Is The New 'Mini' Bulova Lunar Pilot Still Too Big?
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
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Shout out to Deepak at Starbuy for the loan of the second Bulova. I might actually keep the blue Panda having had a good look at it! I was really looking forward to this one but it isn't quite what I had expected on several levels. Too big? Well, I can wear it, unlike the old one. Would I have preferred smaller still? For sure. Roll on 2030! Cheers, Jody
I absolutely love how you now wear a variety of watches alongside the watch you're reviewing to give an actual scale for how big the watch really is. Those reference points help so much!
Good to hear that mate!!
With 8 you can't put everything
100% agree. This is a great addition to the content. The visual reference is great and i even found a new appreciation for that Hamilton chronograph. It stood out to me big time in that lineup shot. Killer watches all around though. But i must say, the seagull has always given me commie vibes lmao.
I’ve really been looking forward to the JOMW review of these and it didn’t disappoint 👏👏👏👏
Thanks for clarifying that the dial is still the same as the big brother Luna Pilot. I’ve been trying to work out why they did such a seemingly small reduction in size rather than going for a 42mm or even smaller, if the dial is still the same then all they can do is reduce that case size really, so it makes sense.
the original Lunar Pilot that flew with Cmdr Scott was 43mm, so this brings the size in line with the original
Thanks for the review. A bit annoying that they didn't shrink it to 40mm but the fact that you find it wearable is good. Still big and chunky though. Since Citizen owns Bulova, I don't understand why they couldn't have provide a titanium case and preferrably with a titanium case and bracelet. I find it interesting that none of the Ali Express sellers have knocked this one off.
Citizen already released a 41mm 200m Titanium Diver For about 100 dollars less than the newer 43mm Bulova that costs almost 900 usd!! Nonetheless They are 2 completely different watches but still not sure if that price is rlly justifiable for Bulova however I heard that the citizen comes with a rubber strap and an automatic movement with less Complications on the dial and offcourse a lighter overall weight which adds comfort to the wrist due to that titanium just to name a few differences
Size is an issue for skinny boys 😆
Mine arrived yesterday, and I’m with you; it’s still a big lad, but it’s better for me and my 7” wrist now. The quick release system is a really clever touch, the leather strap (also quick release) is high quality and the bracelet is way more comfortable than I was expecting too! Paid RRP (£599) and I’d honestly say it’s worth every penny, perhaps even a bit more 🤫
I got the white dial and it is borderline on my 7 inch wrist. I was a bit worried not to be uncomfortable because of it's big crown,but it isn't,it feels and wears really well. The packaging is high quality,the butterfly clasps could be polished. The leather band is very nice indeed . I got mine for 599 minus 10%off directly from Bulova 😀
Looks like an excellent opportunity for San Martin to do this one right at 40-41 mm!!!
This is a must-buy for me, in that lunar texture white dial with blue pushers, SO NICE!
Some points worth knowing. This is the exact same size as Dave Scotts Bulova so it is historically accurate. Also they used the vintage Bulova font on the logo which I think looks much better than the original version.
Agreed. If only it had been bead blasted like the first version released, it would have been perfect.
@@hudldevice1092
Perfect is a strong word.
Would prefer all of the following: bead blasted (matte) finish, half the price, smooth sweeping small seconds hand (more association with the old tuning fork legacy, even though that has nothing to do with the original), sub 50mm lug tips.
"Half links" that are really 2/3 the length of a standard link are very common, and that's the smart way to do it. You can mix and match them with whole links to adjust the bracelet in 1/3 link increments.
This version of the Lunar Pilot is a 1:1 scale copy of the original watch. I have 45mm which just about fits on a 7.1 inch 18cm wrist. However I would sell it in favour of the 43mm. I like to have watches in their original size if possible. By the looks of it, it should be a more comfortable fit. Great review as always
Brilliant video as usual. Thanks.
