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As an unrepentant watch nerd, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Watch collecting isn’t about watches. It’s about stories and storytelling. It’s also about heated discussions over whether Omega or Rolex is the true James Bond watch, but that may be too nerdy for even me (it’s definitely Omega.) Sometimes, though, you can find a watch that combines an amazing tale with equally incredible quality. That’s the high we’re constantly shopping for, but it rarely comes to fruition. If you’re lucky enough to find such a timepiece, I recommend you grab a hold of it the moment you can, and never let it go.
Luckily, Bulova watches have a wealth of stories behind them. Started in New York City in 1911, the famed American watchmaker has been innovating for over a century. It created the Accutron movement, which was the world’s first fully electronic tuning fork watch, allowing it to boost accuracy while maintaining a constant power reserve. The Accutron was so accurate, it was the clock used in NASA’s spacecraft throughout 46 missions, including those of the Apollo program. However, the more interesting story is how a fortuitous equipment malfunction led to Bulova’s very own moonwatch.
What is a moonwatch?
In 1964, NASA decided it needed an official watch for its astronauts during space exploration. A number of brands were considered, including Rolex, Omega, and Bulova. It wanted a highly-accurate chronograph that would be rugged and durable while allowing the astronauts to time their rocket burns. Ultimately, Omega won out, but that’s not the end of the story. While the Omega Speedmaster, to this day, is the original moonwatch, it’s not the only piece to enjoy this moniker.
That’s thanks to Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott. On August 2, 1971, Scott’s NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster was deemed inoperable because the hessalite crystal that covered the dial popped off. Luckily, he had brought with him on the mission his personal Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph that had been given to him by Bulova during the bidding and testing process. He wore the Bulova on the surface of the moon and throughout the remainder of the mission. Scott’s original Bulova Lunar Pilot watch was sold at auction in 2015 for nearly $1.6 million. Shortly thereafter, Bulova released a commemorative version of the watch, and that’s why it’s available to all of us now.
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Why the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph offers great value
While a brand new Omega Speedmaster will cost you at least $7,000 or more, you can get Bulova’s moonwatch for less than 10% of that price. It has all of the history and mystique of Omega’s moonwatch, without the high price tag. What’s more, I find that I end up using my more reasonably-priced luxury watches more often than the expensive ones. That’s because I’m far more concerned about damaging any watch that I pay more than $1,000 for than the ones that cost me less. It’s a simple cost-benefit analysis that runs through my head whenever I open my watch box.
I have owned a Bulova Lunar Pilot myself, and it was one of my most worn watches. The only reason I’m not wearing it this second is because I gifted mine to a friend who admired it every time he saw it on my wrist. He asked to try it on constantly, so when he moved away I gave it to him as a token of our friendship. To this day, it’s his daily wear and his constant companion. The Lunar Pilot can fill this need for almost anyone, as its sandblasted stainless steel case is robust and durable, and the deep black dial matches with everything.
The beauty of a chronograph like this one is that it’s a practical tool that you take with you wherever you go. The three subdials measure running seconds, minutes, and hours respectively. This complication allows you to time anything on the go, which is convenient for cooking, keeping track of your kids’ screen time, or anything else that needs precise timing.
Options to consider
Although the original Bulova Lunar Pilot relaunch a decade ago maintained the original specs and dimensions of Commander Scott’s watch, multiple sizes and strap options have been made available since. My personal favorite is the version with the stainless steel bracelet, but that’s because I almost always opt for metal options over leather or NATO-style straps. No matter your wrist size, color preference, or strap choice, there’s a Lunar pilot for you. All that matters is that you appreciate high-end watchmaking and a great story on your wrist.
More Bulova Lunar Pilot variants
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If having a piece of history by your side 24/7 sounds fun, then this may be your best opportunity to start or expand your luxury watch collection. I loved my Lunar Pilot to the moon and back, and I’m sure you will too. Don’t be afraid to buy a second one as a special gift either. One of the greatest joys of being a collector is sharing your collection with others, no matter what that looks like.
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This story was originally published by TheStreet on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Shopping section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
