Bulova space watch is it any good?

As mentioned in another tread, I'd be all in for this if it was the original dimensions 42mm. My wrist is 6 1/3" and with the Lunar Pilot's 52mm lug-to-lug measurement means I don't think I could pull it off. I'll wear big watches all day, but this one is just a shade too far for me. YMMV! 👍 Bulova would be stupid to discontinue it, but if it meant replacing it with a smaller version, I'd be happy. I doubt that will happen, tho.

Along with a lot of other enthusiasts I'd be all over this watch if it was a bit smaller. I tried one on and even with a 7 inch wrist it just looked awkward and too big on me.

Having said that, I'm not you and you should buy watches that you like and want to wear, don't worry about what others will say, at the end of the day it's your opinion that counts the most 💯

The crystal didn't pop out in space so it's better than at least one famous watch 

Here it is on my 71/2" wrist. I feel like it fits me, but just barely. If my wrists were any smaller I don't think I could wear it. It is a big flat case. 😀

Received as a gift. Space watches became a chew toy after buying my first Speedy Moon in ‘96. This watch is a cool piece, fun. Very durable, not as allergic to moisure as a Speedy Moon, or an X-33.

The dial is detailed and keeps attention, while the crystal is a feature in its own way. Big but doesn’t bother on a 6 1/2 wrist because it was designed as a complete tool watch to NASA specs. 

The story of Gen. Omar Bradley, then Chairman of the Bulova board, stating that an American watch should be the first on the moon.  It wasn’t first of course, but did receive wrist time during Dave Scott’s 2nd EVA , August 2nd, 1971. He packed as a backup, a gift from Bulova, and was used when his Speedy ’popped’ its Hesalite crystal  during the first EVA. Allegedly. 

Later sold at a private auction for $1.3 m.

Pic of caseback below. Good experience.

I had two complaints when I looked at what is otherwise a perfectly fine quartz chronograph. One was the size, as mentioned. Ridiculously big on my 6.75” wrist.

The other was the bracelet. I prefer bracelets as a general rule, and the finishing on the bracelet doesn’t match the finishing on the case at all. I had a serious wtf reaction to the lack of effort by Bulova in that regard. 

I have to agree that Bulova doesn't do a good job with their bracelets. While I got the Lunar Pilot on the 2-piece nato strap, I also have a Devil Diver and Precisionist that came on bracelets that were not good. The bracelet on the Devil Diver was pretty bad, but not as bad as the butterfly clasp bracelet on the Precisionist. I put it on an elite silicon strap from Barton. The 2-piece nato straps on both my Lunar Pilot and my Hack are actually pretty good.

Yeah, I feel like it would swamp my skinny wrist. Thanks for the photo. 

I am not sure why they made it so big. The original was a 40mm watch if I am remembering correctly. You would think they could replicate that, especially considering it is a quartz movement. 😕

Cool background , thanks for the info. I really like it alot.

I wear the black PVD version, some call it 'the dark side of the moon' version.

First thing I did was pull the ABSOLUTELY ATROCIOUS band off it.

On a NATO strap it works well for me. But do note the watch is HUGE. Almost too big for me, and I'm a guy who is absolutely fine with larger watches. So, for me to make that comment, trust me, it's huge.

Amazing watch ruined by massive size and puzzling bracelet choices.

PS: The reason I got the black PVD version is because I wanted the classic BULOVA logo on the dial and the logo on the brushed silver case version is the modern logo. To get the classic logo on a silver case you have to get the polished case version and it's way too BLING for me. Just something to keep in mind.

The ideal would be the classic logo on the dial with a brushed case. And, of course, they don't make it.

The lug to lug only works if your wearing it over your space suit.

Its a big watch, I sold mine but I have an 8 inch wrist and it was substantial on my wrist.  You'll have to try it on to know for sure.  I'd recommend you save up and get an Omega 38mm Speedy instead.

Have a 19cm wrist and as much as I wanted to love the watch, the ridiculously long L2L with zero downward curve on the lugs made it look goofy. 
 

Bulova takes it down to 40 wide and 46-48 L2L, it's a no-brainer.

That Lum Tec is a cool watch.

Agree totally.

Thank you to everyone who has given their opinions and advice. I believe that it has all helped me to make a good decision regarding the purchase of this watch.

It shall not be joining my collection until such a time as Bulova make a a 39 or 40 mm no date version with a quality matched bracelet. If that's never then so be it. 

Thanks again friends.

The biggest problem I have with it is not actually its size as I find it aids in legibility. Instead I find it's most egregieous sin the 60 min subdial counter. Not only is it difficult to read at a glance due to the mins being too close together to see clearly, but the nature of the hand being a constant motion Instead of a minute tick makes it almost impossible. 

It's really a shame because I have almost bought this watch many times but I find I keep being put off by that issue.

I wouldn’t rule out a watch you like without trying it on. Everybody’s wrist shape is different and while two people might share the same wrist size they could have totally different shapes. Maybe measure the width of the top surface of your wrist, but for goodness sake try the thing on before deciding it doesn’t fit.

I have tried watches out that were perfect dimensions on paper for me, but looked weird on my wrist. On the other hand have tried on watches that I read were too big or too bulky and wore like a dream.

I will try one on.

I have about a 7.25in wrist. It sits behind my wrist bone. I think it looks a lot bigger on my wrist to me than it does to others. I.e. it looks like it wears smaller in a mirror than if I'm looking down at it directly. I also am 6'1" with a pretty athletic build. I think that helps a lot to even out this beefy watch. Proportions are important. If I was 30lbs lighter I don't think it would be a very flattering watch to wear. 

It's a gorgeous watch and probably the biggest reason I'm still collecting watches. If you can get ahold of one and to try on, make sure you take a look in the mirror and see how the watch fits. 

I really like it, need to try it on. I'm cool with big watches if they are not to In your face design wise. And as a Pilot watch size is good.

My wrist size lesser than a 7. I tried it on very nice and elegant but too large for me. if it was 40-43mm perhaps hell yah.

I just purchased this watch last week. I was worried about the size, but it’s AWESOME! I love it. Comfortable to wear, great quality (like most Bulova’s), and a fun collector.

I purchased one a few months ago and was really excited to get it. I don't like nato straps as it makes the watches ride to high for my taste. 

So I ordered the one with the leather strap w/ graphite pattern. Unfortunately the case back's edge rubbed against my wrist. 

So I returned it, Now with a nato strap you wouldn't feel it. But that's just me and I've only read a couple other reviews out of the 1000's for this watch that mention it

What size wrist do you have?

7.5”

Just got one in my basket on secret sales as we speak for £337.50 with bracelet. It the bead blasted version. Just deciding weather to pull the trigger. 

I said no more watch's this year, but that is a great deal I think.