Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart
Bulova's dress watch meets Raymond Weil's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart ($1,500–$2,500). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Freelancer Open Heart counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic Caliber RW4200 |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Automatic (Sellita SW200 base) |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire with Antiglare |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Raymond Weil's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart offers Stainless Steel construction at 42mm with Sapphire with Antiglare. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Caliber RW4200
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Freelancer Open Heart uses the Automatic Caliber RW4200 (Automatic (Sellita SW200 base), 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Freelancer Open Heart at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire with Antiglare and 38 Hours on the Freelancer Open Heart. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Freelancer Open Heart handles 100m (10 ATM). The Freelancer Open Heart 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 AmazonRaymond Weil
Freelancer Open Heart
Choose the Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart if you value Automatic (Sellita SW200 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic Caliber RW4200 with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Raymond Weil 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.

