Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Orient Bambino Version 2

Two dress watchs compared — $250–$500 vs $150–$250

Quick Verdict

The Orient Bambino Version 2 ($150–$250) delivers Orient In-House Automatic technology in the tier below the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500). The Bambino Version 2 measures 41mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Surveyor Automatic justifies its premium with Made in Japan (Movement) heritage and Automatic Miyota 8215. Both represent excellent choices in the dress watch category.

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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Orient Bambino Version 2

Orient

Bambino Version 2

$150–$250

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticOrient Bambino Version 2
Price$250–$500$150–$250
Case Size39mm41mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Caliber F6724
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticOrient In-House Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours40 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalDomed Mineral Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Made in Japan

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Orient's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Orient Bambino Version 2 offers Stainless Steel construction at 41mm with Domed Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Caliber F6724

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Bambino Version 2 uses the Automatic Caliber F6724 (Orient In-House Automatic, 40 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

39mm vs 41mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Bambino Version 2 at 41mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Orient

Orient sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Orient Bambino Version 2 at $150–$250. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Domed Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Bambino Version 2. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Bambino Version 2 handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

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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Orient

Bambino Version 2

Choose the Orient Bambino Version 2 if you value Orient In-House Automatic technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 41mm proportions. At $150–$250, the Automatic Caliber F6724 with 40 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Orient Bambino Version 2 represent two distinct approaches to the dress watch category — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Orient delivers Made in Japan 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 Orient Bambino Version 2 ($150–$250) features Automatic Caliber F6724 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan engineering.
The Orient Bambino Version 2 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $150–$250. However, the Bulova Surveyor Automatic 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 Bambino Version 2 at 41mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Bambino Version 2 uses Domed Mineral Crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.