Updated
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Two chronographs compared — $500–$1,000 vs $25,000+
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) offers High-Performance Quartz precision in the tier below the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary ($25,000+). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph measures 45mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional chronographs for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 45mm | 42mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | About 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Omega's approach
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary offers 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861
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 Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary uses the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 (Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary 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 Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph sits at $500–$1,000 and the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal with N/A (Quartz), against Sapphire Crystal and About 48 hours on the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary handles 50m (5 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
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.
View the dossierOmega
Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Choose the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary if you value Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Citizen Group) tradition while Omega 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.