AVI-8 watches are always popular with our readers. One of the previous Flyboy models was one of our watches of 2018. Now the brand is back with a new release: the AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Chronograph AV-4076
Introducing the AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Chronograph AV-4076
This new timepiece pays tribute to the American volunteer fighter pilots who had served under the French command during the WW1, known as the Lafayette Escadrille unit. The unit was named in tribute to Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American revolutionary war.
Aside from the initial core squadron, other American volunteers would join the French air effort and their presence marked them as members of a wider Lafayette Flying Corps. The pilots serving came from a diverse background. Some were idealists and patriots, while others were adventurers. Nevertheless, they all sacrificed their lives and showed immense bravery and courage to volunteer in the face of America’s own neutrality during WW1.
For its new watch, AVI-8 has chosen design bookmarks from the late 1910s to 1920s, fused with modern watch mechanics. It has a 42mm pilot field case with a hardened mineral crystal that has both sapphire and anti-reflective coating. An “onion” style crown draws inspiration from early trench watches, and piston-like pushers finish off the tool-watch look.
AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Chronograph AV-4076 – First Impressions
Just like those from its sister brand, Spinnaker, AVI-8 watches are always well-built. We love the texture and details on the dial of the Lafayette, and the jubilee bracelet is a great extra touch which will put it a step beyond the brand’s previous offerings.
We are fans of the Japanese meca-quartz movement that has been selected for the watch (VK68) which has a smooth-sweeping central seconds hand with a 1/5 second tick when the chronograph is activated and a date is a welcome feature on a chronograph.
Buy an AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Chronograph AV-4076
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.