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.
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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
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
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.
Wearability & Fit
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
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.
Water Resistance
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.
Check Price on AmazonHamilton
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.
Check Price on AmazonThe 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
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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.