AVI-8 has long been dedicated to honouring the indelible legacy of aviation, translating the spirit of flight and historic moments into compelling timepieces. Their latest endeavour turns to a pivotal date that marked a turning point for the world: May 8, 1945, the official end of World War II in Europe.
The AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition collection is a meticulously designed tribute to triumph and time, paying homage to the aircraft, the pilots, and the enduring symbols of victory. Within this collection, the Patriot Automatic in the striking Black colourway stands out as a particularly collectable variant, limited to just 75 pieces worldwide.
This specific model serves as a poignant reminder of that historic day. It is built around a reliable Japanese Automatic movement with 3 hands and a date function, housed in a robust 43.0mm Stainless Steel case. The case measures 14.0mm thick with a lug-to-lug distance of 51.0mm, offering a substantial yet wearable presence on the wrist. Complementing the case is a 20mm Black Genuine Leather Strap, securing the watch comfortably.
The dial, presented in a deep Black colour, features Applied Arabic Indexes treated with Japan Super Luminous for excellent legibility in low light conditions. The dial is protected by an Anti-Reflection Coated Sapphire Lens, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. The watch utilises a pull-out crown and is rated for 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear and unexpected splashes. Weighing in at 90g, it feels solid and well-constructed.
The true heart of this timepiece lies in the intricate details woven throughout its design, telling a powerful story of triumph. The date wheel is a key feature, where the numerical “8” is boldly replaced with a “V”—a direct and compelling nod to May 8th and Winston Churchill’s iconic “V for Victory” salute. Further echoing the communications of the era, Morse code for ‘V’ (•••—), the message of victory that once resonated across radios and telegrams, is subtly engraved on the dial.
Adding a profoundly moving touch, Winston Churchill’s actual VE-Day speech is engraved on the caseback. These words, spoken in celebration of resilience and unity, now stand etched in time on the watch itself, serving as a timeless reminder of the momentous occasion and the spirit of defiance that preceded it. The front of the dial also bears the outward-facing “V” sign, a universally recognised symbol of victory, while the caseback features the inverted “V”—a symbolic representation of the struggle that led to triumph.
As part of the limited-edition VE-Day 80th collection, the AVI-8 Patriot Automatic in this distinctive Black colourway is restricted to just 75 pieces only. This specific limitation makes it an exceptionally collectable variant for enthusiasts.
Offering a robust Japanese automatic movement, quality materials like the Stainless Steel case and Sapphire Lens, and these incredibly specific and moving historical details, the Patriot Automatic in Black provides a compelling way to wear a piece of history on your wrist.
Available at a price point of £390 here in the UK, it’s a meticulously designed, highly limited, and profoundly meaningful timepiece for those who appreciate aviation history and the power of symbolic design.
