Bulova Lunar Pilot vs Tissot Chrono XL

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

BulovaLunar Pilot

96B251

TissotChrono XL

T116.617.11.047.01

Key Differences

Best Value

Tissot Chrono XL (Ref. T116.617.11.047.01)

Starting from $350

Best Water Resistance

Tissot Chrono XL (Ref. T116.617.11.047.01)

100m (2x more)

Biggest Price Drop

Bulova Lunar Pilot (96B251)

-3.1% in 30 days

Price Comparison

Bulova Lunar Pilot

MSRP

$795

New

$515

Used

$428

Tissot Chrono XL

MSRP

$600

New

$350

Used

$290

MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)

Comparison of Bulova Lunar Pilot, Tissot Chrono XL
Specification	Bulova Lunar Pilot	Tissot Chrono XL
Pricing
MSRP	$795	$600
New Price	$515	$350
Used Price (Low)	$428	$290
Used Price (High)	$700	$400
30-Day Trend	↓ -3.1%	↑ +44.1%
Used Price Range	$428 - $700	$290 - $400
Identity
Reference	96B251	T116.617.11.047.01
Nickname	N/A	N/A
Style	Chronograph, Tool, Casual	Chronograph, Casual
Release Era	2010s	2020s
Dimensions
Diameter	45mm	45mm
Thickness	N/A	N/A
Lug Width	N/A	N/A
Lug to Lug	N/A	N/A
Movement
Movement	Quartz	Quartz
Power Reserve / Battery	N/A	N/A
Accuracy	N/A	N/A
Case
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance	50m (swimming)	100m (recreational diving)
Bezel	Fixed	Fixed
Dial
Dial Color	Black	Black
Luminous	Yes	Yes
Community
Review Rating	N/A	N/A
In Collections	N/A	N/A
On Wishlists	N/A	N/A
Forum Threads	N/A	N/A

Quick Summary

Bulova Lunar Pilot and Tissot Chrono XL can overlap on price or use case, but the buying decision usually comes down to water-ready utility versus dressier everyday wear. They both touch the chronograph and casual use case, so smaller spec differences can matter more than brand preference.

How to choose

The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Bulova Lunar Pilot is a better fit for low-maintenance daily wear, chronograph styling.

Tissot Chrono XL

Tissot Chrono XL is a better fit for low-maintenance daily wear, chronograph styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Bulova Lunar Pilot: quartz movement

Tissot Chrono XL: quartz movement

Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.

Size and wearability

Bulova Lunar Pilot: 45mm

Tissot Chrono XL: 45mm

Their size profiles are relatively close, so fit comes down to shape, weight, and how each watch sits on your wrist.

Water resistance

Bulova Lunar Pilot: 50m

Tissot Chrono XL: 100m

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use.

Price and value

Bulova Lunar Pilot: $515

Tissot Chrono XL: $350

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Style and use case

Bulova Lunar Pilot: chronograph

Tissot Chrono XL: chronograph

Both lean into a similar chronograph use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.

Crystal and materials

Bulova Lunar Pilot: sapphire crystal · steel

Tissot Chrono XL: sapphire crystal · steel

Materials are broadly similar, so finish, fit, and price will matter more than the materials list alone.

Choose Bulova Lunar Pilot If...

You are comfortable paying more for a stronger feature set.

Choose Tissot Chrono XL If...

Swimming, beach use, or tougher daily wear is part of the plan.
You want the lower current entry price.

Price and Value Notes

Tissot Chrono XL is often the value play at current pricing, while Bulova Lunar Pilot makes more sense if you will use its extra features regularly.

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay

Prices change often, so compare the latest listings and condition options before you buy.

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Bulova Lunar Pilot

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary

Check Price on eBayFrom $474 · Live listings

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Tissot Chrono XL

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary

Check Price on eBayFrom $359 · Live listings

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Comparison FAQ

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.

Should I choose based on price alone?

Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.