Just to let you know in the UK there is currently a 10% discount from Bulova direct. I bought the white dial version and it’s very attractive particularly on the supplied leather “NATO” strap.
It does look good on your wrist - much better than the original size. The side by side wrist shots of the other chronos was very helpful. Thanks!
I've got the original limited edition one. And despite not having the biggest wrist I still love it and it is one of my favorite watches. I don't think it is possible to get another watch with the same finishing and heritage anywhere near this money. And picking it up after a few weeks and it is still running within in seconds of the correct time is always impressive.
With an almost 8" wrist and a love for the original Lunar Pilot and its terrific history, I pulled the trigger on the black dial 43mm as soon as I could afford it, and I can't wait for it to arrive. Great review Jodi, and you only raised my level of excitement to get mine on wrist.
I have the original 45 mm version which I love, despite the size. And while I might like to have a smaller version I can't imagine paying $1,000 more to get a couple mm smaller.
My only disappointment is that they went with the polished case. I liked the blasted finished. Wouldn't have minded a brushed finished maybe but this watch's aesthetics work best as a tool watch and polishing it just seems a bit odd. I btw have 6.75" wrist and I love the beast that is the Lunar Pilot. It's big but I feel it works almost like a a dressy G-Shock. Would I prefer smaller sure but I'll stick with the beast for now. Although who knows maybe if I get a good look at Snoopy I'll take a shot.
Blasted is cheap to get done, and most people prefer polished. That was a smart decision and i would not be interested if it were blasted, which shows me others wouldn’t either
What does that linr mean ' if i get a good look at snoopy ill take a shot'?
Can someone please explain?
I usually don't laugh out loud at watch videos, but the little applause sound effect when you pronounced the watch "wearable" really got to me. Well done.
Hooray it's wearable ! Think I would definitely go for the black dial variant, but strangely this has just made me want an Omega speedmaster even more. Weird....
Got excited when I saw the title as I always liked the Bulova Lunar. Sadly 2mm smaller is still too big for my wrist. Wish they came out with a 39mm model.
Hi , picked up the larger size , with date , for £280 on a deal . Fits great and I enjoy wearing it . I've replaced the strap with a leather one as I prefer it . Great video - thanks .
I measured 30 different quartz watches from my collection for 3 months. All 30 watches were between plus or minus 10 seconds per month. 20 watches were between plus or minus 5 seconds per month. 5 watches were between plus or minus 1 second per month. We are talking normal quartz watches nothing special like Bulova. Brands like Casio, Seiko, Invicta and Pagani. So your normal quartz watch could easily be as good as this very special Bulova.
Jody another stellar review! I had been patiently waiting for the release of the smaller Lunar Pilot and picked up the black dial version. I’m very happy with it as it looks great and fits (just barely) my 6.75 inch wrist.
How many links (full and half) did you leave on each side?
I bought a mint pre-owned Lunar Pilot bracelet version in 2016 for $285 with box and papers. It's been perfect ever since. I have also owned a Speedmaster Professional since 1988.
I love my Lunar Pilot. Sure it's big, but fits my wrist well. The new 43.5 also looks nice, but there are features on the original that I prefer:
-Bead blasted case. Looks so much better
-All-brushed bracelet
-Date. It really blends in with the dial, but it's there if and when you need it.
I prefer the new old Bulova logo instead of the new one on mine.
Everybody wants changes. Yes, I'd love a 41-42 mm Lunar Pilot with a 12-hour register/totaliser. The Seiko VK67 would give you that. The split seconds on the Lunar Pilot is useless.
I have the original 45 and the 43. When I opened the box my first impression was...
"Did I make a mistake? Did I rebuy the 45mm?" 🤣
Ha! I know what you mean mate. Same dial and hands throws the eye.
I really like this. I think the black dial still looks better. It is a large watch, but it is still smaller than others in my collection. So, it may well be the next thing I chase.
This is the best review so far of this new lunar pilot. Thank you for pointing out that the dial is the same diameter as the 45 mm model. Still not a true to size representation of the original but at least it is wearable. Unfortunately it also means that we are not going to see another version truer to the original anytime soon.
