Aviation watches. New products from the AVI-8 microbrand. Part 1

New AVI-8 watches

If you know the Spinnaker brand, then you've probably heard about the AVI-8 brand from me.

Both brands belong to the same owner, but if Spinnaker chose the direction of vintage, diving watches, then AVI-8 occupied the niche of aviation watches.  

And I want to tell you that the approach there is exactly the same as the Spinnaker brand. The guys have no problems with imagination, so they constantly come up with some interesting models with unusual design features and quirks.

The AVI-8 brand produces limited editions and makes interesting collaborations. But overall, the brand makes quality watches with excellent features at affordable prices.  

If you want something bright, unusual, high-quality, and not expensive, then look no further than Spinnaker and AVI-8.  

Lately I've been trying to focus only on Spinnaker and rarely brought in AVI-8, but now such a large batch has arrived that I've decided to break this review into several parts. The first part will be out today, and the second will probably be in a few weeks.  

Let's start with the AVI-8 model from the Flyboy collection .

What I really like right away is that they have quite neat dimensions, especially since aviator watches have taught us that they are usually quite large.

Here the case diameter is only 40 mm.   On my small hand, 18 cm. They fit perfectly. We will return to the full size later.

3 color versions of these watches arrived at my store.  

The perception of color, as always, changes dramatically.  

I like the version with the gray dial and blue markers the most. In my opinion, it is the most aggressive.  

But with a white dial, on the contrary, it is the softest option for perception. Moreover, the dial in this particular model is completely covered with luminescent, so you are guaranteed a bright and slightly shocking backlight in the temperature.  

What I like about the AVI-8 watch dials is that they are quite voluminous.  

I counted three levels.  

At the deepest, a second time zone with a 24-hour marking and a separately displayed hour hand is conveniently located.  

By the way, you can also navigate separately by another belt using the bezel ring. It is also delimited by a 24-hour scale and rotates in both directions.  

I can't say that the bezel is very comfortable. My fingers sweat, it can slip, but it's pretty good. There's no play, and there are no complaints about the quality. Although if I'm being picky, sometimes I don't really like the sound of some clicks. It's like a metallic taste, like a stretched spring.  

Next on the dial we have a level with clearly defined 3, 6, 9 o'clock marks and a triangle at 12 o'clock. The triangle at 12 is generally a signature theme of aviator watches.  

And at the last level there is a detailed minute dial, with all the marks superimposed and quite high, so the volume in the dials is simply beyond the eyes.  

Plus, I like how they neatly placed the date in a circle at the 4 o'clock position. And each color has its own date color, what attention to detail.  

316l stainless steel cases. One version with black PVD coating.  

Honestly, I was blown away by the quality of the finish. Well done AVI-8. For such little money, such a quality of satin finish is very cool.  

But they didn't bother with the back side that much. You could say they didn't bother at all. The lid has a good finish, but the lugs don't.  

Genuine leather belts. Nicely made, beautifully stitched with thread. The clasp seems simple, but visually everything is great and the satin finish is again beautiful.  

Now let's look at the sizes.

Diameter - 40 mm, from lug to lug - 48 mm, Thickness - 15 mm, Weight - 85 grams.

My hand is 18 cm. The watch fits perfectly.  

According to the specifications, we have a Japanese mechanism, but the caliber is not specified.  

Given the functionality, I think it's a Seiko NH34. It has a power reserve of 42 hours, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and has a certified error of 20 to 40 seconds per day.  

We have sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and 50 meters of water resistance, which is classic for aviator style. You can wash your hands, but no swimming.  

Today, they cost 14,490 UAH in light metal, but with PVD coating they are a little more expensive - 15,330 UAH.

Great price for great watches. Well made, look great. Price quality is great. You can order HERE .

Next we will look at 2 AVI-8 limited editions from the Spitfire collection . These models are called VE-Day 80th and are dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day on May 8, 1945 in World War II.  

I want to note right away that while the previous model came in a regular AVI-8 box, these now come in a branded box with a unique design for a limited edition.  

Inside there will be a full package of documentation and certificates with the serial number of your specific model.  

One is limited to 150 pieces worldwide, one is limited to 225 watches worldwide.  

Let's go in order.  

This watch resembles a more compact aviator in size. 43 mm diameter.  

To be precise, the diameter is 43 mm, from lug to lug - 50 mm, thickness - 12.5 mm, weight - 120 grams.  

But I can't say that it somehow fits poorly on my hand, because if you buy aviation watches, you are usually prepared that they are basically large and have this style and size. So 40 mm is more of an exception.  

316l stainless steel case with black PVD coating. I have nothing to add to the quality of the finish. Everything is at the same high level as in the previous model.  

Here on the back cover there is an engraving of the limited edition of your particular model, plus at the very end there is Churchill's address to the British on May 8, 1945, commemorating the victory.  

These are such interesting details. And look how cool they beat the custom pendulum. Victory Day in Europe. Again, the brand did not indicate the caliber of the mechanism, but I can see from the finish that this is definitely some kind of automatic from the Japanese Citizen Miyota. Usually everything will be fine there.

Genuine leather strap. Nicely made. There are accents of British colors. I want to note that AVI-8 makes watches in the British style. And, by the way, it was in Britain that aviation was very cool during World War II.  

Dial.  

Again, several layers. But what I like is that the last layer here is made like a wave. That is, it is as high as possible, but towards the edge it starts to descend in a wave.  

Wonderful contrast, British colors, symbolic inscriptions of Victory Day. All this looks very beautiful and ideological.  

