Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

Bulova's dress watch meets Hamilton's pilot watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto ($1,000–$1,500). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

BulovaSurveyor Automatic$250–$500 Check price View the dossier

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Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

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Hamilton

Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

$1,000–$1,500

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Surveyor Automatic	Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto
Price	$250–$500	$1,000–$1,500
Case Size	39mm	38mm
Movement	Automatic Miyota 8215	Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base)
Caliber Type	Miyota Automatic	Hamilton/ETA Automatic
Power Reserve	42 Hours	80 Hours
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	100m (10 ATM)
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Sapphire Crystal
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Origin	Made in Japan (Movement)	Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Hamilton's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto offers Stainless Steel construction at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Hamilton

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base)

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto uses the Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) (Hamilton/ETA Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Hamilton

39mm vs 38mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto at 38mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto at $1,000–$1,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Hamilton

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

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto handles 100m (10 ATM). The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto 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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Hamilton

Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

Choose the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto if you value Hamilton/ETA Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm proportions. At $1,000–$1,500, the Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Hamilton delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto 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 Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits a band lower ($250–$500 against $1,000–$1,500), 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 Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto 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 Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto at 38mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, which resists scratches well.

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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.