Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 Limited Edition

Limited Edition • 6,000 Pieces Worldwide

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335

The Most Wearable Lunar Pilot Ever Made—Aerospace Heritage Meets Modern Design

$1,650.00

41mm | Musou Black Dial | 262kHz Precision Movement

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 front view with Musou black dial
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 back view
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 angle view
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 caseback Apollo 15 engraving
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 wrist shot lifestyle
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 complete packaging box travel case clock

Click any image to zoom

The Space Watch That Never Went Out of Style

For nearly five decades, Bulova has carried an untold story to the moon. In August 1971, astronaut Dave Scott brought his own Bulova chronograph as a backup to his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster during the Apollo 15 mission. When Scott's Speedmaster crystal cracked during the lunar surface operations, his personal Bulova became the watch that timed critical EVA operations—making it one of the few non-NASA-issued timepieces ever worn on the lunar surface.

The Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 honors this remarkable legacy while answering a decade-long request from the watch collecting community: a wearable 41mm Lunar Pilot. This limited edition combines aerospace precision, cutting-edge materials, and contemporary design in a watch that's equally at home in the boardroom or on an expedition.

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 chronograph watch with Musou black dial 41mm stainless steel case and black PVD bracelet

Apollo 15: The Watch That Made History by Accident

On the morning of August 2, 1971, Mission Commander David Scott conducted his third and final moonwalk on the lunar surface. His NASA-issued chronograph had failed—its crystal broken during the expedition. With critical systems to monitor—oxygen levels, water reserves, battery status—Scott needed a reliable timer to track his extravehicular activities and spacecraft re-entry parameters.

He reached for his personal backup: a Bulova chronograph, packed as an act of foresight and engineering caution. For the next hours, this unauthorized timepiece helped synchronize one of humanity's greatest achievements. After splashdown, the watch remained in Scott's possession for 44 years—a secret piece of space history—before being auctioned for $1.625 million in 2015.

Unlike the Omega Speedmaster, which has the official NASA contract story, Bulova's claim to the moon is personal, unplanned, and entirely real. It's the story of a watchmaker's trust in their own engineering—and a commander's pragmatism.

Why the 41mm Black Hole Matters

Previous Lunar Pilot editions ranged from 43.5mm to 45mm—impressive presence, challenging wearability. The watch collecting community has been clear for years: they wanted the Lunar Pilot in a size that fit modern wrists without apology.

Case Diameter
41mm

The smallest Lunar Pilot ever produced

Case Thickness
13.05mm

Balanced proportions for everyday wear

Lug-to-Lug
48mm

Fits wrists from 6.5" to 8.5" comfortably

Water Resistance
100 Meters

Upgraded from 50m in previous models

Movement
NP20 HPQ

262kHz high-precision quartz

Accuracy
±1 min/year

8x faster than standard quartz

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 side profile showing case thickness and proportions

Musou Black: The Dial That Absorbs 99.4% of Light

The "Black Hole" name isn't marketing flourish. Bulova coated the dial with Musou Black—a specialty paint used in stealth applications and contemporary art installations. This isn't matte black. It's an engineered void.

At 99.4% light absorption, the dial reads as a flat, dimensionless surface that deepens with wrist movement. The grey Super-LumiNova applied markers and hands create striking contrast, appearing to float above the abyss. The tachymeter scale sits in relief under the tall sapphire crystal, adding visual layers without breaking the monochromatic theme.

"Whether it photographs as a black hole or just reads as a regular matte dial in person is the open question, since light-eating finishes are notoriously dependent on how they're lit. I'm curious how the Musou dial actually behaves in person."
— Review, Two Broke Watch Snobs

What You Need to Know About the Musou Black Finish

  • Depth Effect: The dial appears to recede, creating perceived depth without actual relief
  • Low-Light Legibility: Grey Super-LumiNova maintains readability in darkness; the void doesn't hide the time
  • Lighting-Dependent: Appearance shifts subtly with ambient light—identical to the watch being a tool, not just an aesthetic
  • Scratch Resistance: Musou paint is harder than traditional black lacquer, designed for durability
  • Professional Aesthetic: Works across casual wear, business attire, and formal occasions

262kHz: Bulova's High-Precision Quartz Advantage

The Lunar Pilot Black Hole is powered by Bulova's proprietary NP20 High-Precision Quartz (HPQ) movement—one of the most accurate quartz calibers in production. Running at 262kHz (262,144 oscillations per second), it vibrates roughly eight times faster than standard quartz movements.

Specification Standard Quartz Bulova NP20 HPQ
Frequency 32,768 Hz 262,144 Hz (8x faster)
Accuracy ±20 seconds/year ±10 seconds/year
Chronograph Resolution 1/10th second 1/20th second (twice as precise)
Sweep Hand Ticking motion Smooth sweeping motion
Reliability Standard industrial spec NASA-grade precision

This movement delivers the accuracy of a mechanical chronograph with the reliability of quartz. The sweeping seconds hand eliminates the tick, creating an illusion of perpetual motion—a hallmark of haute horlogerie, at a fraction of mechanical watch prices.

