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The Bulova Lunar Pilot pairs an easy-to-read chronograph story with a bold, modern watch: reference 96K111 has a 43.5 mm stainless-steel case, a 262 kHz high-precision quartz movement and a black six-hand dial. Its appeal is strongest when you value that Moon heritage and a distinctive chronograph layout—and are comfortable with its substantial size.
What makes the Lunar Pilot distinctive?
The Lunar Pilot is part of Bulova’s Archive Series. Its design connects a contemporary quartz chronograph to Bulova’s history, while the watch’s large case and multi-register dial give it a pronounced wrist presence. It is not a subtle, minimalist chronograph; the appeal is in the combination of heritage, technical character and visible instrumentation.
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The Moon connection, with an important distinction
Bulova says that “On August 2, 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the moon, engineered for the demands of the lunar environment.” That is the manufacturer’s heritage claim. The modern Lunar Pilot is an updated design, not the exact watch worn on the Moon. Bulova’s 96K111 product listing presents the claim alongside the current model’s specifications.
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How does the chronograph work?
The six-hand dial can look busy until you distinguish elapsed-time readings from ordinary timekeeping. Bulova’s Lunar Pilot instructions identify the controls and subdials as follows:
#1 Best Overall
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Button A: starts and stops chronograph timing.
- Button B: resets the chronograph.
- 9 o’clock subdial: elapsed minutes.
- 3 o’clock subdial: 1/20-second timing.
- Sweep seconds hand: chronograph seconds.
- Separate running-seconds hand: seconds for ordinary timekeeping.
That separation matters: the sweep hand is for the stopwatch function, while a different hand continues to show the watch’s running seconds.
What are the specifications of reference 96K111?
These are Bulova’s published specifications for the 96K111 configuration, not independent measurements or test results. The Lunar Pilot family also includes other versions, so check the reference number rather than assuming every model has identical dimensions or details.
Rank #2
- On August 2, 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the moon, engineered for the demands of the lunar environment
- Now, Bulova returns to the design and updates it with an exclusive high-precision quartz movement, continuing its legacy of precision timing with the men's Bulova Lunar Pilot chronograph from the Archive Series
- Under the flat sapphire crystal, the six-hand chronograph dial is rendered in a blue-and-silver panda design, with a blue tachymeter ring and retro Bulova name
| Specification | Bulova listing for 96K111 |
|---|---|
| Case width | 43.5 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Case | Silver-tone stainless steel |
| Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire |
| Movement | NP20 high-precision quartz, with a three-pronged quartz crystal at 262 kHz |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 bar / 166 ft |
| Dial and functions | Black dial, luminous hands and markers, six-hand chronograph |
| Bracelet and strap | Stainless-steel bracelet and interchangeable NATO leather strap with an easy-release system |
Bulova describes the movement’s 262 kHz frequency as eight times standard quartz frequency and says it leads to accuracy of seconds a year. That is the manufacturer’s description; it is not a specific measured deviation or an independent accuracy result. The listing gives a 50 m / 5 bar rating, and Bulova’s Canadian listing labels it for swimming. That should not be read as a diving rating or a guarantee for every water condition.
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Will the Lunar Pilot fit your wrist?
A 43.5 mm case is substantial. Whether it works for you depends on wrist proportions and how the case’s lug-to-lug length sits on your wrist; diameter alone cannot settle fit. If possible, try the exact reference on, or compare its full dimensions with a watch you already know fits comfortably. The product listing gives a 20 mm lug width, which helps identify strap width but does not determine how large the watch will feel.
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
What should you know about variants and straps?
96K111 is one documented configuration, not a specification sheet for every Lunar Pilot. Bulova also lists red-dial reference 96K115, illustrating that the family has distinct variants. Check the reference, case size, dial and included strap before buying. The 96K115 product listing identifies that separate red-dial model.
For a replacement strap on 96K111, the listed 20 mm lug width is a useful starting point. Confirm that the strap fits your exact reference and attachment arrangement: a width match by itself does not guarantee compatibility with every strap or fastening system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- In collaboration with famed Brazilian artist Thiago Rosinhole, Bulova's legendary Lunar Pilot chronograph is revisited for Bulova's 150th Anniversary, combining Bulova's legacy of precision timing with Rosinhole's unique style of fusing street art and pop culture for this new limited-edition Lunar Pilot timepiece
- Beneath the flat sapphire crystal, the watch takes a striking turn with a mesmerizing Timascus dial, crafted from titanium that has been folded through the Damascus process to achieve its captivating pattern
- A modern interpretation of a historic timepiece with a unique twist, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is the ideal watch for today's explorer and is presented in special packaging, including a storybook and a signature 6-inch Budii figurine designed by the celebrated artist, exclusively for this collaboration
Rank #4
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel and Black Nylon Stra
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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