AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II

We first ran into the AVI-8 brand and, as their name would suggest, their line of aeronautically inspired watches, back at Outdoor Retailer.  They have a rather large collection, from a simple 3 hand field watch for about $150 to a full chronograph automatic movement with date for under $500. We opted to test drive something sort of in the middle.

The Hawker Harrier II (Model: AV-4051-03) is a large but not huge watch, coming in at 45 mm.   It has all the bells and whistles you could want on an every-day watch with a split timing chronograph and date display. It doesn't have an automatic movement, but the Japanese Quartz that it comes with is a proven workhorse.  The dials have an unmistakable aviation feel, taken to a whole new level when the 1/10 second dial at top of the watch rotates.  Two separate discs spin in opposite directions creating the effect of a spinning turbine.

It's ruggedly built watch with its case milled from stainless steel, a 5 ATM water resistance and a thick leather band. Yet, this watch is at home in the boardroom as it is on the hiking trail.  With it's highly polished surfaces, subtle color schemes and bold sharp design, it looks like a watch far more pricey than it is.  Coming in at only $270, you are getting a lot of watch for your money.