The AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic is the latest special edition from AVI-8. How does it hold up in the crowded aviation watch market?

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic Review

I know what to expect from AVI-8 by now from my previous reviews: well-made watches with smart design at a good price (at least when you use code WRUK at checkout for 20% off). They are generally excellent, though I’ve seen the occasional deal-breaking flaw.

At a glance

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes

Price
£295
Case size
46mm
Thickness
13.5mm
Water Resistance
5 ATM
Movement
NH series Japanese 21 jewel automatic

AVI-8 presentation is spartan but effective, with a thick cardboard box protecting the watch in transit. It is hardly a premium box but, like all things AVI-8, it punches above its weight at its price point. 

Case and Movement

A 46mm case is daunting even for the watch lover with an average-sized wrist like mine, but the AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes is surprisingly easy to wear for such a big watch. Short, curved lugs hold it firmly in place and even the large onion crown is surprisingly inconspicuous on the wrist. 

The fit and finish of the AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes case is, as always, excellent considering the price and I was pleased that the case back is engraved deeper than usual – which makes the attractive design easier to see. I mistakenly thought in my video that the watch uses a Miyota movement – it is in fact a Seiko NH-series movement running at 21,600bph. A good budget choice, but I’m increasingly seeing the better Miyota 9015 at this price point – perhaps AVI-8 could consider using a high beat movement in its special editions to further differentiate them from the standard product?

Dial and Hands

The dial is always the star of the show with AVI-8 watches and I am pleased to report they’ve knocked it out of the park once again. Three-dimensional dials are the speciality of this brand, and the sense of depth in this watch is superb – from the thick, applied numerals to the subtle texture of the camouflage pattern on the dial itself.

The date function is in just the right place – masterfully integrated into the design. Compare to the position of the date in last week’s Ovlo Manston and you can see how a bit of thought can overcome the limitations imposed on a dial design by the size of the movement.  The hands are simple but effective and the lume is excellent.

Strap and Buckle

AVI-8 make great straps – though I have recently seen some bonded straps like this one where the layers have split. The strap is interesting in that it’s 22mm wide at the lugs then tapers rather dramatically. It’s a well-made strap and better than most at the price this watch sells for. For me, it didn’t quite click – your mileage may vary.

 

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes – Video Review

What I Liked

What I Didn’t like

  • The multi-layered dial is exceptional
  • More wearable than most 46mm watches thanks to its lug design
  • Great price with your WRUK 20% discount code
  • The size will exclude a lot of potential buyers
  • The strap didn’t feel quite right to me
  • I’d like to see the brand using a high-beat movement in its special editions

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes – The WRUK Verdict

Always remember that AVI-8 let reviewers keep their watches and that I get a percentage of sales I refer with the WRUK discount code. I’ve criticised quite a few of AVI-8’s watches so I hope I come across at least somewhat impartial in my review of their watches. 

The AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes is a really nice watch that adds just enough of a twist to the standard Flieger design to justify adding it to your collection. It’s a big  watch- so bear that in mind if you have a smaller wrist – but if you can pull it off I think it’s a worthwhile buy.

Buy an AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic

You can buy this watch from AVI-8 Watches – Use our link and AVI-8 discount code MICHAELRICHMOND20 for 20% off stocked non-discounted lines.

 
 

By Mike Richmond

Mike spends what little spare time he has writing for WRUK; and what little money he makes building up his collection of timepieces.

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