The New & “Smaller” Bulova Lunar Pilot 43mm - Comprehensive Review & What To Know Before You Buy 

Teddy I can't thank you enough for the tip on resetting the seconds hand and tenth of a second hand. I have an old Bulova Marine Star that a relative bought for me in the 90's that I wore for over a decade. When I last pulled it out and put a new battery in, I noticed those hands didn't default back to zero, I figured the watch needed repair. It turns out that this trick works for even an older Bulova. I'm thrilled to have those hands working like they should again on this great watch that means so much to me!

Mate, your videos are so professional and executed beautifully. Your style is superb. Every time piece you review is enticing in no small part because your videos are done so well. And for a bloke of your age that’s just outstanding. Well done, seriously, well done. Nice watch btw!

I’m a new watch enthusiast and I find your channel very useful and loaded with excellent content. I just ordered one lunar pilot and can’t wait to wear it. Keep the reviews coming!

Just got my 96B25143 Luner Pilot today. Of all of mine, this one was highly anticipated. I'm smitten. It exudes quality. The case is brushed faultlessly flowing naturally in revealing the polished bezel. Agree with Teddy that the indices are raised and spot on for the price range. The 262 calibration? I wear a timepiece that is practically as accurate as any in the world, at any price. I cant believe how excellent this watch is., and its fabulous heritage. Yeah Bulova has stepped up their game by in meaningful way. The new "Moon Watch" has put other executions on notice. It is a shining brite in my value collection.

This time piece has been on my radar for the longest. I'm now inclined to pull the trigger with the 43 mm. I love the new face dial reminds me of the Snoopy Moonwatch. Great video as always, Teddy!

Great video! I have the original version and it’s fantastic. It came with a leather strap and a NATO band. The leather strap is very comfortable. It’s my everyday wear. Bulova watches are a great value and a nice add to a collection.

Great video, I’ve had my eye on the lunar pilot for some time but your video definitely helped with my decision. I recently bought the 43mm black version and it is absolutely fantastic. My wrist is 7.2inches and it fits perfectly, no over hang and I find the dial an absolute joy to use, it’s super legible and tbh I would not want a smaller version, as you would lose clarity on those sub dials, it’s perfect at this size, if your wrist is big enough obviously. I’m wearing it on a black after market nato.

Your videos are amazing teddy. Legitimately one of my favourite channels in general. I’m a physics student attending the university of Victoria (Canada) and I follow many different things. But, your videos are just all around amazing content and even though not all the watches are my favourite, I still watch the videos because your deliverance is spit on. You heavily feed my love for watches. I hope one day I’ll be able to get that new smaller lunar watch in blue. The story behind it also feeds my love for space and is the total package imo. Thank you for your contribution to this passion and continue being you man, you’re doing great.

I’ve got an 8” wrist so I got the big ol’ 45mm and I love it. It’s great that the 43mm might help others wear this great piece.

With the help of your excellent review, the Bulova Lunar Pilot was placed front and center on my radar for this style piece. I'd been looking for a panda style chronograph for a while and I am very pleased to have gotten one of these on my wrist. (Even better as it was a birthday gift.) Having a few chronographs with dark dials, I went with the blue and white version. The texture of the dial really makes the difference here. The fit, finish, and the history behind the design all add to the allure. the second NATO style strap is a nice addition, although I expect to primarily be using the bracelet. Keep the great content coming Teddy! Thank you.

THIS is what I've been looking for, a smaller dial Lunar Pilot. I loved the design and the history behind this watch, but the previous size drove me off even after buying and trying it for a few days. Would definitely love to pick up one of this!

I LOVE the Lunar Pilot. I happen to have a 7" wrist and the 45 was always too large for my taste. I ended up buying a Dan Henry 1945 to satisfy the Chrono in my collection but this smaller version really has me thinking twice. Might have to cop 🤣 Another great video Teddy keep it up and shout out to the team 😎

As a teenager in the 1980’s, a Benetton by Bulova was my first ever watch. Loved the adverts on the original variant of the sole Sky tv channel. Was my main Christmas present in 1988. Still got it now.