What’s the true size?
I was definitely in the camp of the 45mm being too big, but this is interesting. I wear a Seamaster daily which is 50mm lug to lug and no taper bracelet. Will need to find one of these to try on I think
I like that they left the dial size as it is, now it appears a lot more open, great design choice in my opinion
Perfect for anyone who doesn't have the budget or simply doesn't want to splash out 6 grand on a Speedmaster but still wants genuine heritage on their wrist. I've been lucky enough to meet David Scott a number of times in the past and can duly report that he is, and not surprisingly....a triple A1 character.
I have a 6.75-7in wrist and the new version, while large, works for me. Just barely avoids overhanging my wrist and I’m okay with that. My dad has my 45mm version and I gave him the desk clock that came with the new version
Do you wear it to the Compton swap meet
if i buy a 43mm pilot from bulova do i still get the clock ?
How many full and half links did you leave on each side ?
Always enjoy your videos, I got mine last week, but I ordered the leather strap, you know where I can buy the metal bracelet?
I really want one. But do still think it is a little big. But the bigger problem is the price. Wow. That’s a bit much for my budget.
Love my Lunar Pilot…great review, great watch! MikeR.
Morning Jody - nice review. The Lunar Pilot has been growing on me for some time now so I was keen to see what you think of it - and didn't know about the smaller version. The black one looks awesome! I just measured my wrists L = 7 11/16" and R = 7 7/8" so have to work out what that means. I often wear 2 watches just to enjoy them more. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
I was worried too about the size, but before purchasing the new one, I tried the old one and gotta say it wasn't that big on the wrist. Maybe because I'm used to wear G-shocks a lot. I also think the proportions of the new watch are great, it couldn't have been smaller with that thickness and having a busy dial works better with a 43 mm than with a 40. I feel there are quite more pluses than minuses on this one
The 3rd variant of the Bulova Lunar Pilot in 45mm was all polished and had no date with the vintage style logo like these new 43mm versions
The one that went to the Moon was 43mm, so obviously that is the right size. The proportions are a bit off here, I believe because they retained the dial size from the 45 mm version..which I happen to be the Happy owner of. The 96 of course
I’ve had my Lunar PIlot (96B251) for over 3 years and just do not wear it much because of the size. Your review is the first one that addresses the size difference well enough that I feel confident that the new watch will fit my 7.25” wrist. I am going to wait for a price reduction and may even sell my old one first. I am having some hope that Bulova is getting past (albeit slowly) their over-size phase. I have lots of older Bulovas that are very rationally sized.
I’ve been waiting for your video since I saw the announcement few months ago, great work Jodi!
I'd love to like it, but I think I would have to see it on my wrist before I made any decisions, and on the alternate straps in particular
Morning jody, Saturday again! Great work from bulova when the 41 comes I'm in!
Such a nice watch yet sadly way too large for my girly 6.5 inch wrists 😢Great video Jody and well done Starbuy for the loan 👍
The second hands are synchronized!!! Well done man!
Just curious why is the price almost double of the original?
Yes indeed, still too big 👍 Thank you for the on wrist comparisons.
I'm more comfortable with 38-40 mm but there are 2 watches I don't mind going over because they're closer to the original one. Lunar pilot and Flieger style
38 is for ladies.
The Cinderella slipper analogy is hilarious, because the Lunar Pilot has exactly the opposite problem :D :D
"Door handles around the world are salivating!" Amazing quote!
I have the original, larger version. It fits me well on my 7.5 in wrist. I'm not too impressed by the polished bezel and lack of date on this one. I don't think I'll be switching.
Now for the ever more anticipated P39 review please! But seriously, great review and I have to admit that even with a 7" wrist, I'm still on the fence with this one.
Like this to be a 42mm for me personally. Also on the white and blue panda I think matching blue ceramic center links would really make this watch a true stunner.
