Head-to-Head Comparison

Breitling Navitimer B01 vs Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Breitling's chronograph meets Bulova's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) delivers Miyota Automatic technology in the tier below the Breitling Navitimer B01 ($10,000–$25,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Navitimer B01 justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Breitling Navitimer B01

Breitling

Navitimer B01

$10,000–$25,000

Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBreitling Navitimer B01Bulova Surveyor Automatic
Price$10,000–$25,000$250–$500
Case Size43mm39mm
MovementAutomatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture)Automatic Miyota 8215
Caliber TypeIn-House Automatic Chronograph ManufactureMiyota Automatic
Power Reserve70 Hours42 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalCambered SapphireSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeMade in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Breitling's design language vs Bulova's approach

The Breitling Navitimer B01 features a Stainless Steel case at 43mm with Cambered Sapphire protection. The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Breitling

Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) vs Automatic Miyota 8215

The Navitimer B01 runs the Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) (In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture, 70 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Surveyor Automatic uses the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Navitimer B01 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

43mm vs 39mm — different wrist presence

At 43mm, the Navitimer B01 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Surveyor Automatic at 39mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Breitling Navitimer B01 sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Bulova Surveyor Automatic at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Navitimer B01 uses Cambered Sapphire with 70 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 42 Hours on the Surveyor Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Navitimer B01 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Surveyor Automatic handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Breitling

Navitimer B01

Choose the Breitling Navitimer B01 if you prioritize In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) with 70 Hours power reserve.

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Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 39mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Breitling Navitimer B01 and Bulova Surveyor Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Breitling bringing Swiss Made tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Breitling Navitimer B01 ($10,000–$25,000) offers Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) with 70 Hours power reserve, while the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) features Automatic Miyota 8215 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Breitling Navitimer B01 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Navitimer B01 at 43mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Navitimer B01 uses Cambered Sapphire while the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.