AVI-8 has carved a niche for itself by consistently delivering timepieces that pay homage to the golden age of aviation, translating the functional beauty of aircraft instrumentation into compelling wristwear. Their Flyboy series, in particular, captures the spirit of the pilots who navigated the skies.
The latest addition, the AVI-8 Flyboy Airmaster GMT Watch, is a testament to this philosophy, blending a bold modern aesthetic with those classic aviation-inspired design cues while adding a crucial function for the contemporary global explorer.
Designed not just for the cockpit, but for mastering the art of global adventure, the Airmaster GMT is your analogue co-pilot for navigating across time zones. Whether you’re frequently crossing continents for business or simply appreciate keeping track of home time while exploring a new city, this timepiece makes tracking three time zones effortlessly intuitive.
At its heart lies the reliable NH34 Japanese automatic GMT movement, a workhorse calibre that provides the essential complication for the modern traveller. This mechanical movement eliminates the need for batteries, relying instead on the motion of your wrist, a detail appreciated by watch enthusiasts.
The watch is housed in a robust stainless steel case, measuring a contemporary 40.0mm in diameter. While its 15.0mm thickness gives it a substantial presence, the 48.0mm lug-to-lug dimension ensures it wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Tipping the scales at a relatively light 85g on its strap, it won’t weigh you down on your journeys.
The grey dial provides a subtle backdrop for the applied indices, which, along with the hands, are treated with Swiss Newlite for impressive luminescence, ensuring legibility in varied lighting conditions – crucial whether you’re in a dimly lit cabin or exploring under the stars. An anti-reflection coated sapphire lens protects the dial, offering excellent scratch resistance and clarity. The unidirectional turning bezel adds a touch of utility, useful for timing various events on your travels.
Completing the package is a comfortable 20mm grey genuine leather strap, providing a classic look and feel ready for adventures both near and far. While rated at 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for splashes and brief immersion, it’s designed more for navigating boardrooms and air terminals than deep dives.
Offering this blend of aviation style, automatic GMT functionality, and solid build quality at an accessible price point of £403, the AVI-8 Flyboy Airmaster GMT Watch presents a compelling value proposition for anyone seeking a stylish and functional mechanical timepiece for global travel. It’s a watch engineered for a lifetime of precision, ready to take off on your next journey.