Plus, you'll definitely be delighted by the gorgeous glow of the dial with a gradient. It's just awesome.  

Sapphire crystal, 50 meters water resistance. I think these two characteristics will be repeated in all watches, so I won't constantly mention them.  

This handsome man costs 14,700 UAH today. You can buy the watch HERE . Let's look at another version.  

Model AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic VE-Day 80th Limited Edition AV-4073-0

This watch is more compact in terms of size.  

Diameter 41 mm, from lug to lug - 49 mm, thickness - 14.8 mm, weight - 85 grams.  

I definitely like it better the way it sits on my small hand.  

316l stainless steel case with black PVD coating. Note that the case has engravings on the sides, which make it resemble the body of the Spitfire fighter jet, after which the collection is named.  

I like the quality of the finish, and the inside of the lugs are also better finished in this watch.  

And the same custom rotor feature that we saw in the previous version.  

By the way, regarding the functionality of the watch, I can say that the model has a Japanese Citizen MIyota 8215 automatic movement on board.  

Genuine leather strap. For the price, I have no complaints. Everything is quite solid and well made.  

And of course, the main highlight is the dial.

This one looks flatter compared to its predecessors, but it still has enough volume.  

It is given by highly superimposed hour markers, where the 0 and 6 o'clock marks are clearly highlighted separately.  

There is no date, again you are greeted by the symbolism of May 8, 1945 and a cool trick with the second hand in the form of 2 fingers on the disk. By the way, it is interesting that if I am not mistaken, this sign is not considered good in Britain today.  

And you will also be pleased with the beautiful, fully luminescent coating.  

This watch currently costs 14,700 UAH. According to the conclusions, these are again beautifully made watches with a good idea and in a small number of releases for very adequate money. You can order it HERE .

Let's move on to the AVI-8 Flyboy model, which I liked the most of all.  

This is a really cool British style of aviation watches, plus many color versions that completely change your perception of this model.  

The model comes in a large gift box.

Inside will be the watch itself, an additional textile strap, additional pins, and a strap replacement tool.  

Everything is quite presentable considering the affordable segment. Especially if you've seen what crappy boxes, for example, the Japanese will give for such a price.  

One of the first things that catches your eye about this watch is the button at 10 o'clock.  

The model is called Wingman Worldtimer. And it is equipped not only with a second time zone inside the dial, but also with the cities of the world on the rim, which rotates with this valve.  

Few people today would orient themselves in this way, but it looks cool and ideological.  

I really like the dials.  

All the colors are the coolest. Again, lots of levels, again, lots of volume.  

I will highlight a very nice grainy texture and an Arabic font, the style of which I personally really like. Matte arrows, good detailing. Mmmmmmm… Super! High.  

Plus bright Swiss Super Luminova.  

And the stainless steel cases look great. Some with a gray PVD coating. The quality of the finish is excellent. And this version has that classic, vintage, large crown, which is very often used in aviator watches.  

Through the back cover we can see the Japanese automatic. I think the caliber is the same as in the first watch - Seiko nh34.  

I like the genuine leather strap. It's kind of thick, but soft on the other hand. It's very good in terms of comfort. And of course, in terms of appearance.  

41 mm - diameter, 49 mm - from lug to lug, 13 mm - thickness. The fit of the watch on my hand is top-notch.  

I got real pleasure from it.

And it costs only 14,490 UAH. It seems to me that with such presentation, quality, design and set - it is a gift. You can order HERE .

The last model from our review pleasantly surprised me with its packaging.  

Watch AVI-8 SPITFIRE AV-4090-05 Distressed Blue

Look at this. A real mini ammunition depot. Of course, the box is not made of natural wood. It is pasted over with color, but it looks great. And it is very pleasant to the touch.  

The first impression is great.  

And now the watch itself.  

This is AVI-8 from the Spitfire collection.  

Let me remind you that the Spitfire is a fighter jet from the Second World War. If you look at the hull, you can see the engraving elements of the aircraft. And the excellent quality of workmanship.  

If you look at the back cover, you can see the rotor, which is literally made in the shape of a Spitfire aircraft. Plus, you can see the roughly machined seiko nh35a, but reliable and proven movement with a power reserve of 42 hours, operating at a frequency of 21600 vibrations per hour.  

And also right in the center of the dial there is an engraving of the letters K9787, this is the same marking that was on the tail of the Spitfire fighter.  

A beautifully made watch with its own style.  

By the way, the bezel here is made of bronze. Let me remind you that bronze oxidizes over time and begins to become covered with patina (green), so the watch will look more unique and vintage.  

Dimensions:

Diameter - 42 mm, from lug to lug - 50 mm, thickness - 13.7 mm, weight - 90 grams.  

It fits pretty well on my middle hand.  

The belt is made of dark blue genuine leather. The quality is good.  

The dial is in the AVI-8 signature style. As always, very large superimposed markers give a lot of volume.

Plus, in different lighting, you can see that the carbon texture is quite interesting. Because at certain angles, the dial looks completely gray. But no, it has its own highlight.  

Clear markings, very good readability, plus beautiful Swiss Super Luminova.

The watch currently costs UAH 16,380. You can order it HERE .

And I'm ready to sum up.  

What I want to say is, if you like vintage style, if you like aviation watches, then you have a great opportunity to fly into this world thanks to AVI-8 at very affordable prices for excellent quality.  

Here you get both ideology, limited edition of some models, and good equipment. The guys squeeze the most out of their money.  

To get started in the watch industry, a good microbrand is generally the best choice.  

I hope you found it interesting. Stanislav was with you as always, until we meet again. See you later.