Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B258 review

What it is

In 1971 astronaut David Scott wore a privately owned Bulova chronograph on the lunar surface during Apollo 15, and the Lunar Pilot is the modern tribute. The 96B258 reference has a black dial and a steel bracelet. It sits among Bulova's most celebrated sports chronographs.

The original watch was not issued by NASA, which had chosen another brand for official use, but it is a well-documented part of Bulova's history and the modern version follows its dial layout and hand style.

The movement

The watch uses Bulova's high-frequency quartz movement, which vibrates at 262 kHz, around eight times faster than a standard quartz. Bulova quotes accuracy of about 10 seconds a year, far better than most quartz and much better than any mechanical watch. The seconds hand sweeps rather than ticking once a second. It runs on a battery, so a replacement will be needed every few years, which a watch shop can do easily.

A battery cell is the power source, with no solar charging. It is worth checking the maker's battery guidance on the listing.

On the wrist

The case is 45 mm across, so it is large and can look big on smaller wrists. Because of the chronograph layout, there are sub-dials for timing. The steel bracelet is substantial and has a folding clasp. If you like a bold watch it will suit you, and the dial is easy to read, although the sub-dials make it busy.

Because of the size and weight, it sits better on a bracelet that is sized snugly. It is a watch that stands out in a meeting, for better or worse.

Water and everyday wear

Check the water rating on the listing, because it is not a swimming watch in the way a diver is; treat it as fine for rain and handwashing unless the listing says more. The crystal is mineral or sapphire depending on the version, so do not assume. Hands and markers carry lume. The chronograph pushers should not be used while wet.

Bulova is an American brand with a long chronograph history, and owners often value the historical link more than the technical specification, which is a taste rather than a flaw.

Against the alternatives

The Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251 is a close sibling with a different strap or dial. The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC915P1 is a solar chronograph for those who do not want to change batteries. The Casio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEF is a cheaper chronograph. The Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph T120.417.11.091.01 is a Swiss quartz alternative.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

It is for space-history fans and anyone who wants a distinctive, big chronograph with exceptional quartz accuracy. Skip it if you want a mechanical movement, a smaller case or a watch that never needs a battery.