Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Casio MRW-230H

Bulova's dress watch meets Casio's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Casio MRW-230H (Under $50) delivers Casio Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500). The MRW-230H measures 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Surveyor Automatic justifies its premium with Made in Japan (Movement) heritage and Automatic Miyota 8215. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Casio MRW-230H

Casio

MRW-230H

Under $50

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticCasio MRW-230H
Price$250–$500Under $50
Case Size39mm44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm)
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticCasio Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve42 HoursApprox. 3-year battery (SR626SW)
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalResin Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelResin case, aluminum bezel ring
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Casio (Japan)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Casio's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Casio MRW-230H offers Resin case, aluminum bezel ring construction at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with Resin Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Casio

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The MRW-230H uses the Quartz (Casio Quartz (Battery), Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) reserve) at standard. The MRW-230H offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

39mm vs 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Casio MRW-230H at Under $50. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Resin Glass and Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) on the MRW-230H. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the MRW-230H handles 100m (10 ATM). The MRW-230H offers superior water resistance.

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.

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Casio

MRW-230H

Choose the Casio MRW-230H if you value Casio Quartz (Battery) technology, Casio (Japan) heritage, and 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) proportions. At Under $50, the Quartz with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Casio MRW-230H represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Casio delivers Casio (Japan) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Casio MRW-230H is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio MRW-230H is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio MRW-230H sits a band lower (Under $50 against $250–$500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Casio MRW-230H offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Bulova Surveyor Automatic may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the MRW-230H uses Resin Glass.

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.