Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Bulova's chronograph meets Oris's diver
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) offers High-Performance Quartz precision in the tier below the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 ($2,500–$5,000). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph measures 45mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 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
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers Stainless Steel construction at 41.5mm with Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Automatic Calibre 400
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 Aquis Date Calibre 400 uses the Automatic Calibre 400 (Oris In-House Manufacture, 120 Hours (5 Days) reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Aquis Date Calibre 400 at 41.5mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph sits at $500–$1,000 and the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 at $2,500–$5,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal with N/A (Quartz), against Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating and 120 Hours (5 Days) on the Aquis Date Calibre 400. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Aquis Date Calibre 400 handles 300m (30 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers superior water resistance.
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 this price — 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 $500–$1,000, 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 $2,500–$5,000, 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.
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.