Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph vs Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Bulova's chronograph meets Tissot's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) and Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Lunar Pilot Chronograph emphasizes High-Performance Quartz engineering while the Le Locle Powermatic 80 focuses on Swiss Made (Swatch Group) craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph | Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 39.3mm |
| Movement | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz | Powermatic 80.111 |
| Caliber Type | High-Performance Quartz | ETA-Based Automatic |
| Power Reserve | N/A (Quartz) | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) | Swiss Made (Swatch Group) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Bulova's design language vs Tissot's approach
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph features a Stainless Steel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers Stainless Steel construction at 39.3mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
High-Performance 262kHz Quartz vs Powermatic 80.111
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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 uses the Powermatic 80.111 (ETA-Based Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 39.3mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Le Locle Powermatic 80 at 39.3mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph sits at $500–$1,000 and the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses Sapphire Crystal with N/A (Quartz), against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Le Locle Powermatic 80. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Le Locle Powermatic 80 handles 30m (3 ATM). The Lunar Pilot Chronograph is better suited for water activities.
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 AmazonTissot
Le Locle Powermatic 80
Choose the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 if you value ETA-Based Automatic technology, Swiss Made (Swatch Group) heritage, and 39.3mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Powermatic 80.111 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph and Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Citizen Group) tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made (Swatch Group) 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.