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Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium)
Bulova's dress watch meets Ulysse Nardin's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) ($25,000+). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 39mm | 45mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | About 170 hours (seven days) |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Titanium, black ceramic bezel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Ulysse Nardin's approach
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) offers Titanium, black ceramic bezel construction at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) uses the Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon (UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement, About 170 hours (seven days) reserve) at standard. The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback and About 170 hours (seven days) on the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) 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.
Check Price on AmazonUlysse Nardin
Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium)
Choose the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) if you value UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 45mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon with About 170 hours (seven days) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Ulysse Nardin 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.