AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition

The Eagle Squadrons were American volunteers who flew with the Royal Air Force before the United States entered the Second World War, and AVI-8 marks their 85th anniversary with one bronze automatic per squadron, 175 of each. The black dial is for Gravesend, No. 71 Squadron, the blue for Southend, No. 121, and the green for Coltishall, No. 133, each fumé and carrying the squadron's motto, with the Eagle Squadron badge at 12, the squadron logo at 3 and the date at 9. Under UV light hidden words appear on the dial. The bronze case is 39 mm across, 15.05 mm thick and 48.5 mm lug to lug, which Fratello found chunky for a time-only watch but comfortable. The Miyota 8215 runs 42 hours and shows through a steel caseback, so it is not nickel-free. It comes with two leather straps, at $450.

Written 28 September 2026 from AVI-8 and Fratello.