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Model Name:

Bulova A-15 Pilot Automatic

Watch added to favourite list

Reference:

96A245

Price ($)

$

329

Country:

USA

A.I. Rating

5.3

Crowd Rating:

809

Watch Description

The A-15 Pilot Watch is inspired by the 1944 Military Issue A-15 “Elapsed Time Watch” and incorporates unique features of the original. A stainless steel case with distinctive black dial features two rotating inner discs operated by two crowns. The 2H crown rotates elapsed time while the 4H crown indicates dual time. The unique design of this timepiece, as well as its functional features, are made more authentically with a fine 21-jewel automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The subtle topstitched brown leather strap completes the look. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Water resistance to 30 meters.

Product Link:

42

47

20

14

30

Steel - 316L

Round

Sapphire

Push-Pull

Automatic

Miyota 82S0

0

Black

A.I. Watch Review:

# Bulova A-15 Pilot Automatic Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Bulova A-15 Pilot Automatic is a rugged pilot-style watch drawing inspiration from the 1944 military-issued original, featuring a distinctive dual-time display with an inner rotating bezel for elapsed time calculations, targeting aviation enthusiasts and everyday wearers who appreciate vintage military aesthetics; it houses a reliable Miyota 82S5 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

## Overall Watch Rating: 5.4/10.0

**Brand Metric (5.0/10.0)** - Bulova earns a solid mid-tier score for its established American heritage and reliable timepieces, comparable to brands like Hamilton in accessibility and reputation.
**History & Innovation Metric (6.2/10.0)** - This watch pays homage to Bulova's WWII-era contributions with a reissued pilot design, though it relies on standard automatic tech without groundbreaking innovations, similar to Seiko's historical recreations.
**Rarity Metric (3.5/10.0)** - As a readily available production model with no limited edition status, its rarity is low, akin to common Omega Speedmaster variants rather than exclusive releases.
**Material Metric (5.8/10.0)** - The stainless steel case with sapphire crystal offers decent durability and scratch resistance, on par with entry-level luxury like Tudor for everyday robustness.
**Movement Metric (5.5/10.0)** - Powered by a workhorse Miyota automatic caliber, it provides reliable performance but lacks in-house sophistication, benchmarking against Citizen's standard movements.
**Complications Metric (4.0/10.0)** - It includes a basic dual-time function via rotating bezel, which is functional yet minimal compared to more complex GMT watches like those from Rolex.
**Functions Metric (5.2/10.0)** - With timekeeping, date, and elapsed time tracking, it covers essential pilot needs without overwhelming features, similar to basic field watches from Timex.
**Dials & Design Metric (6.5/10.0)** - The vintage-inspired dial with Arabic numerals and dual scales delivers a cohesive, legible aesthetic that stands out for its historical nod, reminiscent of classic IWC pilot designs.
**Versatility Metric (6.0/10.0)** - Its pilot style suits casual and adventurous wear but may feel out of place in formal settings, offering good adaptability like Hamilton's Khaki Field series.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.8

## WM Collector Grade: C-

## Performance Insights: The watch excels in design and history for its price but underperforms in rarity and complications, suggesting fair value around an implied price of $450 while actual MSRP is about $575.

## TPS Interpretation: Fair Value: The watch delivers dependable pilot functionality with a nod to heritage at an accessible price point, though it doesn't push boundaries in innovation or exclusivity.

## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.bulova.com/dw/image/v2/BGTC_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bulova-master-catalog/default/dw0b4e4b8c/images/hi-res/96A245_large.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit; [backPicture] - https://www.bulova.com/dw/image/v2/BGTC_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bulova-master-catalog/default/dw1f2c3e4d/images/hi-res/96A245_back.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit; [lumePicture] - N/A; [Nickname] - A-15 Pilot; [Brand] - Bulova; [Model] - A-15 Pilot Automatic; [Country] - USA; [Product Link] - https://www.bulova.com/us/en/product/96A245.html; [reviewLink] - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/bulova-a-15-pilot-watch-review/; [Movement Type] - Automatic; [Movement Name] - Miyota 82S5; [# Secondary] - 0; [watchDescription] - Vintage-inspired pilot watch with dual-time display; [caseWidth] - 42; [lugToLugLength] - 49; [thickness] - 14; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 30; [powerReserve] - 42; [beatFrequency] - 21600; [lume] - Super-LumiNova; [jewels] - 21; [caseMaterial] - Stainless Steel; [watchGlass] - Sapphire; [Bezel] - Fixed; [caseback] - Exhibition; [Crown] - Screw-down; [Strap] - Leather; [Shape] - Round; [Dial] - Black; [Seconds] - Yes; [Date] - Yes; [Calendar] - No; [Chiming] - No; [Chronograph] - No; [Compass] - No; [dateCompilation] - No; [DigitalDisplay] - No; [Dress] - No; [Field] - No; [GMT] - Yes; [Mechanical Alarm] - No; [Moonphase] - No; [Tourbillon] - No; [worldTimer] - No; [powerReserveIndicator] - No; [Diver] - No; [Pilot] - Yes; [racing] - No; [Skeleton] - No; [Vintage] - Yes; [StyleFormal] - No; [StyleCasual] - Yes; [StyleSports] - No; [StyleTravel] - Yes; [StyleAdventure] - Yes; [StyleCollector] - Yes; [StyleTool] - Yes; [StyleStatement] - No; [StyleVintage] - Yes; [StyleSmart] - No; [StyleCustom] - No; [TPS_new] - 4.8; [TPSgrade] - C-; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 450;

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4. December 16, 2025.**

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©2022 by TheWatchMetrics. 

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