AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition
AVI-8 honors the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe day with the new VE-Day 80th limited edition capsule collection.
On May 8, 1945, Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. Streets flooded with jubilant crowds, Churchill addressed the British nation, and the moment became etched in time as Victory in Europe Day—or VE-Day. Now, eight decades later, AVI-8 captures the spirit of this historic triumph in a meticulously designed timepiece collection that pays homage to the aircraft, the pilots, and the enduring symbols of victory.
The VE-Day 80th Limited Edition collection features three distinctive models, each representing an aircraft that played a pivotal role in the war: the P-51 Mustang Patriot Automatic, the Spitfire Type 300 Automatic, and the Hawker Hurricane Kent Automatic.
Each of the legendary aircraft these timepieces draw inspiration from were instrumental in securing Allied air superiority, and their legacy is now woven into the very design of this collection.
Designed in two evocative colorways, the watches reflect the era’s aesthetics, from the sepia tones of war-time newspaper clippings to the deep navy and military browns of the pilot uniforms.
The dials feature a wealth of subtle yet powerful references, ensuring that every detail tells a story. In the brown and beige variants, the fully luminous dial shines brightly in low-light conditions.
On the date wheel, the number 8 is replaced with a bold “V”, a nod to May 8th and Churchill’s iconic “V for Victory” salute. The dial also incorporates Morse code for the letter ‘V’ (three dots and a dash)—a message of triumph that resonated across radios and telegrams throughout the war. Further reinforcing the significance of the date, the markers at 8 and 5 on the dial are subtly distinguished, once again signifying May 8th, 1945.
The caseback is engraved with Winston Churchill’s stirring words from his speech on VE-Day: “This is your victory. My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” -Churchill, 8 May 1945.
In another deeply symbolic touch, the front of the dial bears the outward-facing “V” sign, universally recognized as a symbol of victory, while the caseback features the inverted “V”—a reminder of the struggle and defiance that led to this historic triumph.
Even the strap holds a hidden tribute—on its underside, the musical notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 are subtly engraved. This symphony, often called the “Victory Symphony,” famously begins with a motif that mirrors the Morse code for “V” (di-di-di-dah), a theme that became synonymous with the Allied war effort.
Beyond its intricate historical details, the VE-Day 80th Limited Edition collection embodies AVI-8’s dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and storytelling. With robust Japanese automatic movements, sapphire lenses, and aviation-inspired design elements, these timepieces serve as both functional tributes and wearable pieces of history.
The AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition capsule collection launches on May 16, 2025, following a global unveiling on May 8, 2025. Limited to 800 pieces across the collection.
More information available at AVI-8 Watches Website.
AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition Capsule Collection
Model: AVI-8 P 51 Mustang Patriot Automatic VE-Day 80th Limited Edition, AV 4082
Versions
AV-4082-03: Victory Shadow
AV-4082-04: Victory Cream
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 14mm
Sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating
Pull out crown
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
“V” Morse Code at 3H
Distressed Texture Indexes
Date “8” Replaced by “V” Hand Sign, a nod to May 8th
German Instrument of Surrender, signed on Karlshorst, Berlin at 22:43 local time
Strap
Genuine Leather Strap
Band width: 20mm
Movement
M-SII-NH35-VDBKCM
Japan Automatic with 2 Hands Date
Jewels: 24
Edition
Victory Shadow: Limited to 75 pieces
Victory Cream: Limited to 225 pieces
Warranty
2 Years
Recommended retail price (USD)
$350
Model: AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic VE Day 80th Limited Edition, AV 4073
Versions
AV-4073-01: Valour Midnight
AV-4073-02: Valour Canvas
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 14.8mm
Sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating
Pull out crown
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
8-5-1945
“V” Morse Code at 3H
“V” Hand Sign on Subdial, signifying Peace
Distressed Texture Indexes
Strap
Genuine Leather Strap
Width: 22mm
Movement
M-MIY-8245
Japan Automatic with 2 Hands / Small Second
Jewels: 21
Edition
Valour Midnight: Limited to 75 pieces
Valour Canvas: Limited to 225 pieces
Warranty
2 Years
Recommended retail price (USD)
$350
AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Kent Automatic VE Day 80th Limited Edition, AV 4094
Versions
AV-4094-05: Vanguard Black
AV-4094-06: Vanguard Beige
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 12.5
Sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
“V” Morse Code at 3H
Distressed Texture Indexes
Germany’s Unconditional Surrender at 23:01
Date “8” Replaced by “V” Hand Sign, a nod to May 8th
Strap
Genuine Leather Strap
Width: 20mm
Movement
M-MIY-8215-VDBKCM
Japan Automatic with 3 Hands Date
Jewels: 21
Editions
Vanguard Black: Limited to 50 pieces
Vanguard Beige: Limited to 150 pieces
Warranty
2 Years
Recommended retail price (USD)
$350
Please visit the AVI-8 Watches Website for more technical details, pricing and availability.
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