Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Bulova's dress watch meets Oris's pilot watch
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date ($1,500–$2,500). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Big Crown Pointer Date counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Oris Big Crown Pointer Date |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Modified Sellita Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Oris's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base)
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Big Crown Pointer Date uses the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) (Modified Sellita Automatic, 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Big Crown Pointer Date at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) and 38 Hours on the Big Crown Pointer Date. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Big Crown Pointer Date handles 50m (5 ATM). The Big Crown Pointer Date 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 AmazonOris
Big Crown Pointer Date
Choose the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date if you value Modified Sellita Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Oris Big Crown Pointer Date represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Oris 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.