Engineering the Black Hole: Materials & Finish

316L Stainless Steel with Black PVD Coating

The case is 316L medical-grade stainless steel—the same alloy used in aerospace and surgical instruments—treated with black Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). PVD creates a harder, more scratch-resistant surface than traditional black ion plating, with better longevity for daily wear.

Case Finish
Matte Sandblasted + Black PVD

Tactile texture, non-reflective

Bezel & Pushers
Polished Black PVD

Gloss accents catch light subtly

Crystal
Flat Sapphire with AR Coating

5-layer anti-reflective treatment

Bracelet
3-Link Steel + Butterfly Clasp

Quick-release pins, deployant design

The Caseback: Apollo 15 Engraving

The screw-down caseback features a custom glass insert with a laser-etched lunar landscape and Apollo 15 mission details. Each watch is individually numbered (1–6,000), commemorating the limited production run and Scott's historic moonwalk.

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 caseback with Apollo 15 lunar landscape engraving and individual limited edition serial number

Bulova: 150 Years of American Innovation

Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, the brand revolutionized watchmaking through standardized production, radio and television advertising, and most notably, cutting-edge horology. Bulova pioneered the Accutron tuning-fork watch (1960), which flew on NASA's Friendship 7 and Gemini missions. Today, Bulova remains one of the few American watch manufacturers still producing mechanical and high-precision quartz movements in-house.

The Lunar Pilot collection, relaunched in 2016 after 45 years, transforms Scott's personal story into accessible luxury—proving that American watchmaking excellence doesn't require six-figure price tags or Swiss manufacturing.

How the Black Hole Compares

The Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 occupies a unique position in the space-watch market. Unlike the Omega Speedmaster or TAG Heuer Carrera, it combines genuine aerospace heritage, wearable dimensions, and accessible pricing.

Watch Case Size Movement Price Heritage
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 41mm 262kHz Quartz $1,650 Apollo 15 (personal)
Omega Speedmaster Professional 42mm Mechanical (manual wind) $6,000+ Official NASA issue
Tissot PR516 Chronograph 41mm Mechanical (automatic) $1,900 Homage design
TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX 42mm Mechanical (automatic) $3,500+ SpaceX collaboration (2012)
Bulova Lunar Pilot 43.5mm 43.5mm 262kHz Quartz $900–1,100 Apollo 15 (personal)

The Black Hole's Strategic Advantages

  • 41mm Wearability: Finally, the size the community asked for. Omega and TAG Heuer offer no 41mm space-watch alternative
  • True Space Heritage: Unlike homages, the Lunar Pilot has verifiable Apollo 15 provenance
  • Precision Without Complexity: 262kHz accuracy without mechanical watch maintenance or battery replacement every 5 years
  • Price-to-Features Ratio: At $1,650, it costs less than entry-level Swiss chronographs while delivering superior accuracy and aerospace credibility
  • Limited Production Scarcity: Only 6,000 pieces vs. unlimited production of competitors
  • Modern Design Language: Musou Black and matte finishes appeal to contemporary design sensibilities, not nostalgic recreation
Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 worn on wrist with black leather jacket business casual attire

Who Should Buy the Lunar Pilot Black Hole?

Professional Collectors & Enthusiasts

If you appreciate horological history and own 3+ watches, the Lunar Pilot Black Hole fills a gap: genuine space heritage at accessible cost. It's a conversation piece with credentials to back up the narrative.

Engineers, Pilots & Aerospace Professionals

The NP20 movement and 100m water resistance make this a legitimate tool watch. The Apollo 15 connection resonates with those in aviation and space industries.

Professionals Seeking Versatile Luxury

The 41mm size and monochromatic aesthetic work equally well with suits, casual wear, and athletic gear. This is a "one watch" option if you want serious engineering without being a jewelry piece.

Limited-Edition Collectors

At 6,000 pieces globally, this is scarce enough to hold value. Unlike mechanical Lunar Pilots (which have been produced continuously since 2016), the Black Hole has true limited-edition status.

Who Might Pass:

  • Purists seeking mechanical watches (this is quartz)
  • Buyers wanting an official NASA-issue watch (Omega's domain)
  • Those requiring sub-$800 luxury chronographs
  • People uncomfortable with all-black aesthetics (no brushed steel variant yet)

Why Buy the Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole at Lexor Miami?

Lexor Miami is an authorized Bulova dealer with 20+ years of luxury watch retail experience, physical showroom in Miami, and expertise that goes beyond transaction.

