Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Casio Vintage A168WA

Bulova's dress watch meets Casio's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) delivers Casio Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 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 Vintage A168WA

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Under $50

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticCasio Vintage A168WA
Price$250–$500Under $50
Case Size39mm36.3mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz Module 3298
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticCasio Quartz (Battery)
Power Reserve42 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel & Resin
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Made in 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 Vintage A168WA offers Stainless Steel & Resin construction at 36.3mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz Module 3298

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Vintage A168WA uses the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard reserve) at standard. The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

39mm vs 36.3mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Vintage A168WA at 36.3mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 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 Vintage A168WA at Under $50. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Mineral Glass and a standard reserve on the Vintage A168WA. 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 Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Vintage A168WA 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.

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Casio

Vintage A168WA

Choose the Casio Vintage A168WA if you value Casio Quartz (Battery) technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 36.3mm proportions. At Under $50, the Quartz Module 3298 with ample power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Casio Vintage A168WA represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Casio delivers Made in Japan engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve, while the Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) features Quartz Module 3298 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
The Casio Vintage A168WA 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 Vintage A168WA at 36.3mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral 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.