Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Bulova's chronograph meets Oris's pilot watch
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) offers High-Performance Quartz precision in the tier below the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date ($1,500–$2,500). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph measures 45mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Big Crown Pointer Date counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Oris Big Crown Pointer Date |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 40mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | Modified Sellita Automatic |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR 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 Big Crown Pointer Date offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base)
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 Big Crown Pointer Date uses the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) (Modified Sellita Automatic, 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Big Crown Pointer Date offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Big Crown Pointer Date at 40mm. 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 Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 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 (Domed, Inside AR Coating) and 38 Hours on the Big Crown Pointer Date. 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 Big Crown Pointer Date handles 50m (5 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Oris Big Crown Pointer Date |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Bulova High Performance Quartz, 262 kHz (262,144 Hz) | Stainless steel 316L (standard reference); bronze (CuSn8) for 7553 reference family |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Synthetic sapphire grown via Verneuil process, Mohs 9. Domed profile with inside AR coating Mohs 9 |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) | Super-LumiNova on hands and indices |
| Bezel | Fixed tachymeter | Calfskin leather with quick-release lever system |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph saves you $2,009 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 Big Crown Pointer Date if…
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Military/field watch enthusiasts who value legibility and durability
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Oris's historical pedigree
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 Big Crown Pointer Date
- Sellita SW200-1 base at this price tier — fair value but some buyers expect in-house at this price tier (the Caliber 403 variant exists at higher price for in-house)
- 41-hour reserve — modest vs. 70–80 hour competition (Hamilton H-10, Tudor MT5602, Longines L888)
- 50m water resistance — limited dress-sport spec
- Pointer date polarises — some buyers love the design distinction; others find window dates more practical for at-a-glance reading
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
Big Crown Pointer Date
Choose the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date if you value Modified Sellita Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 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.