Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic
Bulova's dress watch meets Tissot's diver
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Seastar 1000 Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | ETA/Tissot Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Tissot's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Seastar 1000 Automatic uses the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) (ETA/Tissot Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Seastar 1000 Automatic offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Seastar 1000 Automatic at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Seastar 1000 Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Seastar 1000 Automatic handles 300m (30 ATM). The Seastar 1000 Automatic 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 AmazonTissot
Seastar 1000 Automatic
Choose the Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic if you value ETA/Tissot Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Tissot 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.