Updated
Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet)
Bulova's dress watch meets Cartier's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) ($5,000–$10,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Cartier
Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet)
$5,000–$10,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 28mm, 10mm thick |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Quartz, Cartier |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Cartier quartz |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel, bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds per the photograph, crown guard with blue cabochon |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Cartier's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) offers Stainless steel, bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds per the photograph, crown guard with blue cabochon construction at 28mm, 10mm thick with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz, Cartier
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) uses the Quartz, Cartier (Cartier quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 28mm, 10mm thick — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) at 28mm, 10mm thick. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) at $5,000–$10,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and Battery on the Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Bulova
Surveyor Automatic
Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you prioritize Miyota Automatic engineering, Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonCartier
Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet)
Choose the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) if you value Cartier quartz technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 28mm, 10mm thick proportions. At $5,000–$10,000, the Quartz, Cartier with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 28mm quartz (steel, diamond-set bezel, silver dial, steel bracelet) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Cartier delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.