Amazing review. Plus you always are one of the first ones (if not the very first) to review new watches. Thank you for including a smaller wrist on the video 🙏🏼

I had the original 45mm version and eventually replaced it with the PVD version and still own that one - it wears smaller and has a neat “dark side of the moon” aesthetic. I love that Bulova have finally released a version even closer to the dimensions of the original (smaller in fact, as Cmdr Scott’s was 43.7mm, I believe). A media blasted finish would be the icing on the case. Exciting for aerospace horology enthusiasts…. 🌒🚀

Thanks Teddy, I'll have to consider adding this to the list of the next watches to get.

Have to look at it in person. Appreciate that you said one would ask if they were sent the 45 by mistake!! Love the channel.

Been waiting for this video!!

I literally just ordered the previous one! It's funny because except from the story attached to the watch, I really liked the watch itself and it's size was one of my favorite things.

Thanks for the review Teddy!

Thank you for opening my eyes to this. I'm really interested in trying this on. Was looking at a broad arrow speedmaster. Might save the money and pick this up. Love the blue and white combo.

I pulled the trigger on the 98K112 last night. I appreciate the video as it assisted me in the purchase.

Silver Snoopy anniversary vibes are real

Love my blue/white dial version. Easy decision to buy as soon as I saw it. Fits my 7 inch wrist really well.

Bulova has always been a bang for the buck. I remember my sister gave me a Bulova watch which held up over the years. But some of their automatic are truly nice to look at.

I'm a Bulova fan and I didn't even realized until I got 5 and still thinking on buy 3 more; this is just a fantastic watch and the new version is fantastic I'm going to buy it for shure. Nice review again.

Great video, can’t decide which colour yo get! But defo want one!!

I have the original 45mm, so it annoys the hell out of me that they did this - but I'm also happy that they did. I'll just flip my 45 and pick one of these up...but I wish they could have come to this version first.

Very well covered. You hit all the points that were worth mentioning. I would have liked to see a date complication in this one as well. I had a Bulova back in the 80s and was very happy with it.

Just picked up the Blue Snoopy and love it! Review coming up soon

Great review Teddy

Great very comprehensive video. Thank you

I really enjoy my 45 version. It's looks, size, finish. Really would miss the date, I use that every day. Looks like Bulova listened to the chatter, trying to give us what is being asked for... And figured out that a little price increase would be OK. Overall it's a great watch at a decent price, very attractive and very usable. I'd go for it!

So cool, I just bought the 96A225 version a few hours ago!

2:03 Glad you mentioned that it is still a big watch. When I got mine my first impression was, "Did I rebuy the 45mm?".

ive got a black 45mm one and have been toying with buying the stainless steel version. Decision made! i can now buy the black faced one without thinking ive bought the same watch twice. Ive got mine on a kizzi nasa strap that is super comfortable. This watch is increasingly the one i use as my reference timer as it is super accurate. I adjusted it in October for the BST/GMT change and it has gained less than a second in 4+ months.

I like them! I think they're a great option for an extremely accurate affordable chronograph.

Just got this watch in black for father's day. I have a bit bigger wrist at about 7.5 to 7.75 and I think it fits well and the 43 mm fits nice on the wrist I love this watch

I have the 45mm no date version (the earlier version had the date, it's now omitted) on a nice brown leather strap. I love it-but I do have 8.5 inch wrists! It always gets compliments and it's ridiculously accurate, less than 10 seconds a year. I set my other watches by it. It's not an everyday wear for me but that adds to how special it feels. If you think either will fit you buy one I don't think you'll regret it.

Very nice and finally wearable too. I hope to see both the colors soon.

I’m really hoping the do an all black case like they did with the 45mm. I’ve almost pulled the trigger several times on that version that if they did it in 43mm that’ll probably be enough for me to finally do it. 7 1/4” wrist here. 43s usually the max I’ll go.

Absolutely stunning watches. I owe the big boy 45mm. Because I'm big guy it suites me very well. I'm happy that smaller version came into business for other client who prefers "small" watches. Great video.

Just received my cream and dark blue version yesterday. Perfect size for my 7 1/4 " wrist. Don't laugh, it's my most expensive watch even at 25% off and my current favorite. I like both the included bracelet and strap. I think the bracelet goes better with this shiny version than the previous blasted case. BTW the blue is much darker than your video implies.

Hmmm interesting. I really like the panda. I test drove the larger version when it first came out and it just didn't work for me. I think I'll check this one out and see if it's a better fit for me. I do wish they had gone to a 39"-41". Excellent review as always 👍👍

I’ve had the 45mm version since it was first released on bracelet. Love the watch and accuracy. Only issue is lug hole placement.

