The United Kingdom has long been a vital contributor to the world of luxury retail. A lot of the fine traditions that help the industry strive and survive actually originate from the country, such as bespoke tailoring. Even the craft of fine watchmaking has some roots in the UK, and as the country celebrates an important milestone for their Royal Air Force, it’s befitting that a home-grown brand pays tribute. Hence, AVI-8 offers their Flyboy Centenary collection.
Release Date and Price
Release date: February 2018
Price when reviewed: $340
The Royal Air Force of Great Britain is celebrating their 100th year anniversary this 2018. In celebration, haute horology brand AVI-8 released their classic Flyboy model in a special Centenary special edition collection last February of this year. With over four new models representing various decades within the past century, the label is redefining aviation watches for a whole new consumer audience. Each timepiece costs $340.
Specifications:
- Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Automatic
- Water Resistant: 50 meters
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Frequency: 3Hz
- Strap: Leather strap
- Buckle: Tang buckle
Pros
As clear as water itself, the Flyboy Centenary models are all 42 millimeters of fine watchmaking craftsmanship. The fine black dial contrasted with the stark white numerals emphasis its focus on having a vivid face—perfect to wear for aviation. Each model, representing a certain decade within the 100 years of the Royal Air Force, exemplify certain characteristics unique to their design. The 1920’s model, for example, replaces the ‘12’ numeral with a ‘0’ to emphasize the start and end of the hour/day. The 1940’s one, on the other hand, puts in place the actual minute-time of the day rather than simply Arabic numerals.
Cons
At face value, the watches are as classic as classic can be, which may become their ultimate downfall. It’s clear that all of the innovation have been enthused in the timepieces’ functions and not necessarily on their design and aesthetic. Apart from the varying neutral dials they’re offered, the Flyboy Centenary models don’t have any new and exciting features to display. It’s even argued that style-wise, these watches are quite plain and boring. For a tribute collection that celebrates such a milestone, their aesthetics leave a lot to be desired.
Compare with:
- Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition
- Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision In Platinum
- Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris Memovox
- Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Watch Review – 1984
Image Credits: A Blog To Watch (featured image), Watch Review Blog, Aron Dunlap Youtube Channel, Dive Watch Connection, Monochrome Watches (article images).