It looked much better on wrist than I expected from the tiny dimension changes. Are you sure your wrist hasn't grown Jody? 😁
Of these two I prefer the Black dial as the sub-dials are less obvious allowing the lovely handset to take its rightful place. Maybe in the metal the pushers on the white look better but the coating would still concern me.
Hi Jody!!! Well I had a "classic" 45mm LP and, even if I have a fairly big wrist, It did wear so big. 2mm less?? Don't think so really, altough I appreciate the no data and the polished case. So the question: will I buy one? Maybe... Not! Great work buddy!
Loved the review, very informative and having owned the larger version I can see why they needed to trim it a bit.
I for one like the fact that they have made this watch smaller, removed the date window and that the case is now polished chrome, the only disappointment I have with it, is that they did not make it with the actual movement as the original. Don't get me wrong, the quartz version runs rings around the Omega in terms of accuracy. But if you want to compete with the first Bulova Moon watch, they make it to the original specs. It stands to reason, why would you buy a slightly smaller version of a watch that you already own?
I actually thought when I first heard of the remake that Bulova was planning to do this, but I guess it's why the watch is still cheaper than the speedmaster, oh well, better luck next time.
I have a 7 and 1/2 inch wrist the original looks okay on me (I can definitely pull it off) so I have no issues with sizing!
In my opinion some watches (especially this one) are made to be a statement piece so luckily I don’t mind chunky and funky!
If you like "chunky and funky" then check out some Aragon models!
@@Laz_Arus sounds good I think I will!
I love My big one. It is for the collection only though. I have never worn it or even sized it. I almost sold it once but decided I just wanted it to have it. Maybe now I will part ways to get the smaller ...
My old Bulova Lunar pilot is also no date and has a shiny case with the old Bulova font. I don’t mind wearing a large watch every now and again. I won’t be changing for the smaller version. The dial looks exactly the same as the black one in the video
Ooof no date… And I would have preferred the bead blasted case. I’ll still get one as my Pagani Design PD-1701 doesn’t have the 12’o’clock dots, and a horizontal tach/bezel with the latest version. Love the VK63 movement, but Pagani no longer offers the perfect V3 homage. This will scratch my moonwatch, Speedmaster, itch for years to come.
I recently got an Orient Triton mini with practically the same dimensions and weight so good to know I would pull this off on a 7.25 inch wrist. Comes with a hefty price tag though.
I wish I knew a jeweler who could do bead blasting on this new case. A mix of bead blast and brushed links would also look a lot better IMO.
Looks much better on you Jody. My "Dark Side of the Lunar" works on my fat wrists! I love it, but I hate you because now I want Just One More Lunar Pilot Watch!! White and Blue Mmmm!
Omg me to how cool would these two look with your dark side in the middle. Cheers
I’ve got one of the pvd original sized ones and it’s amongst my favourite watches. They pulled back in the accuracy but mine was set in October for the change to gmt and is currently a perceptible 1second fast which is brilliant over 4 months. Reckon I might splurge on the black face one. They look amazing on a kizzi nasa replica strap.
A couple of nice additions, however, I'm quite happy with my 96B258 still so unlikely to downsize. I'm curious as to why Bulova changed their timekeeping specs for this new model, as mine has been well inside their original +/- 10 secs/year.
The 43.5mm version of the Lunar Pilot uses the NP20 quartz movement which is the same movement in the 45mm version. So I imagine the accuracy is the same.
the online forums have been tough on the accuracy claim, with ppl not getting anywhere close to them..I have been lucky with mine though
I paid £575 ridiculously cheap for the money a fantastic every day watch and history! I own a sub and gmt also a Tudor and it’s my favourite of all 4 wear it everyday not worrying about servicing looks fantastic with the white dial fantastic accuracy better then a breitling a watch I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing
I owned one. It was the size of a lead frisbee. This one looks like they shrunk it down to a metal dinner plate. Still huge.
