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Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469

Buy the Lunar Pilot if you want a chronograph with real history, a big readable dial and quartz accuracy that needs no winding. Buy the Surveyor if you want a smaller, lighter automatic dress watch with sapphire glass and a steel bracelet. The Lunar Pilot is the more distinctive and more accurate timekeeper, but its 43.5mm case and weak lume divide owners. The Surveyor is the better daily wearer and the easier first automatic, though its 30m water resistance is modest.

  • Choose the Lunar Pilot if you want a chronograph with a story, a legible black dial and set-and-forget quartz accuracy.
  • Choose the Surveyor if you want a compact automatic with sapphire crystal and a steel bracelet for everyday wear.

Prices

  • Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph: $497.99 at Ducci Jewellers (last seen Nov 2)
  • Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469: $245.00 at CreationWatches.com (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469 is $252.99 cheaper than the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 8)
Bulova
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

5(71 ratings)
$497.99at Ducci JewellersObserved Nov 2, 2026, 7:17 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Ducci Jewellers
Pros
  • Chronograph with pushers and a legible black dial
  • High-frequency quartz is very accurate
  • Distinctive design with real space history
  • Comfortable NATO strap included
  • Owners praise wrist presence and readability
Cons
  • 43.5mm case is large for smaller wrists
  • Lume is widely reported as ineffective
  • Leather strap gets mixed reviews
  • Needs a battery change
Bulova
Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469

Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469

$245.00at CreationWatches.comObserved at 9:55 PM
See all prices and details
Visit CreationWatches.com
Pros
  • Automatic movement, no battery
  • Sapphire crystal resists scratches
  • Compact 39mm case suits most wrists
  • Steel bracelet with deployant clasp
  • Exhibition caseback shows the movement
Cons
  • 30m water resistance is splash-only
  • No chronograph
  • Automatic needs winding if unworn for days
  • Heavier on the steel bracelet

What separates them

Bulova Lunar Pilot ChronographBulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469
MovementBulova NP20 quartz, high-frequency 262 kHz, battery poweredAutomatic with 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve
Case size43.5mm, thick and wide on the wrist39mm wide, 11.8mm thick, 45.8mm lug to lug
CrystalScratch-resistant mineral-type crystalFlat sapphire
Water resistance50m30m
ChronographYes, with pushersNo, time and date only
StrapLeather, with a NATO included; some owners dislike the leather3-link steel bracelet with push-button deployant clasp
LumeOwners report the luminous dial is weakHands have luminescent fill
Weight and presenceLarge wrist presence, lighter on leather or NATO160 grams on steel, exhibition caseback

Price history

  • Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph: lowest $461.00 on Nov 3 at Amazon.
  • Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469: lowest $245.00 on Nov 9 at CreationWatches.

Prices at every store

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

  • Ducci JewellersNew

    Availability unknown

    $497.99Observed Nov 2, 2026, 7:17 PM
    Visit Ducci Jewellers
  • Raggi PreziosiNew

    Availability unknown

    $570.41Observed Nov 2, 2026, 7:17 PM
    Visit Raggi Preziosi
  • The Luxury Closet USNew

    Availability unknown

    $615.00Observed Nov 2, 2026, 7:17 PM
    Visit The Luxury Closet US

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Dillard'sCheck price at Dillard's

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All 3 stores and price history →

Bulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469

  • CreationWatches.comNew

    In stock

    $245.00Free shippingObserved at 9:55 PM
    Visit CreationWatches.com
  • CreationWatchesNew

    In stock

    $245.00Free shippingObserved at 9:55 PM
    Visit CreationWatches
  • CicalaNew

    In stockShips from Italy · duties may apply

    $247.11+ $28.90 shippingObserved at 9:55 PM
    Visit Cicala
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by cwtime

    $300.00Free shippingObserved at 9:55 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBulova Lunar Pilot ChronographBulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469
CASEStainless steel39mm silver-tone stainless steel
MOVEMENTBulova NP20 quartzAutomatic (self-winding, no battery)
DIALBlackBlue
SIZE45mm—
STRAPLeather—
StyleWrist—
DisplayAnalog—
ChronographYes—
Water ResistantYes—
Watch MovementQuartz—
Scratch-ResistantYes—
Case Size43.5mm case—
Show all 36 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBulova Lunar Pilot ChronographBulova Surveyor Automatic 96B469
Bracelet—3-link stainless steel with deployment clasp
color—Blue
Case Color—Silver
Movement Type—Automatic
Color (Strap)—Silver
Closure—Clasp
Display Type—Analog
Dial Color—Blue
Glass—Sapphire
Watch Strap Material—

What reviewers say

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

  • 5 / 571 ratings

Buyers rate it 5 out of 5 across 71 ratings and praise its looks, wrist presence and readability. The leather strap draws the only mixed notes, with some preferring the included NATO.

What people mention
  • LumeCriticisedOwners say the luminous markers and hands barely glow in the dark.
  • StrapMixedThe leather strap is called pretty but average, while the NATO strap is preferred by several buyers.
  • AccuracyPraisedThe 262 kHz quartz movement is reported as very accurate.
  • SizeMixedThe large case gives strong wrist presence but may be too big for smaller wrists.

Questions and answers

Which is better for daily wear?
The Surveyor. Its 39mm case, sapphire crystal and steel bracelet suit everyday use, and it is lighter on the wrist than the Lunar Pilot's bulk. The Lunar Pilot is the pick if you want a chronograph and don't mind the size.
Which keeps better time?
The Lunar Pilot. Its high-frequency quartz movement is more accurate than a standard automatic and never drifts from winding. The Surveyor's automatic is fine but will gain or lose a few seconds a day.
Which lasts longer?
Both are durable stainless steel watches. The Surveyor's sapphire crystal resists scratches better, but its automatic movement needs servicing eventually. The Lunar Pilot's quartz needs only battery changes.
Is the Lunar Pilot too big?
At 43.5mm it wears large and suits wrists around 7 inches or more. If you prefer a compact watch, the 39mm Surveyor is the safer fit.
Is the Surveyor a good first automatic?
Yes. It is simple, has a 42-hour power reserve and an exhibition caseback, and the sapphire crystal and bracelet hold up to daily use. Just keep it away from swimming.
Can I swim with either?
The Lunar Pilot is rated to 50m, which covers splashes and brief swimming. The Surveyor is rated to 30m, so treat it as splash-resistant only.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Bulova watches for men and women
Stainless Steel
Power Reserve (h)—42.0
Gender—Male
Case Material—Stainless Steel
Water Protection—3 ATM (30m)
Case Diameter—39mm
Case Thickness—11.8mm
Case Lug to Lug—45.8mm
Case Back—Exhibition Caseback
Crystal—Sapphire
Band—Stainless Steel Bracelet Deployant Clasp with P…
Band Width—20mm
Water Resistance—30 meters
Weight—160 grams
Warranty—3 years