Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Bulova's chronograph meets Oris's diver
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph (~$556) offers High-Performance Quartz precision at $2,039 less than the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 (~$2,595). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective price points.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$556 | ~$2,595 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 41.5mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Automatic Calibre 400 |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | Oris In-House Manufacture |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | 120 Hours (5 Days) |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating |
| 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 Oris's approach
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Automatic Calibre 400
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova is $2,039 more affordable
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Bulova High Performance Quartz, 262 kHz (262,144 Hz) | Oris Caliber 733 |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inside |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) |
| Bezel | Fixed tachymeter | Unidirectional rotating, scratch-resistant ceramic insert with 60-min dive scale and lume pip |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph saves you $2,171 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 Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if…
- Dive watch enthusiasts — 300m water resistance is proper dive spec
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dive watch collectors who appreciate proper ISO-rated tool watches
- Buyers who prefer a commanding wrist presence — 43mm case
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.
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
- Sellita base movement at $2,300 — fair value but not in-house prestige (Caliber 400 variants resolve).
- 43.5mm large for smaller wrists (smaller variants available).
- Proprietary endlinks limit strap options.
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 ~$556, it delivers High-Performance 262kHz Quartz with N/A (Quartz) power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonOris
Aquis Date Calibre 400
Choose the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if you value Oris In-House Manufacture technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 41.5mm proportions. At ~$2,595, the Automatic Calibre 400 with 120 Hours (5 Days) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Citizen Group) tradition while Oris delivers Swiss Made engineering.