Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bulova Lunar Pilot really connected to the moon?
Yes. The Lunar Pilot honors the Bulova chronograph worn by Commander Dave Scott during the 1971 Apollo 15 mission, described as one of only two watches with verified lunar surface history. This 98K112 is a modern Archive Series reissue, not the original artifact, so you own a faithful recreation of authentic space exploration heritage.
What does the Archive Series designation mean?
The Archive Series celebrates Bulova's role as a supplier of precision timing instruments for NASA. It means the 98K112 is a modern production watch that recreates the historic Apollo design rather than the one-off prototype Commander Dave Scott wore. You get the look and heritage of the moon mission chronograph in a current, owner-ready timepiece.
How is the Bulova Lunar Pilot different from the Omega Speedmaster?
Both carry Apollo moon heritage, but they differ in build. The Lunar Pilot uses Bulova's high-precision quartz movement, while the Speedmaster is mechanical. The Bulova reissue keeps the 43.5mm case and offers genuine space history at a far more accessible value, making it a popular alternative for buyers who want moon legacy without a luxury mechanical timepiece.
What movement does the 98K112 use and is it accurate?
The Lunar Pilot 98K112 runs on Bulova's high-frequency quartz movement rather than an automatic. That technology delivers split-second accuracy, losing only seconds per year. The precision suits cockpit timing, fuel calculations, and navigation, and it makes the watch far more accurate over a year than a typical mechanical chronograph would be.
What battery does it use and when should it be replaced?
Because the Lunar Pilot is a quartz timepiece, it is powered by a standard watch battery rather than a winding mechanism. When the battery eventually runs down, a jeweler or watch service center can replace it and keep the watch running for years. Routine battery replacement is the main upkeep this movement requires.
How water resistant is the Bulova Lunar Pilot 98K112?
The 98K112 is water resistant up to 50 meters. That rating handles rain, handwashing, and brief splashes, making it reliable for everyday wear and varied weather. As with most chronograph watches, 50 meters is not meant for swimming or diving, so avoid submerging it or operating the pushers while it is wet.
What are the case size, crystal, and dial like?
The watch features a robust 43.5mm stainless steel case paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The luminous silver dial with blue accents stays readable in low light, on night flights, and during instrument approaches. The construction is built to handle demanding conditions such as altitude changes and temperature extremes, giving it strong wrist presence.
What size wrist does the 43.5mm Lunar Pilot fit?
The 43.5mm stainless steel case gives the 98K112 strong presence on a wide range of wrists. The band can be adjusted by a jeweler or watch service center to dial in a comfortable fit. This 43.5mm size matches the dimensions of the historic moon watch rather than a larger oversized reissue.
What chronograph functions does the 98K112 have?
The Lunar Pilot 98K112 is a chronograph with textured timing sub-dials and a 1/20-second function, so you can time events down to a fraction of a second. It also includes a date display alongside the standard time. These features support tracking flight legs, fuel burn, and other cockpit timing tasks at a glance.
What is the speed calculation ring used for?
The 98K112 includes a speed calculation ring, also known as a tachymeter. Start the chronograph at the beginning of a known distance and stop it at the end, then read your rate off the ring. Pilots and drivers use it for ground-speed estimates and similar rate calculations without needing a separate calculator.
Does it include a warranty, and does PilotMall ship it free?
Yes. The Bulova Lunar Pilot comes with a manufacturer warranty, and this watch ships free within the United States on orders over $100. Coverage and registration details are provided by Bulova with the timepiece. Between the warranty and simple quartz upkeep, the 98K112 is built to stay accurate and reliable for years of regular wear.
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