Finally the Lunar watch that i can wear. I love the Blue model. If it were not for the snow storm i would be a my AD tonight. Thanks Teddy you got me spending money LOL. I mean Thanks Teddy keep it up..

On my list, thanks Teddy.

THEY LISTENED!!!!! I’m happy with the improvements they did, not to be too picky, especially for the price but I would really like the detailed dial of the panda, offered on the black.

I have both sizes and am impressed, especially with the newer 98A305 "Snoopy-ish" variant. With a 21 cm wrist (8.2"), these fit me quite well. The 98A305 is an exceptionally good looking watch. And then, when you consider the price, it's a steal. I do miss having to set the time. :))

I am enjoying the watch (recent purchase). The 43mm version is big enough. I am not always a bracelet kind a person so the included black nato leather strap is good enough. Perhaps will size the bracelet and give it a try at some point! Thank you Teddy; Buying the watch from your site was quick, easy and reassuring!

Great review Teddy, I can’t stretch to a speedy but defo can for a black one of these, I’m just worried my other 7 watches will be neglected for a while

I’m pretty skinny and I love rocking my OG Luna pilot. Yeah it’s kinda big but with long sleeves it’s perfect, DEFINITELY GETTING THE NEW 43mm BLUE PANDA. Thank you sir, much obliged. 👏🏼

I have the all black version 98a186 & I love it

My wrist measures 8.5” so the larger 45mm would suit me far better. Can’t wait to pick one up ! Nice review.

Brilliant Teddy, tnx!

I have the larger 50th anniversary edition and I'm seriously considering the snoopy panda. Those colors are phenomenal

Great review. Remember too that the original Lunar Pilots could not go between metal and fabric/leather, as the lug holes were different

Just got one, and im in love with it. Thanks for your explanation and thorough review, it really helped me to decide! i would like to add that i agree on your opinion about the bracelet and that the NATO strap its very very comfortable and practical.

I'll be giving my 25 year old Omega Seamaster to my son when he graduates from university this year, and was planning to eventually replace it with a Speedmaster when funds/other commitments allow. I'm now going to buy one of these Bulova Lunar Pilots to tide me over until I can comfortably afford the Omega.

just ordered it in black, cant wait!

Love the new panda style and this might get me to pull the trigger on one. Big fan of Bulova with the 262khz as I’ve got a couple that are a bit dressier but don’t have a sapphire crystal.

I had the 45mm version but traded it for the blue/white 43mm version, very happy!!!

This is a great video. As someone with a larger wrist (8.25”), I will probably look for a first gen 45mm.

I have the original 45 mm size and small wrists. I will say, the watch fits smaller than the size might suggest. I cant imagine how nicely the 43mm one might fit! Love this watch.

I bought the regular no date version. It's a great watch, especially considering the price point.

Great video

I have this watch, and I LOVE it!

Teddy a good review but some detail points... I've owned both models of the Lunar Pilot, first the blasted case with the date and new logo which I sold when the ref. 96A225 came out with the fully polished case, vintage logo and no date. You imply that this fully polished case is something new, however this fully polished case has been available for several years now, albeit in the 45mm case size. For me, this transformed the watch and I much prefer the polished case. The 3 o'clock sub dial is 1/20th of a second versus a 1/10th of a second as noted by 20 tick marks and the fact that the hand will stop at any of these. Now, I have always wanted this to be in the original 43.5 mm case even though I have 7.7"/19.5cm wrists that are 6.3cm wide and I can easily wear the larger version. What still bothers me is the "ghost" crown position for the no date version and I would rather see this now useless position used to add a quick hour set function. Why? because while this is advertised at + or - 10 seconds per year, I have consistently gotten +4 seconds per year over four years of ownership! 😮

Absolutely wonderful watches ♥

This watch looks exactly like a speedmaster. Slightly rounder. I have enough money to buy a speedmaster pro but I’m really intrigued by this watch at only 10 percent of the cost! Probably a perfect choice for an every day wearer if you like the speedy look but don’t want to take it on vacation or the like.

The white one immediately reminded me of the Omega Snoopy. Bulova got winners with these smaller versions.

