AVI-8 divides opinion: is the company a microbrand or does it just make factory direct fashion watches? Their latest release, the Hawker Harrier “Ace of Spades” blurs the line even more.
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II “Ace of Spades” Edition Review
First things first, I was given this watch by AVI-8 to review. Not all reviewers are open about this but I think it is important to disclose. Of the two AVI-8 models I have reviewed, I loved one (the Flyboy Centenary Edition 1960s) and was seriously underwhelmed by the other (the Hawker Harrier Bulman Edition). This one sits nicely between the two. AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II, Titanium Blue, timeless elegance, and modern materials meet the trend color blue. Maritime flair, a simple yet unmistakable case shape, and AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II an almost minimalist-looking dial together result in an expressive watch that can be easily recognized as an AVI-8. The case of the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II is made of titanium. The combination of polished and stained housing surfaces underlines the functional and elegant appearance of the Hawker Harrier II. The case diameter is moderately dimensioned at 42 and fits almost every man's wrist. The titanium bezel features the unmistakable, visible H-screws that have become the absolute trademark of the luxury watch manufacturer this watch.
Case
When I read that the watch had a 46mm case I was dreading opening the box. I had visions of a huge monstrosity but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the short lugs make the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Ace of Spades edition wear much smaller. The crown at 2 is used to wind and set the time. It’s not screwed down, as the watch is only rated for 50m of water resistance (which, confusingly, is effectively no protection at all against the watch being submerged). 50m WR is fine for a watch designed for up in the air rather than under the sea, I suppose!
Battle of Britain Collection Set
This limited edition run commemorating the epic Battle of Britain, which perhaps stands as the most seminal moment of air combat during WWII, is a labour of design and detail that has taken more than a year of meticulous research, design and production.
The many details inherent inside the 4046 make this more than a timepiece. It is in part a wearable testament to the Battle itself.
The hour and minute hands take obvious reference from the propellers found on the Hurricane down to the contrasting blade tips painted on.
The see-through exhibition caseback gives view to the workhorse reliability of the Miyota 8215, 21 jewel self-winding automatic movement that has been painstakingly customised with a cutaway rotor in the shape of a Hurricane.
The Hurricane 4046 comes strapped with a beautifully supple double lined leather Nato strap and is boxed in our iconic field box style packaging alongside an extra nylon Nato for extra versatility.
Hawker Harrier II Matador Chronograph Edition
At first glance the Matador is a complex jigsaw of gears and wheels, which are precisely layered on top of each other as a dynamically designed piece of aviation inspired timing instrumentation. The sturdy case measures 45.0mm in diameter with a carved caseback that echoes the turbine blades of the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine inside the Harrier. A hardened mineral convex lens with anti-reflective coating frames the mechanics underneath perfectly resting on the case bezel perfectly.
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II “Ace of Spades” Edition Review
First things first, I was given this watch by AVI-8 to review. Not all reviewers are open about this but I think it is important to disclose. Of the two AVI-8 models I have reviewed, I loved one (the Flyboy Centenary Edition 1960s) and was seriously underwhelmed by the other (the Hawker Harrier Bulman Edition). This one sits nicely between the two. AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II, Titanium Blue, timeless elegance, and modern materials meet the trend color blue. Maritime flair, a simple yet unmistakable case shape, and AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II an almost minimalist-looking dial together result in an expressive watch that can be easily recognized as an AVI-8. The case of the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II is made of titanium. The combination of polished and stained housing surfaces underlines the functional and elegant appearance of the Hawker Harrier II. The case diameter is moderately dimensioned at 42 and fits almost every man's wrist. The titanium bezel features the unmistakable, visible H-screws that have become the absolute trademark of the luxury watch manufacturer this watch.
| Brand | AVI-8 |
| Band Material Type | Leather |
| Watch Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Dial Color | Silver |
| Band Color | Brown |
When I read that the watch had a 46mm case I was dreading opening the box. I had visions of a huge monstrosity but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the short lugs make the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Ace of Spades edition wear much smaller. The crown at 2 is used to wind and set the time. It’s not screwed down, as the watch is only rated for 50m of water resistance (which, confusingly, is effectively no protection at all against the watch being submerged). 50m WR is fine for a watch designed for up in the air rather than under the sea, I suppose!
Battle of Britain Collection Set
This limited edition run commemorating the epic Battle of Britain, which perhaps stands as the most seminal moment of air combat during WWII, is a labour of design and detail that has taken more than a year of meticulous research, design and production.
The many details inherent inside the 4046 make this more than a timepiece. It is in part a wearable testament to the Battle itself.
The hour and minute hands take obvious reference from the propellers found on the Hurricane down to the contrasting blade tips painted on.
The see-through exhibition caseback gives view to the workhorse reliability of the Miyota 8215, 21 jewel self-winding automatic movement that has been painstakingly customised with a cutaway rotor in the shape of a Hurricane.
The Hurricane 4046 comes strapped with a beautifully supple double lined leather Nato strap and is boxed in our iconic field box style packaging alongside an extra nylon Nato for extra versatility.
Hawker Harrier II Matador Chronograph Edition
At first glance the Matador is a complex jigsaw of gears and wheels, which are precisely layered on top of each other as a dynamically designed piece of aviation inspired timing instrumentation. The sturdy case measures 45.0mm in diameter with a carved caseback that echoes the turbine blades of the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine inside the Harrier. A hardened mineral convex lens with anti-reflective coating frames the mechanics underneath perfectly resting on the case bezel perfectly.