Time to Upgrade: AVI-8 Lafayette BLEU
Soar into 2021 with Lafayette BLEU
Watches do more than tell time- they make a statement. Having a strong and powerful watch, both visually and constructed it makes the best statement. Our crew recently tried out the Lafayette Chronograph Bleu watch by AVI-8 and elevated our watch game with a beautifully crafted and well thought out Chrono watch.
The team at AVI-8 is not new to making some of the best, durable, function-able, and comfortable men’s watches. Built on the inspiration and design originating from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world, these watches tell more than time: they tell a story. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. We tried out their Lafayette Bleu to see how this watch stands the test of time- and helps to tell it.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Our initial impression of AVI-8 starts with their platform and basis for making a lineup of quality watches. AVI-8's tribute to the Lafayette Escadrille is a true compliment to the spirit of the Flyboy, the colloquial term used to describe these dangerous, rakish, courageous and patriotic warriors of the sky. AVI-8 uses design bookmarks from the late 1910s to 1920s, fused with practical and modern watch mechanics and precision, to create timeless pieces of watch art.
When we initially opened the AVI-8 box housing our Lafayette Chronograph Bleu, we felt like we entered a whole new watch game- one we had not seen before.
The Lafayette Chrono Bleu from AVI-8 is one of the sleekest watches on the market in 2021.
FEATURES:
Movement: Japan Meca-Quartz Chronograph with Date and 1/5 Second
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Lens: Mineral Lens with Anti-Reflective Coating
Weight: 150g
Water Resistance: 5 (atm)
Band: Solid Stainless Steel Bracelet with Solid Fold Over Buckle with Safety Lock
The Bleu design features a Stainless Steel case design with a case size of 42mm and a case thickness of 13.5mm. The band is a tapered wear going from 22mm to 18mm as the bracelet hugs the case to the wrist for a snug and always comfortable wear. The solid steel color design and Blue background with gold numbering and dial display makes for a great color pop and attention draw to it’s detail. The Japanese High Beat Meca-Quartz Sweep hand chronograph movement display’s beautifully and the 42mm pilot field case is sensibly sized, topped by a domed hardened mineral lens with anti-reflective coat. The initial weight, detail work, and shape/size of this watch is perfect for any dressing up or casual wear look.
Our Initial crew Impression: Beautifully crafted and well displayed chronograph style watch
TESTING IT OUT
Within minutes of following the AVI-8 instruction manual for both sizing the bracelet and learning the button functions and features, we had the AVI-8 Blue secured and fastened on our wrist.
The watch’s “onion” style crown draws from early trench watches fashioned out of traditional pocket watches. The Piston like pushers operate and snap back reset the chronograph easily. As we started wearing the watch we could not take our eyes off the Art-Deco inspired fonts that mark each hour and the dial remains so clearly readable that it is hard to take your eyes off the display. The attention to detail is stunning: with the central dial layer’s subtle horizontal lines, our eyes were drawn to the Aviation nod of the wing pattern design from a Nieuport 17 (an aircraft flown by many members of the Escadrille).
The hour and minute hands are syringe like and meet a French Air Force roundel that has been carefully applied true to the commitment of the brand to reflect history and narrative into the detail of the watches. On the backside, the carved famed Indian head insignia of the Escadrille found on the Spad VIIs and other aircraft flown by them is subtle yet much welcomed touch of detail- We seriously feel bad-ass wearing this watch.
The AVI-8 choice of a Japanese High Beat Meca-Quartz Sweep hand chronograph really provides a pin-point split time accuracy to one fifth of a second. The stop-watch feature, dials, adjustment buttons, and display make adjusting, using, and viewing the BLEU very enjoyable.
The mash-up of circa 1920’s “Jubilee” style solid stainless steel bracelet and pilot watch design really works! It provides an excellent fit both aesthetically and functionally, completing the watch as both a historical wearable concept with an ever wearable watch for anyone. The watches tapering effect from 22mm to 18mm hugged our wrist very well and was comfortable for not only full day wear- but the evening out beyond that!
STANDOUT FEATURES
If sleek design, timeless quality, attention to detail, and one of the cleanest looks of any watch out there is not enough- we have some more key standout features worth noting:
The AVI-8 lineup comes with a 2 year warranty, hassle free returns, and FREE Shipping
Each watch is uniquely designed and inspired by Aviation and its deep history
The detail is insane- like providing pin point split time accuracy to one fifth of a second, the movement’s behavior is smooth and automatic
The BLEU gives you the freedom to move about the cabin- and swap out the bands for a variety of looks and feels
BONUS FEATURES
As a bonus feature, AVI-8 offers more than just the BLEU Chrono Style.
AVI-8 offers a wide range of watches themed after concepts such as Flyboy, Hawker Harrier, Hawker Hunter, P-51 Mustang, and SPITFIRE to name a few. In addition to this, they offer a wide range of bands and band colors to swap out the look for even more customization.
Overall duuude Factor: We can’t stop looking at this watch!
Price: $189 (Limited Special Pricing) on AVI-8
Readers can get a FREE Extra Strap with any full price purchase! **use code EXTRASTRAP
BRAND INFO
Founded in 2012, the AVI-8 brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer. The AVI-8 collection of timepieces seeks to honor both the aircraft and the untold story of the airmen who have dedicated themselves both in and out of the cockpit to bring these incredible machines to life.
“The vision is to produce watches that are functional yet enjoyable to wear, which also tell a story of both man and machine. We would like to be one of the most respected watch brands in the world by delivering unparalleled excellence in design / specification / value in an ever competitive market.”
AVI-8 offers a wide range of watches, straps, and great features for any watch guru (or newbie). Check out the collection over at AVI-8 and set your sights on some great products.
