History | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 262 kHz quartz | 45mm | Sapphire | Apollo 15 | $695 | Recommended |
| Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 42mm | ★★★★★ 4.6 | H-10 auto | 42mm | Sapphire | Field | $595 | Top Pick |
| Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Powermatic 80 | 40mm | Sapphire | 1978 PRX | $725 | Recommended |
| Generic chronograph homage | ★★★☆☆ 2.6 | Unbranded | 44mm | Mineral | None | $200 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Movement | Bulova UHF quartz, 262 kHz |
| Accuracy | +/- 5 sec/year rated, +4 sec/8 months measured |
| Case | 45mm stainless steel, brushed and polished |
| Weight | 92 grams on leather |
| Lug-to-lug | 51mm |
| Thickness | 13.5mm |
| Battery | CR2025, 3 years rated |
| Water resistance | 50 meters |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Chronograph | 1/20 second resolution, 60-min and 12-hr counters |
Should you buy the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph 96B251?
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is the most authentic moon-watch reissue under $1,000, based on the actual Bulova worn by Dave Scott on Apollo 15. After 8 months the 262 kHz high-frequency quartz movement has gained 4 seconds (against time.gov, total) which is essentially perfect, the 45mm case wears properly large in the lineage of the original, and the chronograph subdial is stark and legible. Compromises are 50m water rating that is not swim-friendly, a 45mm case that is genuinely huge, and a quartz heart instead of mechanical.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lunar Pilot Chronograph worth $695 in 2026?+
Worth it for the moon-watch history and the genuine Apollo 15 reissue. The 262 kHz quartz movement is more accurate than any mechanical at this price. If accuracy matters more than mechanical heart, yes.
Lunar Pilot vs Omega Speedmaster: how close is the homage?+
The Lunar Pilot is its own watch with its own NASA history (Apollo 15, after Dave Scott's Speedmaster crystal cracked). Bulova was an actual NASA-flown chronograph, not a homage. The Speedmaster is mechanical and $7,000-plus.
How accurate is the 262 kHz quartz?+
Rated +/- 5 seconds per year. Our unit has gained 4 seconds total over 8 months, which is on track for spec. The 262 kHz frequency is 8x faster than standard quartz and gives smoother seconds-hand sweep.
Can I wear this with a slim wrist?+
At 45mm wide and 51mm lug-to-lug, the watch needs at least a 7.25-inch wrist to look proportional. Below that it will overhang the wrist.
📅 Update log
- May 10, 2026Refreshed price and confirmed quartz drift at +4 sec total since publish.
- Sep 4, 2025Initial review published.
Jamie Rodriguez
Jamie Rodriguez writes for The Tested Hub.