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Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
Bulova's dress watch meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) ($25,000+). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Rolex
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
$25,000+
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 39mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Rolex 3055, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) offers 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date (Rolex 3055, chronometer certified, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) handles 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case. The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) 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 AmazonRolex
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) if you value Rolex 3055, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Rolex 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.