Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Hamilton Ventura Quartz

Bulova's dress watch meets Hamilton's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Hamilton Ventura Quartz ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Ventura Quartz counters with Swiss Made (Swatch Group) craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Hamilton Ventura Quartz

Hamilton

Ventura Quartz

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticHamilton Ventura Quartz
Price$250–$500$500–$1,000
Case Size39mm32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield)
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz F06.111
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticSwiss High-Accuracy Quartz
Power Reserve42 Hours60 Months (Battery)
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Swiss Made (Swatch Group)

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 Ventura Quartz offers Stainless Steel construction at 32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield) with Sapphire. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Hamilton

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz F06.111

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Ventura Quartz uses the Quartz F06.111 (Swiss High-Accuracy Quartz, 60 Months (Battery) reserve) at 32,768 Hz (Quartz). The Ventura Quartz offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Hamilton

39mm vs 32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield) — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Ventura Quartz at 32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield). Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Hamilton Ventura Quartz at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire and 60 Months (Battery) on the Ventura Quartz. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Hamilton

30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Ventura Quartz handles 50m (5 ATM). The Ventura Quartz 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

Ventura Quartz

Choose the Hamilton Ventura Quartz if you value Swiss High-Accuracy Quartz technology, Swiss Made (Swatch Group) heritage, and 32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield) proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Quartz F06.111 with 60 Months (Battery) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Hamilton Ventura Quartz represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Hamilton delivers Swiss Made (Swatch Group) 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 Hamilton Ventura Quartz ($500–$1,000) features Quartz F06.111 with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Swiss Made (Swatch Group) engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Hamilton Ventura Quartz 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 Ventura Quartz at 32.3mm x 50.3mm (Shield) with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Ventura Quartz uses Sapphire.

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.