Watch brand AVI-8 presents a limited edition automatic timepiece as a tribute to the legendary P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft.
P-51 Mustang
The P-51 Mustang, built by North American Aviation (NAA), was arguably one of the greatest fighters of World War II.
The aerodynamically fluid lines of the Mustang’s new laminar flow wing decreased drag at higher speeds, maximizing performance.
By 1943, the Mustang had been equipped with the famed Rolls Royce Merlin engine which could also be found in the Supermarine Spitfires and the Hawker Hurricanes manufactured in Britain. In doing so, the resulting aircraft proved to be one of the most successful fighters to enter the war, serving in many different arenas of combat including Europe, the Mediterranean and the Pacific.
Its long range, lethal weaponry and incredible speed with outstanding maneuverability enshrined it in the history of military aviation. The fact that the Mustang remained in service with various Air Forces around the world well into the 1980s is a testament to its superb abilities.
The Bottisham edition pays tribute to 361st Fighter Group, United States Eighth Air Force, comprising the 374th, 375th and 376th Fighter Squadrons, which operated out of RAF Bottisham Airfield.
In particular the “Bottisham Four” was a famous photograph featuring four P51s in a majestic formation that became perhaps one of the most iconic representations of the eventual airborne superiority of the Allies in WW2.
AVI-8 P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham Edition
The watch that carries the AVI-8 brand into the realm of the P-51 is a suitably superb watch that imbibes aesthetic cues from the lines, details and form of the Mustang.
A 43 mm case features a curved crown guard with detailing that references the engine exhaust of the aircraft. The case has fine brush finishing on the bezel with articulated lugs that flow fluidly into the bulbous yet streamlined case shape. A slightly convexed scratch resistant sapphire lens tops the bezel, creating an altogether aerodynamic profile in shape and form.
The dial takes its cues from the cockpit and outer insignia of the Mustang. A multi layered dial offers up cutaway Arabic markers at the 3, 6, 9 and 0 hours with baton markers in-between. The effect is a clearly marked, no-nonsense dial layout that speaks to immediate legibility.
Each hour and minute marker, along with the sword shaped hands, are generously lathered with high grade Swiss lume for low light visibility and clarity. The genuine leather strap that hugs the wrist is custom designed and offers subtly stitched details to continue the overall aesthetic harmony of the watch.
For even greater versatility, each watch comes with an additional nylon and canvas, Velcro-release cuff-like strap. This option provides a snug, ever more comfortable and durable fit, ensuring that the P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham Edition is no mere souvenir but a truly robust piece of aviation inspired watchmaking.
Each watch is uniquely numbered as part of a limited edition of 1490 pieces. The P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham Edition is available via the AVI-8 website in an early release sign up to be followed by wider distribution across select retail partners worldwide.
The Bottisham Automatic comes with an additional nylon and canvas, Velcro-release cuff-like strap.
Please visit AV-8 online store for more details.
Technical details
Model: P-51 Mustang AV- 4069 Edition: Bottisham (Automatic) limited edition
Case
316L stainless steel case
Stainless steel see-through case back
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Case diameter: 43.0 mm
Case thickness: 13.0mm
Crown: Normal with fixed crown protector
Bezel: Fixed case bezel
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
Sandwich construction dial with Swiss luminous and applied indexes
Indexes: Deep embossed with luminous
Hands: Swiss luminous hands
Strap
Genuine leather strap
Strap width (mm): 22.0mm
Buckle: Tang buckle
Movement
Caliber NH35- TMI, Made in Japan
Automatic – 3 hands with date
24 jewels
Recommended Retail Price (GBP)
AV-4069-01: £290
AV-4069-02: £290
AV-4069-03: £305
Warranty
2 Years
Please visit AV-8 Watches online store for more technical details, pricing and availability.
