In the case of aviation-inspired timepieces that marry heritage with modern type, AVI-8 not often places a foot mistaken—and the Hawker Hurricane Baldwin Computerized in Darkish Khaki (£288) is a main instance of their prowess. Taking design cues from certainly one of WWII’s most celebrated plane aces, Wing Commander John Robert Baldwin, this watch is a becoming tribute to these daredevil skies of yesteryear. And, fairly frankly, we will’t cease ogling its militaristic aesthetic and rugged allure.
Proper off the bat, the dial is certain to catch your eye. Styled with arms and a dial body impressed by the instrument panel of the enduring Hawker Hurricane, it instantly calls to thoughts the meticulous gauges and controls of a classic fighter aircraft. Sporting a Khaki colourway, the dial provides a refined nod to navy fatigues, and the utilized indexes with Swiss Tremendous-Luminova convey readability, whether or not you’re strolling by way of metropolis streets or on a late-night mission.
No much less spectacular is the 42mm chrome steel case, which feels sturdy but not overly chunky on the wrist. At 15mm thick, it’s obtained a reassuring heft, however nothing that’ll weigh you down. Peek beneath the sapphire lens, and also you’ll see a crisp, legible show—whereas round again, the exhibition case again reveals the watch’s beating coronary heart: a Japanese automated motion accompanied by a customized rotor harking back to the Hawker Hurricane’s roundel. It’s the kind of element that will get watch aficionados grinning from ear to ear.
For individuals who pay as a lot consideration to consolation as they do design, the 22mm real leather-based strap is an actual winner. Its Khaki hue ties in completely with the dial, and the stitching sample harks again to the seat design of the Hawker Hurricane itself—upping the watch’s authenticity credentials. The pull-out crown and 5 ATM water resistance (sufficient for on a regular basis put on) imply that this isn’t only a fairly face; it’s constructed to deal with life’s little adventures with aplomb.
One of many coolest points of this watch is the small seconds subdial on the 4 o’clock place, which provides simply the correct amount of visible intrigue with out cluttering the general format. The Hawker Hurricane Baldwin Computerized can also be surprisingly wallet-friendly at £288—a welcome bonus when you think about the sapphire crystal, automated motion, and top-notch detailing on present.
All advised, AVI-8’s Hawker Hurricane Baldwin Computerized stands as a dashing, aviation-inspired timepiece that’ll ring a bell with followers of classic navy aesthetics. With a backstory steeped in WWII ace-level heroics and a construct that exudes high quality, this watch is greater than only a humble wrist accent—it’s a wearable piece of historical past that refuses to fly below the radar.
Leo is the proprietor of The Coolector and writes in regards to the stuff he loves. And a few stuff that he merely likes.
