Обзор коллекции часов AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II, вдохновленных легендарной авиацией
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II watches are always amazing. AVI-8 builds watches inspired by famous aircraft, paying homage to the engineering breakthroughs of each plane and the exploits of those who built and flew them. Their designs are unquestionable unique and we are always in awe. Although the inspiration for most AVI-8 watches are historical aircraft, the Hawker Harrier II is a modern plane still in use today. Known for its vertical take-off and landing capabilities (VTOL), it’s one the most visually distinctive and recognisable jet fighters of its time.
История и концепция серии
The Avi-8 AV-4117 Hawker Harrier HUD Automatic echoes the Hawker Harrier’s HUD. If you’re not down on your aviation lingo, a HUD is your heads-up display — essentially an overlay of information on top of your primary visual stimulus. In order to create this impression on the watch, the various indicators and markings of the HUD are printed onto the mineral glass, hovering above the dial to create the signature layered appearance.
Другая модель, AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Blue Nylon Limited Edition, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Atlantic Air Race which was held in 1969. The group was making preparations for Lecky-Thompson’s attempt to enter the Transatlantic Air Race, which involved pilots flying from London all the way to New York. The pilot would go on to win the race, successfully flying his Harrier XV741 across the Atlantic to take home first prize.
Технические характеристики моделей
Ниже представлены основные параметры популярных моделей коллекции Hawker Harrier II:
| Модель | Диаметр (мм) | Толщина (мм) | Механизм | Водонепроницаемость |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AV-4056 | 43 | 12 | Miyota FS80 Quartz | 5 ATM |
| AV-4117 HUD | 44 | 15 | Seiko NH35 Automatic | 5 ATM |
| Blue Nylon LE | 44 | 13.5 | Miyota 8 series Automatic | 50 m |
| AV-4047 Pegasus | 45 | 13 | Miyota Automatic | 5 ATM |
Особенности дизайна и материалов
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II AV-4056
The model AV-4056-03 features a 316L Stainless steel case in black colour. The dial will hit you straight in the face — there is so much going on and it is beautiful. On the outer index you have your classic tachymeter counter. Each colour accent contrast each other as the numerals on the index. The gold accent from the index, brushed stainless steel casing and green strap combine really well together. The minute and hour hands are similar to Plonguer hands.
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier HUD Automatic (AV-4117)
It’s broad and industrial with a gunmetal grey tone to the steel with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. Adding to the technical appearance is a bi-directional, internal rotating bezel that’s very easy to manipulate with the crown at 2 o’clock, it also has a turbine texture that evokes images of the Harrier’s engines. The typography on the dial is also reminiscent of the plane’s digital display.
AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Blue Nylon Limited Edition
The dark stainless steel case is 44mm in diameter. The skeletonised or openworked dial is inspired by the Harrier XV741 it was named after. AVI-8 used blueprints of the famed Harrier to design each component, to evoke the feel and look of the plane’s fuselage. The caseband has the plane’s takeoff and landing coordinates etched into both sides. Turning to the rear, the exhibition back shows the custom rotor which takes the form of the turbine from the Harrier’s Rolls Royce Pegasus engine.
AV-4047 Pegasus Concept
The AVI-8 AV-4047 Pegasus Concept watch deconstructs the traditional concept of the pilot watch. The engineering of the Pegasus Concept watch is on full display with its several layers and moving parts. The case is crafted from Marine Grade 316L stainless steel. The bezel is circular brushed, the top of the lugs is satin-finished, and a nice polished bevel runs on the sides of the lugs.
Функциональность и механизмы
The AV-4056 is a retrograde quartz chronograph with a second sub dial at the 6 o’clock position and a chronograph minute hand. While the Hawker Harrier plane is powered by the Pegasus engine, the AV-4117 is powered by the Seiko NH35 automatic — it’s a time-and-date calibre with a 41-hour power reserve. The Blue Nylon Limited Edition is powered by a modified Miyota 8 series automatic movement which features 21 jewels and a beat rate of 21,600 vph.
Visibility is great and you can definitely notice the intricate details. These watches are a great entry-level offering for military aficionados worldwide, balancing accuracy, reliability and accessibility perfectly.