Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Bulova's chronograph meets Maurice Lacroix's diver
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) offers High-Performance Quartz precision in the tier below the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph measures 45mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Aikon Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 42mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Automatic ML115 |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 200m (20 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Maurice Lacroix's approach
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Automatic ML115
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph runs the High-Performance 262kHz Quartz (High-Performance Quartz, N/A (Quartz) power reserve) at 262,144 Hz (High-Frequency Quartz) frequency. The Aikon Automatic uses the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Aikon Automatic offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph sits at $500–$1,000 and the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal with N/A (Quartz), against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The Aikon Automatic offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Bulova High Performance Quartz, 262 kHz (262,144 Hz) | Medical-grade 316L stainless steel with alloy composition: Fe (~65%), Cr (16–18%), Ni (10–14%), Mo (2–3%), Mn (≤2%), C (≤0.03%). The molybdenum content prevents pitting corrosion in chlorinated and saltwater environments. Mixed finishing — polished bezel arms and case flanks with satin-brushed top surfaces. |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Synthetic corundum crystal (Mohs hardness 9, second only to diamond) with multi-layer anti-reflective coating for glare reduction. Virtually scratch-proof in daily wear. |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) | Stainless steel integrated links with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. Features Maurice Lacroix's proprietary EasyChange quick-release system — spring-loaded pushers on the case flanks allow strap swaps in seconds without tools. |
| Bezel | Fixed tachymeter | Mechanical hobnail (Clous de Paris) pattern pressed into the dial blank before color application. This traditional guilloche-adjacent technique creates a grid of raised pyramidal studs that catch and refract light from every angle. Uncommon at this price point. |
| Super-LumiNova | — | Applied to the hands and hour markers for legibility in the dark. Maurice Lacroix does not publish the Super-LumiNova grade for this reference, so no emission colour or wavelength is stated. |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph saves you $1,641 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
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
Pick the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if…
- Enthusiasts wanting the integrated-bracelet luxury sports watch look under $2,000
- Daily wearers who need genuine 200m WR with screw-down crown
- Those who value strap versatility — EasyChange is a genuine differentiator
- Buyers who appreciate fine dial craftsmanship (Clous de Paris) at an accessible price
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.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
- Brand recognition gap: Maurice Lacroix doesn't command the instant recognition of Omega, Tudor, or TAG Heuer. Buyers motivated purely by brand cachet may feel the money is better spent on a more recognizable name.
- 38-hour power reserve: Below average for 2026 — most competitors offer 60–80 hours (Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 offers 80h at 1/3 the price). Skip a day wearing it and you'll need to reset time and date.
- Sellita SW200-1 base movement: A proven workhorse with the ML115 26-jewel upgrade, but not in-house. Enthusiasts who prioritize manufacture movements may view this as a drawback at this price point.
- Grey-market erosion: Heavy grey-market discounting ($1,200–$1,500 vs full retail) undermines the brand's luxury positioning and signals weak demand at MSRP.
Our Verdict
Bulova
Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Choose the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph if you prioritize High-Performance Quartz engineering, Made in Japan (Citizen Group) craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers High-Performance 262kHz Quartz with N/A (Quartz) power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonMaurice Lacroix
Aikon Automatic
Choose the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if you value Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ML115 with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Citizen Group) tradition while Maurice Lacroix 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.