Is The New 'Mini' Bulova Lunar Pilot Still Too Big?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
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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.
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!!!
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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?
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?
Just curious why is the price almost double of the original?
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....
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
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 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 ?
I like that they left the dial size as it is, now it appears a lot more open, great design choice in my opinion
"Door handles around the world are salivating!" Amazing quote!
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.
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 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
The second hands are synchronized!!! Well done man!
Always enjoy your videos, I got mine last week, but I ordered the leather strap, you know where I can buy the metal bracelet?
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.
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.
Hi Jody at the 14.25 ish it looks like black hands on black sub dial’s but then at 14.42 it looks like silver hands on black sub dial’s is it just the angle or lighting what’s up ?
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.
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 ...
Couldn't they at least have matched the case size of the Omega (which is already on the large size)?
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.
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.
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 👍
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.
I like it! But I discovered from owning the Pagani Design moon watch with no date, I need a date. Great video!
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.
Morning jody, Saturday again! Great work from bulova when the 41 comes I'm in!
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
Love my Lunar Pilot…great review, great watch! MikeR.
I really like the first version of this better. Definitely one of the favorites in my collection
Does Citizen have a mechanical chronograph movement?
They issued the mini version just 1.5mm smaller. It is almost the same thing but the side view makes it even bulkier. They should issue a smaller and thinner version (or with a design which hides better the thickness)
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.
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.
Love it... but no date 😢
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.
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.
I’ve been waiting for your video since I saw the announcement few months ago, great work Jodi!
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
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.
The bulova 2/3 links are better than 1/2 links, as youve got 3 sizes per link available rather than 2 with 1/2 links.
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.
it's nice that it has some upgrades over the original 45mm version but that doesn't seem to justify the $900+ price tag I'm seeing these listed for around the net when you can easily find the original for $400. Am I not looking in the right places or are these just rare and hard to come by right now?!
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!
Is the bracelet included in this versión compatible with the "big" 45mm version?
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 😁😁
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
great!, I have 7ins wrist and it looks good on you so I have ordered mine. 😊 thank you very much Jody great video
How big would you say a wrist should be to be able to wear 1) this newer size and 2) the older size?
It looked much better on wrist than I expected from the tiny dimension changes. Are you sure your wrist hasn't grown Jody? 😁
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Props for the T-Shirt.
Bulova Moonwatch aka Lunar Pilot is not too big.
Is always on point.
Some people has too small hands :)
What’s a sunburst effect on the black one? Sorry I don’t understand
How they’ll make a 40mm. When are you going to review the Christopher Ward Trident 300?
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.
Looks like an excellent opportunity for San Martin to do this one right!!!
How many links did you leave on both sides on the black version?
I have wanted one of these for a while. I am excited to try one on my wrist!!!
I'd suggest that you try one on if possible. It's still pretty big tbh.
The Cinderella slipper analogy is hilarious, because the Lunar Pilot has exactly the opposite problem :D :D
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.
Bulova make the Lunar Pilot Poors Man MoonWatch in 41mm in 20mm band ??? I tried the 45mm 43mm couldn't pull the trigger and i have a 7.25 wrist ...
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
Where can I buy one with international shipping?
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... ;)
What is the pusher sensation like?
Perhaps I misinterpreted what you mean, but did you say that the dial is the same as the previous model in dimension, and that the differences in dimension with this smaller version are down to the shrunk down case?
Exactly!
@@pzwolski If that's the case, it seems like there's a significant degree of cost-saving involved in the making of this smaller version, which suggests to me that it would be extremely unlikely that we will get an even smaller version that many people were hoping for
@@twraia Probably, but there is something more - I do not get the high price of a new 43 model.
@@pzwolski Yeah, that, too. Though if this smaller Lunar Pilot actually fits me, I probably would have bought it even in its inflated price point. It seems that many brands have been adjusting their prices upwards more drastically in recent years - I guess it is a reflection of a general decline in sales of the more affordable watches? (presumably most people who might have purchased a Seiko or a Bulova are now more likely to not wear a watch or wear an Apple watch).
I have like a 7.2-7.4 inch wrist, which version do you reckon I could pull off?
Can't emphasise enough how much a silicone strap fixes the size issue.
Smaller one seems less legible, especially the colour version
The no-date version of the original (45mm) is also high polished. It is also significantly less expensive than the date version.
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.
Did you ask him about the watch...?
I only wish I did Vik! To be honest, I didn't know about his association with the LP at that time. One for you however... Whenever I met him and happened to have a Speedmaster on my wrist, he used to say, "I see you're wearing a proper watch Denis.." 😁😎
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.