Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer

Bulova's dress watch meets Mido's chronograph

Quick Verdict

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

Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.

Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer

Mido

Multifort Powerwind Chronometer

$1,000–$1,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticMido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer
Price$250–$500$1,000–$1,500
Case Size39mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Caliber 80 Si (COSC)
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticSilicon Balance Spring COSC Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours80 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Mido's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Mido

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Caliber 80 Si (COSC)

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Multifort Powerwind Chronometer uses the Automatic Caliber 80 Si (COSC) (Silicon Balance Spring COSC Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Multifort Powerwind Chronometer offers a longer power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

39mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Multifort Powerwind Chronometer at 40mm. 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 Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer at $1,000–$1,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating and 80 Hours on the Multifort Powerwind Chronometer. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Mido

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

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Multifort Powerwind Chronometer handles 100m (10 ATM). The Multifort Powerwind Chronometer 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 Amazon

Mido

Multifort Powerwind Chronometer

Choose the Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer if you value Silicon Balance Spring COSC Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $1,000–$1,500, the Automatic Caliber 80 Si (COSC) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Mido delivers Swiss Made 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 Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer ($1,000–$1,500) features Automatic Caliber 80 Si (COSC) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Mido Multifort Powerwind Chronometer 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 Multifort Powerwind Chronometer at 40mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Multifort Powerwind Chronometer uses Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating.

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.