The Lunar Pilot is a true gem among important watches. As a household American brand during the mid century, Bulova’s history became intertwined with NASA’s race to the moon thanks to Omar Bradley, retired Army General and first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff. As the head of the board at Bulova Watch Company, he secured a partnership between Bulova and the space program to leverage the company’s newfound Accutron technology for precision timekeeping. In a milestone moment, Apollo 15 Mission Commander Colonel Dave Scott wore a Lunar Pilot on the surface of the moon in 1971.
The Lunar Pilot Blood Moon is Bulova’s Tribute to Space Travel
This momentous occasion marked the first time a privately-owned watch was worn on the moon, and it forever established the Lunar Pilot as a significant watch in the annals of horological history. Since then, Bulova has continued to modernize and produce the Lunar Pilot as a relatively affordable and extremely accurate timepiece with a genuine historical claim to fame. The latest addition to the lineup is a special edition, the Blood Moon Lunar Pilot.
Named after a total lunar eclipse, a so-called Blood Moon references the characteristic reddish appearance of the moon when the earth obscures it from the sun. And indeed, the latest edition is an injection of color into the model range. The new Blood Moon Lunar Pilot keeps the current 43.5mm stainless steel case and matching three-link bracelet while introducing a vibrant red dial that contrasts beautifully with the silver subdials and outer tachymeter. Inside is Bulova’s own NP20 high-precision quartz (HPQ) movement, which offers incredible accuracy down to 1/20th of a second. The watch comes with an additional fine leather strap for added versatility.
Priced at $895, the Bulova Blood Moon Lunar Pilot captures the history and original design that has made this watch so beloved in the eyes of both wristwatch and space enthusiasts. It remains an accessible and charming timepiece that can be enjoyed every day. You can learn more about Bulova and the new Lunar Pilot here.