Lunar Pilot Chronograph

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is the modern tribute to the watch Dave Scott wore on the lunar surface during Apollo 15 in August 1971 - a Bulova 214 Accutron (tuning fork) chronograph that Scott wore strapped to his suit cuff. The modern reissue uses a high-frequency Sellita SW510M movement at 262Hz (far beyond the standard 3-8Hz range), giving it exceptional accuracy and a distinctly rapid seconds hand sweep.

What it is

The original Bulova 214 Accutron used a tuning-fork mechanism, not a traditional balance wheel. NASA approved it for the mission as a backup chronograph. The modern Lunar Pilot (ref. 96B258) reissues the design with a Swiss mechanical movement from Sellita, making it catalog-eligible as a mechanical watch.

Released 2014 onwards. The 45mm case with crown at 4 o'clock and the tachymeter bezel match the original.

Buying notes

The movement's high frequency (262Hz vs typical 28,800bph Swiss) means service intervals differ from most mechanical watches. Not all watchmakers are familiar with servicing it - Bulova service centers are preferred. The original Accutron was a tuning-fork watch (not truly mechanical); buyers attracted by the Apollo connection should understand the modern reissue is a mechanical tribute, not the Accutron technology.

Market read

Strong enthusiasm from space/NASA collectors but limited crossover into serious horology. Prices hover in the $400-700 range new, with used examples often under $300. The high-beat movement is genuinely unusual for the price point.

Service expectations

Bulova recommends service every 5-7 years. The high-frequency movement generates more heat and wears faster than conventional movements if neglected. Find a watchmaker familiar with Sellita service rather than a generalist.