FeatureFlying High: UK Watch Brand Avi-8 And Their Aviation-Inspired Collections
With fearlessly designed, affordable watches for pilots and flyers, Avi-8 is taking to the skies. Gear up as 'The Watch Guide' aviates through the powerful stories behind their tumultuous collections
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There is a plethora of functional timepieces – some highly technical and certainly upscale – catering to flying enthusiasts, both pilots and frequent jet-setters. But there are hardly any watch brands that seek to honour aircraft and the men behind these lethal machines, both inside and outside the cockpit. The exception is Avi-8, which has now become a part of the legacy of flying.
The watches from Avi-8 pay tribute to the finest defence aircraft designed over the years by the most outstanding engineers, scientists, designers and pilots. Many have withstood epic challenges such as those during World War II and went on to etch their names in remarkable triumphs by the (British) Royal Air Force and the Allied air forces. Evidently, the design and materials used in Avi-8 watches are hugely inspired by iconic aircraft. We bring you the powerful stories behind Avi-8’s distinctive collections.
Hawker Hurricane
Commemorating the Battle of Britain – described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces – is the Avi-8 Hawker Hurricane collection. Widely known as the Hawker Hurricane, the aircraft was a single-seater fighter aircraft that featured in several glorious combats during World War II. The iconic Hurricane was produced by Hawker Aircraft Limited for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Though not as highlighted as the Supermarine Spitfire – another British fighter aircraft – it was the Hawker Hurricane that delivered the lethal blow for the Allied forces achieving victory during World War II. Moreover, in terms of opposition fatalities, there was just no match for this unsung hero of war aviation.
Modelled after the eponymous aircraft is Avi-8 Hawker Hurricane series. Characterised by round and easy-to-read dials, this version of the highly legible watch features an impressive green dial that mimics the RAF insignia and a date window at six o’clock.
Housed in a 43mm case, this classic pilot watch is powered by a self-winding automatic movement. This timepiece offers water resistance up to 50m. The strap in NATO or leather completes the look.
Hawker Hunter
The second wristwatch collection in this line-up is the Hawker Hunter, based on a single-seater, jet-propelled fighter, developed by Hawker Aircraft to meet the needs of the RAF and Allies after World War II culminated. There are several discernible references included in these aviation-inspired timepieces. For instance, the Hawker Hunter AV-4052-01 brings the instrument panel and cockpit of the Hawker Hunter to the wrist of the wearer.
This Japanese retrograde split-time chronograph is set in a 45mm marine-grade stainless steel case in an angled off square shape. The indentations, tension rings and carefully positioned sub-dial frames on the white dial make this watch a piece of military instrumentation. The tan leather strap accentuates the overall vintage feel.
Another noteworthy Hawker Hunter is the AV-4057-04 built with a bold, cockpit instrumentation-inspired case design. The black dial, housed in a polished octagonal case, echoes the elements of the Hunter’s breakthrough jet design engine.
The font for the markers and the day and date display that pay homage to 1950s and 1960s typography are a case in point. All in all, the Hawker Hunter collection is a soaring concoction of various remarkable avionic design details.
Hawker Harrier II
Commonly known as being Harrier Jump Jets, the Hawker Harrier and the Hawker Harrier II aircraft were known to be perfect for conflict zones with short runways, owing to their vertical and short take-off and landing abilities. The continuous evolution of the Harrier aircraft eventually positioned them as modern, sophisticated fighter jets fitted with the latest gadgetry, weaponry, and guidance systems.
Deconstructing the conventional pilot watch into an innovative timekeeper is the AV-4047-02. The 45mm round case, fitted with a Miyota Japanese 21-jewel, self-winding movement, showcases a set of three individual discs – for the hours, minutes and seconds – rotate across the stunning silver white dial, which is hand-finished with both explicit and subtle references to the Harrier II.
Another dynamic timepiece that is a part of this collection is the AV-4056-01, adorned with a groovy jet turbine carving on its caseback. Inside the 43mm round stainless-steel case lies the precision Japanese-made retrograde chronograph movement.
The highly detailed and striking blue dial is perfectly complemented by the bi-colour chronograph pushers, crown and leather strap. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands and arrow-shaped chronograph seconds hand immediately catch the eye. These timepieces are a true testament to the brand’s aeronautical DNA.
Lancaster Bomber
Designed and built by Avro for the RAF, the British Avro Lancaster aircraft – the inspiration behind this collection – served during World War II as heavy bombers. This four-engine aircraft, popularly known as the ‘Lanc’, became the most successful night bombers during the war, delivering 6,08,612 tonnes of bombs in 1,56,000 sorties.
Replete with design cues and inspiration from the iconic Lancaster Bomber, the round grey dial of the AV-4050-03 endorses individual cockpit inspired gauges that display day, date, seconds and 24-hour readout. Housing a Japan Quartz Multi-Eye movement, the 44mm stainless steel case is enclosed with a cross-stitched premium leather strap. The caseback features a ‘Sugar’s Blues’ art rendition, which is a pop culture reference and a befitting tribute to the crews of the Lancaster, for whom it was a common practice to decorate the front end of their aircraft with the pop culture reference of the day.
With subtle precision and aesthetics ingrained in their timepieces, Avi-8 extends the spirit of military aviation with their other collections like the Flyboy models dedicated to air force pilots and their heroism or the Supermarine Seafire watches dedicated to naval operations. As a profound celebration of the lineage and history of the men, women, and machines associated with the RAF, Avi-8 watches are value-driven, bold and full of personality.
Explore the entire Avi-8 collection here