Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

In Review: AVI-8 Automatic Watches

January 7, 2014 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

AVI-8 Watches: Flyboy 4021 – $135.00 | Hawker Hurricane 4017 – $145

Despite taking styling cues from the RAF, there’s nothing truly British about this watch brand. At least… it doesn’t seem that way.

These have been starting to show up on flash-sale sites like GILT and others over the past few months, and now Amazon is starting to sell these direct as well. Aviation inspired with an eye-rollingly high “retail” price, quality can be solid… or… less than. Seems to depend on the model (more on that below). These might be a new competitor for Invicta, Stuhrling, and other brands that make entry-level automatics with cases from the land of “imported.” And who knows, maybe one of those brands actually makes AVI-8 watches… it’s awfully hard to tell.

AVI8 Watch Duo on Dappered.comLeft: The surprisingly sturdy Hawker Hurricane 4017
Right: The surprisingly flimsy feeling  Flyboy 4021

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane 4017 Series – $141 – $148

Easily the more solid of the two. Beastly 44mm case that’s good and thick. The movement is a Japanese Automatic (looks like some if not all are miyota) that winds up quickly, and feels solid to operate via the weighty crown. The hands move slowly but surely as you set the time, with the date peeking through a round instead of rectangular window. Seconds are shown opposite the date on a sub-dial. Odd, tonal RF(Roundel)E stamp isn’t necessary, but is easily ignored. Exhibition caseback on this model, and despite being British Aviation inspired, the case looks almost like an instrument you’d find on a Russian Submarine. But skip the water with this one. Water resistance is a not-so-hot 50m, and the crystal is mineral. Yet it feels, & looks, very well put together. Nylon strap option appears to be sold out. Also available with a leather strap.

AVI8 Hawker Hurricane on Dappered.com Thickums. Good weight, great feel, not all will like the styling.

AVI-8 Flyboy 4021 – $135.00

These on the other hand… steer clear. The styling of the dial is cleaner for sure (anyone else seeing the Oregon Duck “O” on this particular model below?) but they feel flimsy and cheap compared to the Hawker Hurricane 4017. Also equipped with a Japanese Automatic, the second hand on this one shutters like a cheap Timex. The crown doesn’t feel all that well anchored, and the “leather” strap might be one of the worst on the market. Paper thin. Case is ion-plated, a slightly smaller 43mm, and water resistance is again 50m. Mineral crystal as well.

AVI8 Green Dial Flyboy on Dappered.comQuack.

The Verdict:

A pass for most. Some style for sure, but not a ton of substance. Yet, at the low $100s, expectations aren’t crazy high either. The Hawker Hurricane is a bit like a heavyweight, automatic version of the (now discontinued?) Bulova 96A102. The Flyboy… needs some work. But with more collections/styles to pick from, including the more straightforward Hurricane 4016 series, these might pick up some style points in the future. Just make sure you know what the return policy is for wherever you’re buying from. And before you click “buy”… maybe comparison shop with a few more dependable brands like Seiko or Orient.

AVI8 Hawker Crown on Dappered.com

Filed Under: Reviews, Watches Tagged With: Automatic Watch, AVI-8, AVI-8 review, in person

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Idea starters including neck massages, pickleball, and a little Sherlock Holmes.

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

Why having Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT as stylists probably isn’t a great idea.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.