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Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Bulova's chronograph meets Stauer's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph justifies its premium with Made in Japan (Citizen Group) heritage and High-Performance 262kHz Quartz. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Stauer 1920s Retrograde |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $100–$150 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 43mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Quartz |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | Quartz |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Mineral crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) | Stauer (USA brand, imported) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Stauer's approach
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Quartz
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 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph has a bolder wrist presence compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Stauer sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph sits at $500–$1,000 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal with N/A (Quartz), against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde offers superior water resistance.
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 dossierStauer
1920s Retrograde
Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Citizen Group) tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) 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.