Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Casio MRW-230H vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Casio's timepiece meets Bulova's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Casio MRW-230H (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000). The MRW-230H measures 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph counters with Made in Japan (Citizen Group) craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Casio MRW-230H

Casio

MRW-230H

Under $50

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Bulova

Lunar Pilot Chronograph

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio MRW-230HBulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
PriceUnder $50$500–$1,000
Case Size44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm)45mm
MovementQuartzHigh-Performance 262kHz Quartz
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)High-Performance Quartz
Power ReserveApprox. 3-year battery (SR626SW)N/A (Quartz)
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalResin GlassSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialResin case, aluminum bezel ringStainless Steel
OriginCasio (Japan)Made in Japan (Citizen Group)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Bulova's approach

The Casio MRW-230H features a Resin case, aluminum bezel ring case at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with Resin Glass protection. The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph offers Stainless Steel construction at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Quartz vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz

The MRW-230H runs the Quartz (Casio Quartz (Battery), Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve) at standard frequency. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses the High-Performance 262kHz Quartz (High-Performance Quartz, N/A (Quartz) reserve) at 262,144 Hz (High-Frequency Quartz). Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) vs 45mm — different wrist presence

At 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm), the MRW-230H wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio MRW-230H sits at Under $50 and the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the MRW-230H uses Resin Glass with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW), against Sapphire Crystal and N/A (Quartz) on the Lunar Pilot Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The MRW-230H is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph handles 50m (5 ATM). The MRW-230H is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Casio

MRW-230H

Choose the Casio MRW-230H if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Casio (Japan) craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve.

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Bulova

Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Choose the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph if you value High-Performance Quartz technology, Made in Japan (Citizen Group) heritage, and 45mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the High-Performance 262kHz Quartz with N/A (Quartz) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

View the dossier

The Bottom Line

The Casio MRW-230H and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Casio (Japan) tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Casio MRW-230H is rated 100 m against 50 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio MRW-230H sits a band lower (Under $50 against $500–$1,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Casio MRW-230H offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The MRW-230H uses Resin Glass while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal.

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.