In a world where the line between luxury and affordability continues to blur, Bulova’s Surveyor Series proves that you don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy a beautifully made automatic watch. Priced around $300, this collection of everyday timepieces delivers vintage charm, clean design, and reliable performance—all without sacrificing style.

Whether you’re just starting your watch collection or you’re on the hunt for a solid daily driver, the Bulova Surveyor offers a refined look that punches above its price point. With sunburst dials, polished finishing, and automatic movements housed in a wearable 39mm case, this series brings a lot to the table for what many would consider “entry-level” money.

Note: In this article, we’re focusing specifically on the core Surveyor models—the ones with sunburst dials, baton indices, and a simple date window at 3 o’clock. Bulova also offers open-heart and skeletonized versions under the Surveyor name, but those fall into a different aesthetic and often a slightly higher price tier.

Timeless Style Meets Everyday Function

The first thing that stands out in the Surveyor lineup is its balance between dressy aesthetics and casual wearability. These watches aren’t screaming for attention, but they certainly catch the eye. The sunburst dials come alive in the light, offering rich depth and color—available in a few striking variations: classic black and blue, an elegant burgundy, and two shades of green. One green model leans into a deep, forest tone, while another version uses a lighter green dial that brings a more playful and bold look to the wrist.

Each dial is tastefully minimal, featuring baton indices, a polished case, and a slim handset that complements the overall elegance. A standout detail that elevates the design is the cyclops lens over the date window at 3 o’clock—a subtle nod to classic luxury that enhances legibility and gives the watch a more upscale presence.

Bracelet or Leather: Pick Your Vibe

Depending on the colorway, the Surveyor comes fitted with either a stainless steel bracelet or a genuine leather strap. The bracelet versions feature polished center links that match the shine of the case, giving the watch a dressier appeal. The leather strap variants dial back the formality a bit, offering a more relaxed, vintage-inspired feel that’s great for everyday wear.

Under the Hood: Reliable Miyota Movement

Powering the Surveyor is the tried-and-true Miyota 8215 automatic movement. It offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve and is known for its durability and ease of service. While the movement doesn’t offer hacking (the second hand keeps ticking while setting the time), it remains a highly practical choice for a watch at this price point.

Also worth noting: the watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal—an upgrade many brands at this level skip—offering strong scratch resistance and long-term clarity.

Seiko 5 Alternative?

Watch collectors shopping in the ~$300 range will inevitably compare these Bulova Surveyors to the Seiko 5 series, specifically models from the SRPE line. And the comparison is a fair one: both collections offer automatic movements, clean dials, and a range of color and strap combinations. However, there are a few key trade-offs to keep in mind.

The Seiko SRPE features the in-house 4R36 movement, which offers both hacking and hand-winding—functions the Miyota 8215 inside the Bulova lacks. The SRPE also comes with 100 meters of water resistance, making it more versatile for active or outdoor wear. In contrast, the Bulova Surveyor is rated at just 30 meters, which is fine for daily wear and occasional splashes, but not recommended for any serious exposure to water.

On the other hand, the Bulova pulls ahead with its sapphire crystal, offering better scratch resistance compared to the Seiko’s Hardlex. Both aesthetically and specs-wise, the SRPE leans more toward sporty everyday vibes, while the Surveyor brings a refined, dress-casual elegance that fits nicely in business or formal settings.

Model Numbers to Know

Here are some of the specific model references for the classic Surveyors featured in this review:

• 96B429 – Green dial on stainless steel bracelet
• 96B430 – Blue dial on stainless steel bracelet
• 96B431 – Burgundy dial on stainless steel bracelet
• 97B216 – Light green dial with brown leather strap
• 96B407 – Black dial on black leather strap

These models fall into the same design family and share the same case dimensions and movement. The main differentiators are dial colors and strap materials.

Who Is the Surveyor For?

The Bulova Surveyor is ideal for someone seeking a watch that delivers vintage-inspired looks, reliable performance, and everyday comfort without crossing the $400 line. It fits comfortably into almost any wardrobe and occasion—from a casual lunch to a business meeting—and doesn’t feel like a compromise in any key area.

Whether you’re adding to your rotation or just starting your collection, the Surveyor offers one of the best value propositions in this price segment. Compared to other options in the same bracket, it strikes a particularly refined balance of materials, design, and wearability.

Final Thoughts

With its elegant proportions, eye-catching dials, and dependable automatic movement, the Bulova Surveyor Series represents what many watch lovers crave in an affordable timepiece: authenticity, style, and practicality. The inclusion of sapphire crystal and a cyclops lens are bonuses that elevate the experience, and with multiple color and strap combinations available, there’s likely a Surveyor that suits your taste.

Whether you’re drawn to the clean black or blue, the daring green shades, or the moody burgundy, these watches prove that everyday elegance doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Which Surveyor dial speaks to you?

Bulova Surveyor – Specifications

• Case Size: 39mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal (anti-reflective coating)
• Movement: Miyota 8215 automatic (21 jewels, ~42-hour power reserve)
• Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
• Dial Features: Sunburst finish, baton indices, luminous hands, date window with cyclops magnifier
• Case Back: Exhibition (mineral crystal)
• Strap Options: Stainless steel bracelet or leather strap (model-dependent)
• Clasp: Butterfly deployant with push buttons (bracelet models)
• Lug Width: 20mm
• Price Range: Approximately $270–$360