Head-to-Head Comparison

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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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart

Raymond Weil

Freelancer Open Heart

$1,500–$2,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticRaymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart
Price$250–$500$1,500–$2,500
Case Size39mm42mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Caliber RW4200
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticAutomatic (Sellita SW200 base)
Power Reserve42 Hours38 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire with Antiglare
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

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.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

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.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

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).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

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.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Raymond Weil

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.

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Raymond 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.

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The 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

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 Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart ($1,500–$2,500) features Automatic Caliber RW4200 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 Raymond Weil Freelancer Open Heart 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 Freelancer Open Heart at 42mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Freelancer Open Heart uses Sapphire with Antiglare.

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.