Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T
Bulova's dress watch meets Citizen's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Promaster Skyhawk A-T counters with Made in Japan craftsmanship and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 45mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Eco-Drive (Radio-Controlled, Atomic Timekeeping) |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Citizen Eco-Drive U680 (Solar + Radio-Controlled) |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | — |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel (Black Ion-Plated) |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Made in Japan |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Citizen's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T offers Stainless Steel (Black Ion-Plated) construction at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Eco-Drive (Radio-Controlled, Atomic Timekeeping)
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Promaster Skyhawk A-T uses the Eco-Drive (Radio-Controlled, Atomic Timekeeping) (Citizen Eco-Drive U680 (Solar + Radio-Controlled), standard reserve) at standard. The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Promaster Skyhawk A-T at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and a standard reserve on the Promaster Skyhawk A-T. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Promaster Skyhawk A-T handles 200m (20 ATM). The Promaster Skyhawk A-T 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.
Check Price on AmazonCitizen
Promaster Skyhawk A-T
Choose the Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T if you value Citizen Eco-Drive U680 (Solar + Radio-Controlled) technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 45mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Eco-Drive (Radio-Controlled, Atomic Timekeeping) with ample power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Citizen delivers Made in Japan engineering.
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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.