FEATURE

Vintage Eye for the Modern Guy: Bulova Moon Watch


I think what attracts many to the world of watches, nearly as much as the watches themselves, is the history behind them. In many ways, watch history is history at least as far as the past hundred-odd years are concerned — and so the watches we read about or acquire seem as much a part of the great odyssey of human experience as the people who originally wore them. From the countless military watches adorned by warring factions, to the pieces that, through pure determination and willpower, were worn to the highest and lowest points on Earth, to the watches associated with the pinnacle of human accomplishment: landing on the moon and returning to tell the tale. The intricate stories watches tell often reveal fascinating details you wouldn’t find in a history textbook, and it is this reservoir of knowledge that keeps us coming back for more.

Bulova Moon Watch - vintage

One of the more interesting of these stories in the past few years has been that of the Bulova Moon Watch. This watch is a vintage re-creation based upon a 1971 Bulova prototype (pictured above) worn by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 space mission. As the legend goes, Scott brought the Bulova as a back-up in case his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster malfunctioned — which it then did, requiring him to wear the prototype chronograph in its place. He went on to use this watch during his lunar journeys as part of the Apollo 15 mission, making it one of the few non-Speedmaster and non-government-owned pieces to be used on the moon. After the mission, Scott kept the watch for many years, until he eventually sold it at auction for 1.6 million dollars, vastly overshooting the originally projected $50,000.

Bulova Moon Watch Replica - front

This modern re-creation (above) channels the style of the original chronograph, but now in a contemporary package meant to provide it with a broader market appeal. Released in 2016, the piece has a large, 45-mm case with a thick, signed crown and rounded chronograph pushers. On its black dial — one clearly reminiscent of Speedmaster Moonwatches— is an outer tachymetric scale, rectangular hour markers, and a 4:30 date window. It also features three subdials — split-seconds at the 3 o’clock position, running seconds at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph minute counter at 9 o’clock — as well as sword-shaped hour and minute hands, and an arrow-style chronograph seconds hand. Powering the watch is the Bulova “High-Performance” 262-kHz quartz chronograph movement, which the brand purports as having an extreme accuracy due to its high frequency. The watch is currently available at retailers around the world, and is priced by Bulova at $550 on a leather strap and $675 for a steel bracelet.

 

Bulova Moon Watch - side

 

Compared with the original, the vintage influences on this modern piece are obvious. With its rounded case shape and unusual pushers, to its rectangular hour markers and hands, to its monochromatic dial. Bulova set out to create a historically inspired watch, and the company certainly succeeded in this feat. However, some changes still exist between the contemporary and vintage pieces. Notably, the original had a smaller case, an outer tachymetric scale, and subdials for 12 hours, 60 minutes, and running seconds; contrast these with the contemporary version’s slightly enlarged case, inner tachymetric scale, and differently dedicated subdials. In addition, the modern variation now features a subtle date window not seen on the original, and a number of small “luxury” alterations, as with its higher-quality movement, steel case, and finishing.

Bulova Moon Watch - soldier

Overall, while some changes exist between the original and the modern edition, it should be noted that the vintage piece was only a prototype — a watch unique to a single space explorer, and one that never touched the mass market before today. For this reason, the changes seem more like efforts made by Bulova to create a “final draft” of the prototype piece, as compared to simply re-issuing an older design for the sake of re-issue alone. This explains the absence of faux patina quite common on historically inspired watches, the championing of the new high-precision movement, and the use of the modern corporate signature on the dial as compared to the vintage version. These design decisions have thus produced, in the end, a uniquely modern watch: one poised at a relatively accessible price — especially in relation to the Omega Speedmaster — but also one with much of the intrigue and lunar pedigree that makes it indisputably a real “moon watch.” Now we can only hope this watch is simply a taste of what the Bulova brand has to offer from its historically rich archives, as many of us eagerly await the release of more such vintage-inspired pieces in the years to come.

Bulova Moon Watch - astronaut

For our most recent article, in which I compare the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar to its historical inspiration, click here.

Caleb Anderson is a freelance writer with a primary focus on vintage watches. Since first learning about horology, he has garnered extensive knowledge in the field, and spends much of his time sharing his opinions among other writers, collectors, and dealers. Currently located near New York City, he is a persistent student in all things historical, a writer on many topics, and a casual runner.

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  1. Richard

    It looks like a very nice watch, and as for the historical part, it would not make any sense to simply reproduce the original. This is a better version. And I think the original watch used the tuning fork/battery-powered mechanism? I had an original Accutron at about that time, a very handsome watch that kept great time. I would like to see more and better from Bulova, better cases and style to match the history and original quality of that American watch brand. As it is the newer movements promise a sweep second hand and great timekeeping. Looks like a winner.

    Reply
  2. David Jackson

    Looks to be great value for the price. But what a missed opportunity not to use a lume more accurately copying that of the original on the 5 minutes markers..

    Reply
  3. Gareth Fernandes

    Fantastic article as Omega prouds it’s self in being the only watch worn on the Moon . Nice to see an article that confirms that they weren’t .
    Well written and informative .

    Reply
  4. Saleem

    What’s the point of making this iconic piece in quartz movement. I stopped reading this article when I read the word quartz. The aesthetics of this watch can beat many modern watches, very unusual pushers n beautiful case. Bulova must reconsider making it in automatic or hand wound movement.

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    • William Thomas

      This watch not only commemorates history but also celebrates the spirit of innovation that made it possible to walk on the moon in the first place. In one package you not only celebrate one of mankind’s greatest achievements, but you also get one of the most accurate timepieces available to wear. If you want a watch that features 45 year old technology and accuracy, buy a Speedmaster. If you want a watch that honors the past while incorporating modern technology, get the Bulova. Or better yet, if you can afford it, get both.

      Reply
  5. J. Brooks Gordon

    Thanks a lot for this article about Commander Dave Scott’s back-up watch on the Apollo 15 mission. When you think of the Apollo program or NASA in terms of horology, Omega Speedmaster is it. Thus, it’s wild to discover that a Bulova did its job for the mission commander on the most intriguing and risky of lunar landings—the Moon’s awe-inspiring Hadley-Apennine region. Dave Scott is a hero, not only for us kids of the Space Age, but for everybody that admires bravery, self-sacrifice, and a soaring intellect.

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    • Chris Mezzetti

      J. Brooks Gordon,
      I would like to discuss the moon watch and your impressions relating thereto if you have a moment. If you are agreeable, please respond to this message and I will provide you with my contact information.
      Thanks and Happy Holidays,
      Chris

      Reply
  6. Not necessarily a great watch but good value for the money. Almost a little slice history…good conversation piece.

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