I love the Snoopy dial version, but I'm hoping the new versions will drive down the price of the old version because I think I still prefer it.
OK, confession time: I did buy the "reduced" version on the strength of Jody's recommendation (I have the same size wrist as he). Impressions:
-- I like the NATO-style strap, even better than the hook-loop "NASA" they had with the larger version. It fits well and really gives the watch a dressy feel. However, what's potentially alarming is that I'm at the second-shortest hole in the strap, which is not-so-good news for folks with wrist diameters smaller than 6.75 inches.
-- When I measured it to the 45mm version (which I got 4 years ago), Jody's right about the dial and crystal being the same size. If they're right about the dimensions being the same as Dave Scott's version, I suspect the reason why Bulova initially made it larger isn't to accommodate the movement, but to emphasize the case shape of the original. Because the enlarged case shape does help the pushers stand out as a feature.
-- I wouldn't be too sanguine about seeing a future smaller version. It would be possible if Bulova created a new Precisionist movement that left out the date wheel (the "reduced" model feels like they kept their original movement so there's a "ghost date" feel when you pull out the crown), but given its history I don't think Bulova want to shrink this to a size smaller than the Omega Speedmaster Professional, which the watch was designed to compete with for NASA qualification and contracting after all.
great!, I have 7ins wrist and it looks good on you so I have ordered mine. 😊 thank you very much Jody great video
Tbh, I have the same wrist size as you almost and it fits well. I’m also okay with the fit as I believe the original size of this watch was 43-43.5 mm. So historically speaking, I’d rather this version than anything bigger or smaller.
Half baked - needed to be 41, fully brushed with a couple of micro-adjusts… close but no cigar!
An American microbrand, Hemel, makes chronos with both the Seiko quartz movement and the Seagull mechanical. The ones with the Seagull are 40mm, while the Seiko ones are 42.
I'm wondering if 42-43 is the absolute smallest you can make a watch with the Seiko quartz movement.
Saturday morning complete 💯💯, JOMW episode & then off to previous episodes for a Casio fix. Cuppa tea & cheese scones for breakfast & under the duvet to keep warm. Bliss. See you tomorrow 😁😁
In my opinion the older model looks much better. Its a moonwatch, I consider this new one too shiny. Maybe its because I have the 45mm version. I have to say that the 45mm one wears smaller. I have a tiny wrist and dont like big watches, it still fits nicely. I highly recommend buying one, but buy it online, 3 years ago a spannish retailer asked me 950 euros, it was the only retailer near me. I ended up buying it brand new with box and papers for 350+shipping and taxes. 450 was the final price. Well worth it. I also have de SwatchxOmega, Pluto color. Its a fun watch, but the Bulova is a serious watch for the price, I highly recommend it, the only thing I found that I don’t like is how it eats up the batteries, already changed it once, and I think its going to need another one soon.
He Jodi the Bulova is a good looking watch and to me the fit and finish looks excellent.. I would consider buying one now it's a better size. Great review.
ack, they've gone and polished it, this is the second time a manufacturer has inexplicably decided to polish the case of a re-release that I was looking forward to. People wanted a smaller case including me but don't mess the the aesthetics of an iconic watch.
Too expensive, too shiny for my taste. But the original fits me, I will get that one.
Great content, I really like the comparison with other watches. You should do that more often!
Props for the T-Shirt.
Bulova Moonwatch aka Lunar Pilot is not too big.
Is always on point.
Some people has too small hands :)
I didn't think it looked smaller until you did the wrist shot. Looks great! Will the older 45mm drop in price?
Looking at the Bulova web site, it appears that Bulova has already dropped the price of the 45mm version so I’m sure other outlets will drop the price as well.
The no-date version of the original (45mm) is also high polished. It is also significantly less expensive than the date version.
It looks great, and it's on my list since I saw it. But.. I don't like the bracelet one bit. I love how it looks on that leather nato, and this is the one I'm going for.
