Mission Completed: Bulova Introduces Lunar Pilot “Black Hole” in 41mm Case

With the Lunar Pilot “Black Hole,” Bulova presents a more compact version of its space-associated chronograph, addressing long-standing demand for reduced case dimensions. The new model retains the characteristic cushion-shaped profile of earlier editions but is resized from 43.5mm to 41mm in diameter, with a thickness of 13.05mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48mm. Legend has it that during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, a commander relied on a privately carried Bulova chronograph during a lunar surface operation— an episode that later became part of the watch’s broader narrative. The “Black Hole” name references both this partially obscured history and the model’s visual concept.

The case and bracelet are finished with a combination of sandblasting and black PVD coating, creating a matte, light-absorbing surface. Contrasting elements such as the crown, chronograph pushers, and bezel ring are executed in glossy black PVD. The dial follows a strictly monochromatic approach: a Musou black base, designed to absorb up to 99.4% of light, is paired with gray accents on the hands, applied markers, and printed scales. Gray Superluminova, emitting a blue glow, ensures legibility in low-light conditions both on earth and in space. Additional depth is created by an internal tachymeter scale in relief. The chronograph layout includes a 60-minute counter at 9 o’clock, running seconds, and a 1/20th-second display at 3 o’clock, reflecting the capabilities of the NP20 high-precision quartz movement inside.

To learn more, visit Bulova, here.