Best Bulova watches for men and women

Top pick: Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph. It's the Bulova with real history behind it — the chronograph tied to the brand's spaceflight story — and it's the best-reviewed watch here by a wide margin (5 of 5 from 71 ratings). Big 45mm steel case, so it suits someone who likes a substantial, sporty watch.

For the rest:

• Marine Star chronograph — the classic everyday dive-style pick; blue dial, steel bracelet, six-hand chronograph.
• Racer chronograph — sapphire crystal and a bolder black-and-orange look; the sportiest of the group.
• Surveyor Automatic — the quiet choice: 39mm, self-winding, no battery, blue dial on steel.
• Classic Sutton automatic — dressier two-tone with a skeleton dial, if you want something to look at.
• For women: the Marine Star Lady automatic (34mm, blue dial, steel bracelet) is the standout — a proper mechanical watch in a wearable size. The Surveyor 31mm and Classic Sutton Lady are the slimmer, simpler options.

Automatics need winding if left off; the quartz chronographs are set-and-forget.