Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Timex Weekender Chronograph

Bulova's dress watch meets Timex's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Timex Weekender Chronograph ($50–$100) delivers Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology in the tier below the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500). The Weekender Chronograph measures 40mm and is rated 30m (3 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 Weekender Chronograph

Timex

Weekender Chronograph

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticTimex Weekender Chronograph
Price$250–$500$50–$100
Case Size39mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Quartz Chronograph
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticQuartz Chronograph (Battery)
Power Reserve42 HoursBattery
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelBrass (Silver-Tone)
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 Weekender Chronograph offers Brass (Silver-Tone) 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 Chronograph

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Weekender Chronograph uses the Quartz Chronograph (Quartz Chronograph (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 Weekender Chronograph at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 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 Weekender Chronograph 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 Weekender Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Weekender Chronograph handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

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

Weekender Chronograph

Choose the Timex Weekender Chronograph if you value Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz Chronograph with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Timex Weekender Chronograph 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 Weekender Chronograph ($50–$100) features Quartz Chronograph with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Timex (USA Design) engineering.
The Timex Weekender Chronograph 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 Weekender Chronograph at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Weekender Chronograph 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.