Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Hamilton's field watch meets Bulova's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic ($500–$1,000) and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Khaki Field Automatic emphasizes Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) engineering while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph focuses on Made in Japan (Citizen Group) craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 38mm | 45mm |
| Movement | Automatic H-10 | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz |
| Caliber Type | Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) | High-Performance Quartz |
| Power Reserve | 80 Hours | N/A (Quartz) |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Hamilton's design language vs Bulova's approach
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal 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
Automatic H-10 vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz
The Khaki Field Automatic runs the Automatic H-10 (Automatic (ETA C07.611 base), 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) 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). The Khaki Field Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
38mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence
At 38mm, the Khaki Field Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic sits at $500–$1,000 and the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Khaki Field Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 80 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and N/A (Quartz) on the Lunar Pilot Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Khaki Field Automatic is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph handles 50m (5 ATM). The Khaki Field Automatic is better suited for water activities.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Stainless steel, brushed finish. Hamilton does not publish the alloy grade for this reference. | Bulova High Performance Quartz, 262 kHz (262,144 Hz) |
| Crystal | Verneuil-grown sapphire, single-side AR coating. | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour numerals. Hamilton lists "Super Luminova: Yes" for this reference and does not publish a grade, so none is claimed here. | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) |
| Strap | Full-grain leather (varies by reference). | Fixed tachymeter |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph saves you $216 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic if…
- Strong value proposition under $1,000 with quality construction
- Active lifestyle wearers — 100m water resistance handles swimming and water sports
- Weekend warriors — 80-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Military/field watch enthusiasts who value legibility and durability
Pick the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph if…
- Strong value proposition under $1,000 with quality construction
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Chronograph enthusiasts looking for a proven timing instrument
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Bulova's historical pedigree
- Buyers who prefer a commanding wrist presence — 45mm case
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
- Same H-10 / C07 movement as Tissot PRX and Mido — paying brand premium for the Hamilton heritage
- 3 Hz "slow" seconds beat (visible 6 ticks/sec vs. 8)
- Strap quality is adequate, not exceptional
- No hacking, but movement is auto-only (no hand-wind on the 80h variant — older H-30 caliber refs had it)
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
- 45mm is large.
- Quartz won't satisfy mechanical purists.
- Bulova brand prestige is below Omega; some buyers feel the brand undersells the Apollo provenance.
Our Verdict
Hamilton
Khaki Field Automatic
Choose the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic if you prioritize Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Automatic H-10 with 80 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonBulova
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.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Hamilton bringing Swiss Made tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Citizen Group) 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.