Bulova is a brand that shares a rich and storied history with NASA and the U.S. Space Program. They are commemorating an incredible relationship with the launch of a new timepiece, inspired by their iconic vintage designs that were first worn in space – the Bulova Lunar Pilot.

In the early 60’s General Omar Bradley, Chairman of Bulova Watch Company, spearheaded the collaboration of 46 NASA space missions that utilized 2,000 Accutron precision instruments and timing devices. Continuing to build the Archive Series franchise with two new Lunar Pilot chronograph timepieces, Bulova set out to create a smaller case – replicating the exact size of the original watch that traveled to the moon. Available in a 43.5mm stainless steel case with matching multi-link bracelet, two models are available, one with a striking two-tone blue and white chronograph dial and the other, classic black representing the original legendary chronograph timepiece. Priced at $895, the watches come as a strap set, the black chronograph offered with a black fine leather NATO strap and the two-tone chronograph offered with a blue fine leather NATO strap, both with special latched spring bars for interchangeability. The Lunar Pilot chronograph is powered by the brand’s proprietary NP20 High Precision Quartz (HPQ) chronograph movement accurate to 1/20th second – a perfect collector’s piece for watch and space enthusiasts alike.

On August 2, 1971, Apollo 15’s mission commander, the seventh man to walk on the moon and the first to drive the Lunar Rover, made lunar history while wearing his Bulova chronograph. Crafted specifically for astronomical conditions, the Lunar Pilot watch was used in space to track time, ensuring no one ran out of oxygen, water or battery power in the portable life support-system backpack. It was also used to back up the on-board timers for the critical reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The timepiece could—and did—perform flawlessly, withstanding pressures of changing atmospheric conditions, fluctuating temperatures and gravitational shifts. Bulova celebrated 50 years since that mission in 2021 with the 50th Anniversary Lunar Pilot Limited Edition timepiece, which was a resounding success, bringing renewed interest and excitement to the Lunar Pilot collection.