Bulova has introduced a remarkable addition to its Archive Series with the release of the Limited Edition Meteorite Lunar Pilot watch. This new timepiece pays homage to Bulova’s significant role in NASA’s space missions, particularly its involvement with the U.S. space program. The watch is a modern reinterpretation of the original model that accompanied astronauts to the moon, now featuring a unique meteorite dial.

During the Apollo 15 mission on August 2, 1971, the mission commander made history by becoming the seventh person to walk on the lunar surface and the first to operate the Lunar Rover. Throughout this historic mission, he wore a Bulova chronograph wristwatch. This watch was specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of space, playing a crucial role in timekeeping to prevent the depletion of vital resources like oxygen, water, and battery power. Additionally, it served as a backup for the spacecraft’s timers during the critical reentry phase into Earth’s atmosphere. The watch’s performance was impeccable, enduring the challenges of atmospheric pressure changes, temperature variations, and gravitational shifts. In 2021, Bulova celebrated the 50th anniversary of this mission, sparking renewed interest in the Lunar Pilot collection.

The latest Limited Edition Lunar Pilot draws its inspiration from celestial elements, particularly meteoroids that transform into meteorites upon impacting Earth. These meteorites undergo a slow cooling process over millions of years, resulting in distinctive crystalline patterns known as “Widmanstätten.” These patterns are impossible to replicate artificially, ensuring that each watch dial is one-of-a-kind.

This Meteorite Limited Edition Lunar Pilot maintains the original 43.5mm size and is crafted with a sandblasted titanium grade-5 and stainless steel case. The two-tone chronograph dial features the Muonionalusta Meteorite, estimated to be 4.5653 billion years old. The watch is powered by Bulova’s proprietary NP20 High Precision Quartz (HPQ) chronograph movement, offering accuracy to 1/20th of a second, making it a coveted item for both watch aficionados and space enthusiasts. It is equipped with a black genuine leather NATO strap with interchangeable latched spring bars, sapphire crystal, a stamped and dimensional Tachymeter Scale on the dial, Super Luminous hands and markers, and 50m water resistance. The screw-down case back is adorned with a lunar relief design and an individualized number, with the edition limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, priced at $1,495. The watch is presented in special packaging, including a storybook, Limited Edition card, and Certificate of Authenticity.

Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, expressed, “The success of the Lunar Pilot and the authentic story behind this extraordinary timepiece are undeniable. Incorporating space materials into the watch offers a new dimension to this classic design.”