Head-to-Head Comparison

Casio Vintage A168WA vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Two chronographs compared — Under $50 vs $500–$1,000

Quick Verdict

The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph counters with Made in Japan (Citizen Group) craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional chronographs for their respective tiers.

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Casio Vintage A168WA

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Under $50

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Bulova

Lunar Pilot Chronograph

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Vintage A168WABulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
PriceUnder $50$500–$1,000
Case Size36.3mm45mm
MovementQuartz Module 3298High-Performance 262kHz Quartz
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)High-Performance Quartz
Power ReserveN/A (Quartz)
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless Steel & ResinStainless Steel
OriginMade in JapanMade 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 Vintage A168WA features a Stainless Steel & Resin case at 36.3mm with Mineral 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.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Quartz Module 3298 vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz

The Vintage A168WA runs the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard 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

36.3mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence

At 36.3mm, the Vintage A168WA wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio Vintage A168WA sits at Under $50 and the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, 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: Bulova

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

The Vintage A168WA is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph handles 50m (5 ATM). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Choose the Casio Vintage A168WA if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz Module 3298 with solid 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.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio Vintage A168WA and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Casio bringing Made in Japan tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Quartz Module 3298 with reliable power reserve, while the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) features High-Performance 262kHz Quartz with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.
The Casio Vintage A168WA 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 Vintage A168WA at 36.3mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal. 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.