The Original Moon Watch (1971)
On August 2, 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission, astronaut David Scott wore his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster during moonwalks. However, after the crystal popped off the Omega during an earlier EVA (Extravehicular Activity), Scott used his personal backup watch—a Bulova chronograph prototype—for the mission's final moonwalk.
This Bulova prototype was never commercially available. It featured:
- A hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement.
- A black dial with three subdials.
- A tachymeter bezel.
- Large luminous hands and markers for legibility.
- A stainless steel case approximately 43–45 mm in diameter.
After the mission, Scott kept the watch for decades before auctioning it in 2015, when it sold for $1.625 million, making it one of the most valuable American-made watches ever sold.
The Modern Bulova Lunar Pilot
In 2016, Bulova introduced the Lunar Pilot Chronograph, recreating the appearance of the Apollo 15 prototype while updating it with modern technology.
Key features include:
- High-precision quartz movement.
- Bulova's proprietary 262 kHz Precisionist movement.
- Accuracy of approximately ±10 seconds per year, significantly better than standard quartz watches.
- Chronograph with 1/20-second timing.
- Stainless steel case.
- Sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance of 50 meters.
Vintage-Inspired Design
The Lunar Pilot faithfully recreates many elements of the original prototype:
- Matte black dial.
- White chronograph subdials.
- Bright white tachymeter scale.
- Large baton hands.
- Vintage-style applied hour markers.
- Clean, highly legible military-inspired layout.
The watch is offered on either:
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Black leather strap with contrast stitching
- NATO strap on some special editions
Case Sizes
Bulova has released several sizes:
- 45 mm – closest to the original prototype.
- 43.5 mm – introduced later for improved wearability.
Movement
The Precisionist movement operates at 262,144 Hz, eight times the frequency of conventional quartz movements (32,768 Hz). This higher frequency allows:
- A smooth sweeping chronograph seconds hand.
- Exceptional timing precision.
- Excellent long-term accuracy.
Special Editions
Bulova has produced several notable versions:
- 50th Anniversary Apollo 15 Edition (2021)
- Limited editions featuring commemorative case backs
- White dial "Panda" version
- Blue dial editions
- Meteorite dial limited editions
- Black PVD-coated versions
Collectibility
The modern Lunar Pilot has become popular among collectors because it:
- Has genuine Apollo Moon heritage.
- Is one of the few watches directly connected to a moonwalk.
- Offers excellent value compared to many Swiss chronographs.
- Uses Bulova's distinctive high-frequency quartz technology.
- Closely resembles the rare Apollo 15 prototype.
Specifications (43.5 mm Version)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 43.5 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Movement | Bulova NP20 Precisionist Quartz |
| Frequency | 262,144 Hz |
| Accuracy | Approximately ±10 seconds/year |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Chronograph | 1/20-second timing |
| Strap Options | Steel bracelet or leather |
Historical Significance
The Bulova Lunar Pilot stands apart because it is rooted in a documented moment in space exploration. Although the Omega Speedmaster remained NASA's official watch, David Scott's use of his personal Bulova prototype on the Moon during Apollo 15 gives the Lunar Pilot a unique place in horological history. By recreating that prototype with modern materials and a highly accurate Precisionist movement, Bulova produced a watch that combines authentic space heritage with contemporary performance, making it one of the most compelling modern chronographs for enthusiasts of both watchmaking and the Apollo program.
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