Most watch brands are trying to make better watches in terms of value and style, the Avi-8’s flyboy centenary AV-4060-03 is a limited edition watch that combines the aesthetics of a vintage watch with modern features found in current watches. The mere fact that avi-8 produced a collection to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Royal Air Force says something about their interest in “vintage-inspired” watch models. This watch will be available to a few that show early interest like other watches in the flyboy centenary edition.
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316L Stainless Steel Case
The Stainless steel case is 43.0mm wide, 48mm lug to lug and water resistant up to 50 meters and a thickness of 15.0mm, an appropriate size between “wearable” and “comfortable. It has a slightly domed sapphire crystal over the dial.
The polished fixed case bezel adds depth and visual interest when viewed in daylight. Also around the steel case is a serrated crown with a stamped RAF roundel for easy grip. The only problem I find with the crystal is it not being coated with an anti-reflective material which causes glare when viewed in sun light.
AV-4060-03 Leather Strap
Attached to the 316 L Stainless steel case is a 22mm genuine hand-stitched strap has a snug fit with the wrist gives a balance between ruggedness and sophistication.
The lovely hand stitched strap matches well with the mirror-polished bevel and steel case and dial very well; high marks for the overall fashionability of this watch.
Miyota 8218 Movement
Inside the AVI-8 flyboy centenary AV-4060-03 watch is a Miyota 8218 automatic Movement made by Citizen with a power reserve of about 42 hours, oscillating at 21,600 vph and a movement that is unhackable. It is a 21- jewelled movement that uses a “parashock” protection system protecting the movement while also adapting to the wrist’s motion.
Miyota states that it keeps accuracy within -20 to 40 seconds per day with a posture difference of under 50 seconds per day. An interesting fact about this movement is that it only winds on a counter-clock swing and free spins in a clockwise direction. If you’re not comfortable with the “tick tick” of quartz watches, this is probably a good fit for you.
Dial and Hands
The dial, one of its most defining features was produced to a great level of detail, the AV-4060-03 comes with a black color. The major difference in the 1940s and 1960s edition of the flyboy centenary series is the translucency embedded in the inner dial of the 1960s model which provides a good view of the inner mechanics of the watch.
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The black and gold hour and minute hands are sword-shaped, with a vertical brushed finish and a generous application of Swiss Super LumiNova that emits a green lume to make the watch readable in low light conditions. The gold embossed Arabic numeral marker at 6 o’clock and also ‘0’ at the traditionally 12 o’clock mark adds more beauty to the timepiece.
Other markers are printed at one, two, seven, eight and nine marks. It has a date display at 3 o’clock and a seconds subdial at 5’oclock which is matched by a corresponding 3-dimensional roundel design at the 10’oclock position. The “AVI-8” printed on the dial just below the ‘0’ marker to adds a brand taste to the watch. The dial design in general, is clever making it easy to read time and also aesthetically pleasing.
Exhibition See-Through Back
Most prominently, the AV-4060-03 is equipped with a see-through back allowing people to catch a glimpse of the Miyota 8218 movement, a feature fast becoming a mainstay in modern watches.
Final Thoughts
So you might ask yourself, what am I getting for a watch just lower than $300? In my view, you are getting a vintage-inspired watch built with modern specs and a bit of the flyboys at a very affordable price tag. You should have made your mind up by now whether it’s for you or not. It doesn’t look like any other air force pilot watch out there, but it is at the same time entirely familiar and easy to approach for those who love simple and elegant watches.
Avi-8 flyboys centenary AV-4060-03 has stood out as a piece which combines aesthetics with functionality. It is great as a daily work watch and gives room for personal style making it perfect for most outfits. It comes at a great price for a piece with such a wonderful history and without a doubt a good buy no one can say no to.
You can pre-order the AV-4060-03 starting from September 21,2018 on with the price starting at $283, but it will be exclusively available from October 3, 2018 on the avi-8 website at a retail price of $360, click here to sign up now!
Wow! Nice review Matt. I loved the way you described every bit of the watch. Keep up the good work