FLYBOY Centenary 1960s AV-4060-02

In commemoration of the RAF’s 100th year anniversary, AVI-8 is proud to announce the 1960’s and 1980's edition of the Centenary Flyboy.

Following the success of the 1920’s and 1940's issues, which have since sold out, the newest release looks to be similarly well received. Utilizing the same chassis, and movement each collection nonetheless hints at the respective decade of aviation achievement.

With the advent of the jet age, the 1960's reflected a growing level of confidence and progress in the RAF. Aircrafts such as the Lightning, the V-Class strategic bombers, and of course the iconic Hawker Hunter took to the sky broadening and sharpening Britain’s offensive and defensive airborne capabilities.

The 1960's edition of the Centenary Flyboy measures a comfortably apt 43 in diameter, with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens topping of the 316 L Stainless steel, built with an exhibition see-through case back. While the case shape is recognizable and unfussy, its form levels of detail and finishing that is reflected in a finely tuned circular brush across the bezel and case body. The lugs are also executed in a brushed finish with a slight polish for another edge of detail and body.

A serrated crown with a stamped RAF roundel on the top is easy to grip and is perfectly proportioned to the watch case. Underneath the gently domed sapphire lens, the watch reflects a careful level of detail which adds depth and interest upon view. Hand-applied brushed finish indices at the hour are met with Arabic indexes designed in an instrumentation like fashion to echo the fonts, and details reflected in the aircraft of the era.

The dials outer rims are each carefully considered, with a well-defined minute marker allowing for clear time readout. Vertical and horizontal cross hairs add symmetry and enhance the balance across the dial face. Hour and minute hands are sword-shaped with a vertical brushed finish and a generous application of Swiss Super LumiNova to add functional legibility in all conditions. The inner dial is translucent, giving a subtle view of the inner mechanics of the watch.

The Centenary editions all share the workhorse reliability of the 21 Jeweled Japanese Miyota 8218 automatic movement. The date display at the 3 o’clock position, and the seconds subdial at the 5’oclock position are fashioned carefully and match a 3-dimensional roundel designed into the dial at the 10’oclock position. The effect is to create a fluid symphony of geometric shapes that clearly layout the dial for an easy to understand time readout while adding elements of design that make for a watch that is more than just a mere timekeeper. A genuine hand-stitched leather strap attaches the case to the wrist for a robust, yet snug fit that balances between adding a rugged yet sophisticated finish to the watch.

MOVEMENT : 21 Jewels Japan Automatic 3 Hands with Date
CASE MATERIAL : Stainless Steel
CASE DIAMETER (mm) : 43
CASE THICKNESS (mm) : 11
CASE SHAPE : Round
CASE COLOR : Stainless Steel
DIAL COLOR : Blue Dial Translucent Inner and Applied Index
BAND : Genuine Leather Strap
BAND COLOR : Grey
BUCKLE : Strap Buckle
BAND WIDTH (mm) : 22
WATER RESISTANCE : 5 ATM
WATCH WEIGHT (g) : 100
WARRANTY : 2 years International