Teddy another fantastic review! I recently picked up the black dial version of the 43mm Lunar Pilot and I'm very happy with the watch. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and it fits, just barely but nicely. If you have been waiting for a smaller version of the Lunar Pilot, this might be the one to consider.

I bought the new model and it comes with a nicer checkered leather strap. I find myself choosing this over my Speedmaster a LOT.

I just got one as a gift for fathers😅. Day. Love itn the blue one has such a nice dial

I bought something "similar", a Victorinox Alliance Sport 241816 at 44mm. Really like this kind of chronos.

Love my 45mm LP with date. This new Panda dial is 🔥!!!!

Omg thats amazing.. Hopefully I can find a store in my area where I can try it on! A bit to expensive to buy without trying, but man I do hope I like the fit. I'm quite large so should be fine, but still..

Seiko makes a "Mechaquartz" movement ot two which have a smooth chronograph hand sweep. See the SSB031 as an example. I have two of those plus an SSB355p1 also with a "Mechaquartz" movement.

I love my original one and if I did get this one Id def get the black. I like the blue and white but I can't get passed the snoopy look. Maybe Ill sell my original and finally cave and get this new one. Great video as always

These are great! I'm going to hold out for a blasted case in this 43mm size with faux patina. Please... pretty please

Great review! I have one question though. I noticed that the watch you reviewed the large seconds hand is moving in normal mode along with the 6 o’clock sub-dial. My watch’s large seconds hand only sweeps in timer mode. Is this a setting that can be changed? I’d love to have my watch work in the same manner as the one you displayed. It’s a bit odd to me to not see the large seconds hand moving on standard mode.

Thank you for mentioning that the seconds hand can be adjusted! Until now I thought my Lunar Pilot had an issue😂

Nice to see someone finally giving some respect to the Lunar Pilot's.

Great looking watch- I own the original, but this looks nice! Sometimes less is more!

Very nice watch. Glad to see it smaller

Picked mine up today. Purchased at Marine Corps Exchange in Quantico. 20% off MSRP and another 25% off…yes, I got an incredible deal

Yesss! With the original logo!

Both look great

Beautiful watch! I think I can pull off the 43.

I love it. I never knew a Quartz watch can sweep like that. Bulova is one of my favorite brands

I'd love to see even smaller case sizes, including rose gold-tone stainless steel case finishes, a la Sutton Classic 97A161, Wilton Classic 97B170 et al, possibly with a little more blue across the faces. And please bring back the date window, Bulova! Smaller shouldn't mean less. And a solar-powered battery recharge feature and improved water resistance would be most welcome.

I just got one, but the date is a must on all my watches.

Perfect timing! Cause I want to own a Lunar Pilot. 👩🏼‍🚀⌚️

Love this watch for the history looks and bang for the buck!

A question. The first models of the Lunar Pilot were available with the bracelet or a strap and the were not interchangeable. If you got the bracelet it was very difficult to change it out for a regular strap and the strap model could not use the bracelet. Many people will buy a watch with its bracelet knowing that they can switch that out for a strap if desired. Is Bulova still making the new 43mm LP an either or proposition? If not is there a relatively easy way to swap the bracelet for a leather or rubber strap?

Hey Teddy, Could you do a 7 piece watch collection for each day of the week? With categories like: Monday: Work Tuesday: Jogging, Outdoor Sport Wednesdays: Happy Hour, Beer with the boys Thursday: Gym, Indoor Sport Friday: Casual Saturday: Club and Cocktails Sunday: Church, Formal Because people like to change there watch daily, why not build a collection based on the day and type of activity for that day?

Great watch. Looked at it at the jewelry store and has a nice heft and build quality. But is it solar or battery?

I wanted to get the 45mm one at some point, but it was just too big. It's nice that they released this smaller one.....but only if it could be a tad smaller and thinner then for sure I would buy one. I can't stand having a watch that's not precise so this is my cup of tea

Teddy made an interesting comment about an update deleting the date from the 45mm version. I have the 45mm version and no date so it made me wonder. If you look at Bulova's site it shows different versions of the 45mm as having a date. I guess there is a less expensive Archive Series version with no date, which I have. I never knew.

Bought the Snoopy Bulova and it fits so beautifully on my 19cm Wrist, it also feels like a watch, I felt like the Seiko was not feeling that well, it is a gorgeous watch but honestly it does not "feel" like a watch for that price. Kinda more like a toy. But hey that's just my subjective feeling.