I have a love/hate problem with the Lunar Pilot. Love to have one, love the aesthetic. Hate that they're made in China, hate the tophat crystal, hate the recent adjusted market value pricing for basically a quartz. And there you have it, Bob's your uncle.
Just waking up, watching your video and now remembering I had a nightmare. I flushed two watches through the drain. Thank God it was a dream. My wife sais it means I should sell two watches, but i only have about 10 good watches... ;)
Looks like an excellent opportunity for San Martin to do this one right!!!
Bought this watch after watching this review and I have no regrets absolutely a beautiful watch and for $867 CAD with taxes I think it is worth the price. Just wish changing the bracelet was a bit easier. Still great watch
Great review as always, it's good to see watches everyone wished to have a smaller version of.
But is it just me or is it weird that the lug width is 20mm, my srpd (42mm) is 22mm while this chunky boi is 43.5.
I love it that his sponsored Omega stopped working so he slipped on his trusty Bulova before embarking for the Moon, I just fear that its still too large for my 6 3/4" (17mm) wrist. Great revue though so I am still tempted (insert hair pulling nail biting emoji)
His trusty Bulova was actually a one-off prototype.
I am torn. As much as I like this, apparently you only see the smooth sweep when engaging the Chrono function.
The small seconds hand looks like it ticks two times per second. This is the sweep that is always happening.
The Chrono looks amazing, but for a smooth sweep that is always there, and looks similar to the old tuning fork sweep, the Jetstar 1973 would be a better choice.
Love the shirt Jodi!
Looking at the proportions between the dials, subdials, the tachymeter bezel, I can see why they didn't want to make the watch any smaller. Any smaller dial and the whole thing is gonna look wonky, like the opposite of a fashion watch that has the sundials crammed in the center.
They would have to either use a different movement with subdials closer together, or mess with the internal tachymeter bezel.
Wow a mini with a 51 lug/lug. 6.75 wrist , thinking the blue one and this after swearing off more battery changes. Nice review.
Seems to wear similar to a Seiko Turtle, just a longer lug to lug. Butterfly clasp and high polish centre links are a bit of a miss though I think.
I expect we will see a parade of special editions to come with different finishes, colours, etc. let’s hope the price comes back to earth though.
Good morning where can we find the New bulova lunar pilot I've tried to look on various website but there are any links. Thanks a lot
I was so close to buying one, but I feel ok now that I didn't. The size is fine but the overall feel is just a bit off.
Great video and great watches Jody. I actually bought the 45mm one after your other video. I didn't pay RRP either. With an 8.1" wrist 45mm looks and feels fine, I can wear my biggest G-Shock with ease too. As for 43mm I think that 2mm could make a huge difference for people with more normal sized wrists, but I'm only 2 minutes into your video and will discover if I'm right or wrong!
I wonder if there are two shades of blue or if it's a question of lighting. In some videos and photos, the blue is very dark (almost black) and sometimes it's much lighter.
..... I may have but a 6 and 3/4 inch wrist but the 45mm Black Lunar Pilot , no date , on supplied black leather strap may be big but is perfect ..... ain't gonna give it up for a gaudy shiny bracelet , double the price version for the sake of 1.5mm ..... black always wears smaller anyway ......
I was looking forward to this one. But I think the lack of date will be a no go for me. Guess I’ll try a full size.
If you're sub 7.5" & don't mind an oversized watch, that's fine, it's still too big. Why not just release it 40mm, an odd decision from Bulova.
The date is a must, great blue though. Thanx Jody 🥃🥃🥃
I'm interested in your wanting the date because I really hate the calendars. I don't want to have to reset them when the month has fewer than 31 days. Are you just very patient? When I need the date, I use my phone but that seldom happens.
Perfect for anyone who doesn't have the budget or doesn't want to splash out 6 grand on a Speedmaster but still wants genuine heritage on their wrist. I've been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Scott a number of times in the past and can duly report that he is....not surprisingly....a triple A1 character.