Hands-On With The AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition

It’s only been a couple of weeks since Thomas covered the AVI-8 CVRT 3775A Automatic. Now, the young brand specializing in military-themed aviation watches is releasing its next series of timepieces. With the new Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition, AVI-8 pays tribute to the brave American pilots who volunteered to fly alongside the Royal Air Force before the United States entered World War II. The series features three distinct dial variations, each honoring one of the squadrons. Let’s find out more.

The great thing about military watches is that there is a tremendous amount of historical stories that inspire modern editions of the classics. With this AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition, it is no different. As mentioned, the series honors American pilots who volunteered to fly alongside the Royal Air Force before the United States entered World War II. It demands deep respect that these pilots put their lives at risk to fight for something they believed in, despite their country not having been involved in it yet. They fought for freedom, and the bravery that took is incredible.

The details of the Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition Series

This story inspired AVI-8 to create a series of watches with three dial colors honoring the three squadrons that joined the pilots of the Royal Air Force. All three watches have a 39mm bronze case with a 15mm thickness and a 49mm lug-to-lug.

The classic round case is paired with either a black, blue, or green fumé dial that gradually darkens towards the edges. We had the blue dial version in for review that also happend to be my favorite out of the three.

But we’ll go over the characteristics of all three dial variations. First, the black-dial version commemorates the Gravesend – No. 71 Squadron. It features a banner with the text “First From The Eyries” on the lower half of the dial.

Second, the dark blue dial was created to honor the Southend – No. 121 Squadron. It features “For Liberty” on the lower half of the dial. Lastly, the dark green version is a tribute to the Coltishall – No. 133 Squadron. It has a banner with “Let Us Go To The Battle” on the dial.

The special Eagle Squadron dials

All the dials feature crosshairs and oversized Arabic numerals. These sit inside a railroad-style minute track. However, as you can see, not all the numerals are present. At the 12 o’clock position, you will find the Eagle Squadron badge, and at 3 o’clock, you will find the squadron’s logo. Lastly, the date window sits at 9 o’clock, and at 6 o’clock, you will find the “limited edition” text.

Hovering over the dial is a nice bronze handset with a baton-style hour hand, sword-style minute hand, and a thin seconds hand. A fun detail is that the hour and minute hands, as well as the Arabic numerals, are treated with lume that glows green, while the larger hour markers in the minute track and the two squadron logos at 12 and 3 o’clock light up blue in the dark.

The Miyota 8215 caliber

Powering the three watches is the Miyota 8215, which is visible through the sapphire crystal in the stainless steel case back. This case back also features the squadron eagle and the unique LE number out of the 175 pieces of each version.

The automatic caliber 8215, a popular choice among small brands, operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, has 21 jewels, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It has an accuracy rating of -20/+40 seconds per day, which is not particularly impressive. Having said that, these calibers tend to run significantly more accurately than the official numbers indicate.

The watches come on a vintage-style leather strap with contrasting stitching and a bronze buckle. Additionally, the brand throws in a NATO-style strap in a different color.

To be more specific, the gray-dial version comes with a brown vintage-style leather strap and a blue NATO. These also accompany the blue-dial version. The green-dial model, however, comes with a black vintage-style leather strap and a green NATO strap.

Wearing the new AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition

Of course, any watch should feel comfortable on the wrist. That said, comfort is a less critical factor with watches like these due to the story they tell. They are decently proportioned, although a 15mm profile for a time-only watch makes it rather chunky. But while that is substantial, the watches do fit my 18.5cm wrist comfortably. The provided straps are of great quality and ensure the watches balance nicely on the wrist.

As these are bronze watches, each one will form a unique patina over time. It will make this an even more personal statement than the accompanying story. On the wrist, though, these watches will always remind you of that tale of valor. That’s what gives these watches not only a reason for existing but also their charm.

If you are a fan of military history and this story in particular, these new AVI-8 watches will resonate with you. In terms of execution, the watches are solidly made and feel sturdy on the wrist. Compliments to AVI-8 for creating a remarkable series of watches. As mentioned, the brand will produce 175 pieces of each of the three available versions. Each is available for US$450 on the brand’s official website.

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