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100% Authentic
Every Bulova is sourced from authorized distributors with manufacturer warranty
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Free Shipping & Returns
Free shipping on orders over $150. 30-day return policy, no questions asked
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Try Before You Buy
Visit our showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL. Expert sizing & styling assistance
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Expert Support
Access to watch specialists who can discuss movement, materials, and care
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Secure Payment
Multiple payment options, encrypted checkout, secure packaging
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3,100+ 5-Star Reviews
Verified customer feedback on Google, trust built over two decades

What's Included in Your Purchase

The Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 arrives as a complete presentation, not just a watch in a box:

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 complete packaging including black hole presentation box travel case and matching travel clock
  • Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 with 3-link stainless steel bracelet
  • Black Hole Branded Box with custom presentation packaging
  • Matching Travel Case in black, designed to protect and display
  • Lunar Pilot Travel Clock in the same Musou black aesthetic—a collector's piece
  • Manufacturer's Warranty Card for 3-year global coverage
  • Instruction Manual and warranty registration

This isn't a watch you hide away. The entire package is designed for collectors who appreciate presentation and intent. The travel clock alone is a meaningful gift for someone in your life—or a desktop companion for watch enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole? We've compiled the most asked questions from collectors, professionals, and watch enthusiasts.

Is the Musou Black dial really black, or does it look gray in daylight? +
The Musou black dial is genuinely black—it reads as a deep, dimensionless void rather than a gray matte finish. However, appearance is light-dependent. In bright sunlight, you'll notice the grey Super-LumiNova markers and the tachymeter scale more prominently. Under indoor lighting or overcast skies, the dial appears as a complete void. This light-dependency is intentional—it mirrors the watch's role as a precision instrument, not a static aesthetic object.
How accurate is 262kHz quartz compared to mechanical chronographs? +
The NP20 HPQ movement maintains accuracy to within ±1 minute per year—roughly 10–20 times more accurate than mechanical chronographs (which typically gain or lose 5–10 seconds daily). You'll never need to regulate the movement. The caveat: quartz accuracy can drift slightly over 5–10 years as the quartz crystal ages. Standard battery-replacement quartz also means you'll change the battery every 2–3 years, whereas mechanical watches are perpetual once purchased.
Will the black PVD coating scratch or wear off? +
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is harder and more durable than traditional black ion plating used in previous Lunar Pilot editions. That said, no finish is indestructible with daily wear. Minor scratches and micro-wear will appear over years of use—this is expected in sports watches and tool watches. The matte sandblasted base helps hide minor wear better than polished finishes. If the coating does wear significantly (unlikely for 5–10 years), Bulova or authorized service centers can re-coat or refinish the case.
How is the 41mm Black Hole different from the 43.5mm Lunar Pilot? +
The 43.5mm was released in 2023 and is still in production. The 41mm Black Hole is smaller, thinner (13.05mm vs. 13.5mm), and limited to 6,000 pieces. The 43.5mm is offered in multiple dial colors (black, white, blue, meteorite). The 41mm Black Hole is currently only available in the Musou black aesthetic. Movement (NP20 HPQ at 262kHz) and water resistance (100m) are identical. If wearability is your priority, the 41mm is superior. If you prefer existing dial color options or don't need scarcity, the 43.5mm is a solid alternative at lower cost.
Is the Apollo 15 story real, or is this just marketing? +
The Apollo 15 story is completely real and well-documented. Astronaut Dave Scott's personal Bulova chronograph is authenticated history. When his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster's crystal failed during EVA-3 on August 2, 1971, Scott wore his personal Bulova to time critical lunar operations. The watch was recovered, kept in Scott's possession for 44 years, and sold at auction (RR Auction, October 2015) for $1.625 million—a record price for any wristwatch. This is verifiable aerospace history, not retroactive narrative. Bulova has the original press documentation and auction records to back this claim.
Will the 41mm Black Hole hold its value? +
Limited-edition watches with genuine scarcity (6,000 pieces) and compelling narratives tend to hold value better than unlimited-production models. The Apollo 15 story, combined with the all-black design and 41mm downsizing, positions this watch favorably for collector interest. That said, Bulova watches are not Rolex or Patek Philippe—they appreciate more slowly, if at all. Secondary market resale typically occurs at 80–95% of original MSRP for quartz watches in good condition. The real value is in ownership: the prestige of wearing a watch with proven aerospace heritage, not financial appreciation.
Can I use the chronograph underwater? +
Yes. The chronograph pushers are screw-down design and seal properly to 100m water resistance. You can press the chronograph buttons while swimming or snorkeling without risk of water ingress. However, for diving beyond snorkeling depth, we recommend consulting Bulova's specification sheet. Chronograph watches with pushers are generally rated for recreational swimming and snorkeling but may not be suitable for technical diving (which requires 300m+ water resistance and specialized testing).
Does Lexor Miami offer sizing assistance or bracelet adjustments? +
Yes. Lexor Miami offers free bracelet sizing on all new watch purchases. If you order online, we'll include pre-sized instructions or arrange bracelet adjustment upon delivery. If you visit our Miami showroom (2371 NW 20th St), our experts will size the bracelet while you wait, ensuring perfect fit. Bracelet sizing is handled by our technicians on-demand and may add 1–2 business days to shipping if requested post-purchase.

Ready to Own a Piece of Space History?

The Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 is limited to 6,000 pieces worldwide. As authorized Bulova dealers, Lexor Miami stocks this watch with authenticity guaranteed and expert support included.

 

Free shipping on orders over $150 | 30-day returns | 3-year manufacturer warranty