Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Bulova's dress watch meets Timex's field watch

Quick Verdict

The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) delivers Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" measures 40mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Surveyor Automatic justifies its premium with Made in Japan (Movement) heritage and Automatic Miyota 8215. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticTimex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"
Price$250–$500$50–$100
Case Size39mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz (3-Hand, Date)
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticQuartz (Battery)
Power Reserve42 HoursBattery
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelBrass (Gunmetal Finish)
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Timex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Timex's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers Brass (Gunmetal Finish) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz (3-Hand, Date)

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) (Quartz (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

39mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Mineral Glass and Battery on the Expedition Metal Field "Scout". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Timex

30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" handles 50m (5 ATM). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" 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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Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Choose the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" if you value Quartz (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) 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 Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) features Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Timex (USA Design) engineering.
The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. 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 Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses Mineral Glass. 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.