Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Mido Ocean Star GMT
Bulova's dress watch meets Mido's diver
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Mido Ocean Star GMT ($1,000–$1,500). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Ocean Star GMT counters with Swiss Made 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 | Mido Ocean Star GMT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 44mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Automatic (ETA C07.661 base) |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire with Double-sided AR |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
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 Ocean Star GMT offers Stainless Steel construction at 44mm with Sapphire with Double-sided AR. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661)
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Ocean Star GMT uses the Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) (Automatic (ETA C07.661 base), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Ocean Star GMT offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 44mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Ocean Star GMT at 44mm. 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 Mido Ocean Star GMT at $1,000–$1,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire with Double-sided AR and 80 Hours on the Ocean Star GMT. 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 Ocean Star GMT handles 200m (20 ATM). The Ocean Star GMT 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 AmazonMido
Ocean Star GMT
Choose the Mido Ocean Star GMT if you value Automatic (ETA C07.661 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 44mm proportions. At $1,000–$1,500, the Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Mido Ocean Star GMT represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Mido 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.