Bulova, a brand with a storied legacy intertwined with NASA and the U.S. space program, has unveiled a new marvel in its Archive Series – the Limited Edition Meteorite Lunar Pilot timepiece. This launch not only pays homage to Bulova’s historical contributions to space exploration but also introduces an extraordinary design element with a meteorite dial, making each watch uniquely captivating.
The original Lunar Pilot chronograph by Bulova etched its name in history on August 2nd, 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission. Worn by the mission commander, the seventh astronaut to walk on the moon and the first to drive the Lunar Rover, this watch proved its mettle by performing flawlessly in the extreme conditions of space. Its precision and durability were critical in timing the oxygen, water, and battery usage in the astronauts’ portable life support systems, as well as serving as a backup for the onboard timers during the critical reentry phase.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of this historic mission, Bulova has introduced a new iteration of the Lunar Pilot, incorporating a slice of the cosmos itself into its design. The dial of the Limited Edition Lunar Pilot is made from the Muonionalusta Meteorite, known for its distinctive Widmanstätten pattern – a testament to its billion-year journey through space. This feature ensures that no two watches are exactly alike, offering wearers a piece of the universe on their wrist.
The new Lunar Pilot maintains the original’s dimensions at 43.5mm, featuring a robust sandblasted titanium grade-5 and stainless steel case. Its chronograph dial not only tells time but tells a story, showcasing the ancient Muonionalusta Meteorite, believed to be over 4.5 billion years old. Powered by Bulova’s proprietary NP20 High Precision Quartz (HPQ) movement, this timepiece offers unparalleled accuracy to 1/20th of a second. It’s a collector’s dream, marrying the realms of horology and astrophysics.
Accompanied by a black genuine leather NATO strap, the watch is designed for versatility and durability. It also features a sapphire crystal, Super Luminous hands and markers, and a water resistance of 50 meters. Each piece is uniquely numbered and comes with a screw-down case back adorned with a lunar relief design. With only 5,000 pieces available worldwide, this limited edition is a testament to Bulova’s innovative spirit and its enduring legacy in space exploration.
Priced at $1,495, the Meteorite Limited Edition Lunar Pilot is not just a timepiece but a piece of history. It is presented in special packaging that includes a storybook, a Limited Edition card, and a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a perfect acquisition for watch enthusiasts and space aficionados alike.
Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, expressed his enthusiasm for the new release, stating, “There is no denying the success of the Lunar Pilot and the genuine story behind such an incredible timepiece. To be able to integrate space materials into the watch brings a fresh perspective to this original design.”
