Head-to-Head Comparison

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Invicta's diver meets Bulova's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 ($50–$100) offers Automatic (Seiko NH35A) precision in the tier below the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000). The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 measures 40mm and is rated 200m. 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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Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

$50–$100

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Bulova

Lunar Pilot Chronograph

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureInvicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Price$50–$100$500–$1,000
Case Size40mm45mm
MovementAutomatic NH35AHigh-Performance 262kHz Quartz
Caliber TypeAutomatic (Seiko NH35A)High-Performance Quartz
Power ReserveN/A (Quartz)
Water Resistance200m50m (5 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless Steel
OriginInvicta (Japanese movement)Made in Japan (Citizen Group)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Invicta's design language vs Bulova's approach

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 features a steel case at 40mm 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.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic NH35A vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz

The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 runs the Automatic NH35A (Automatic (Seiko NH35A), 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: Invicta

40mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 200m vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Invicta

Invicta sits in the lower tier

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 sits at $50–$100 and the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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: Invicta

200m vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is rated to 200m while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph handles 50m (5 ATM). The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Choose the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 if you prioritize Automatic (Seiko NH35A) engineering, Invicta (Japanese movement) craftsmanship, and 200m water resistance. At $50–$100, it delivers Automatic NH35A 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 Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Invicta bringing Invicta (Japanese movement) tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 ($50–$100) offers Automatic NH35A 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: Invicta (Japanese movement) craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.
The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 at 40mm with 200m water resistance handles everyday situations. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 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.