As we near closer to the end of 2023, we want to end the year of a high. We have reviewed multiple AVI8 watches over the year and the most recent being the Hawker Typhoon RB396. This time we will be reviewing the AVI 8 Watches Dambuster. This is a limited edition watch, limited to 1750 watches, with 350 limited release per model and the model we will be reviewing is the Onyx Black.

The release of the Dambuster is to celebrate the anniversary of the 617 RBL Squadron. 2023 year marks the 80th anniversary of a momentous event in history – the Dambuster Raid. On May 16-17, 1943, the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force embarked on a daring mission that showcased unparalleled bravery and technical brilliance.

Features

MOVEMENT	Japan Quartz Chronograph, M-SII-VH60
CASE MATERIAL	Stainless Steel
CASE SIZE (mm)	43
CASE THICKNESS (mm)	14
DIAL	Multi-layered Dial
LENS	Mineral Lens with Anti-Reflective Coating
INDEX	Applied Swiss Luminous
BAND MATERIAL	Genuine Leather Strap
BAND WIDTH (mm)	22
Buckle	Strap Buckle
WATER RESISTANCE (atm)	5
WEIGHT (g)	80

First Impression

We cannot fault the packaging. It is your standard AV 8 box with the theme of the watch embedded in the colours. First look of the watch, it is a bold looking watch and large numerals and hands. The poppy at the 12 o’clock position is a nice touch and a heartfelt homage to the heroic sacrifices made. The colour theme of the black and silver casing goes very well and the RBL colour on the strap bands is another nice touch.

Unboxing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIJzFWpb4GQ

Dial

Best place to start is the dial. The AVI 8 Watches Dambuster has a multilayered dial. The first layer is the outer index. it is simple and as with previous AVI 8 watches, the outer index is made with small batons. Moving inside, we have the large index. Mixed with batons and numerals, the inner index is quite large. The batons are located on the five minutes interval, while the numerals used make the ten minutes interval. The AVI 8 Watches Dambuster indexes follows the same design as the RB369. Moving further inside, there is a roundel effect going around the circumference of the dial. A lovely feature, but this may go amiss if you do not pay attention to detail.

At the 12 o’clock position, the poppy is at the center of attention and this is a great feature to pay homage to the Service Men and Women. At the 3 and 9 o’clock position, you have 2023 an 1943 on each end to show the anniversary year of the 617 Squadron. Furthermore, mention of the 617 Squadron is also located at the 6 o’clock position. Despite having these attributes to the Dambuster Anniversary, they are not overpowering and taking over the dial. They are out of the way and blend in with the colour and theme of the watch.

The sub-dial located at the 6 o’clock position has a blend of colour to break away from the black background. The bottom half of the sub-dial has a lighter background compare to the upper half. A small blue hand has been used and this goes with the RBL colour theme.

The hands have an arrow hand design. They are large, but given the large dial and index, it suits the watch. The hands have also been given Swiss luminous coating, and they work brilliantly. To make the watch ore special, the end of the second hand is a design of a poppy.

Casing

The AVI 8 Watches Dambuster is large, with a dial size of 43mm by 14mm. Yes, this watch will take a lot of space on the wrist but that is a good thing. This watch oozes confidence and boldness and it has to be shown with the large dial.

Using 316L stainless steel is a must for this watch. Durable and strong, and keeping it a shiny finish, goes well with the black dial and strap. The lugs are curved, which is useful with comfort and fitting. The 14mm width is questionably large but having the curve lugs which drops down at an angle helps with the casing to sit on the wrist.

Another special feature and homage to the RBL is on the crown. There is a poppy at the tip of the crown. Using teeth cut design and given its large size, manipulating the crown is not an issue at all. Even with its large size, the crown does not get in the watch and does not press against the wrist. Comfort is perfect.

Mineral lens with anti-reflection has been used. We want to say that reflection is at its minimal but glare and reflection was a bit much when filming the unboxing video. To showcase the multilayered dial, the lens is domed. Perfect feature to bring your focus at the center of the dial.

To finish off, the back casing has been engraved with RBL logo.

Movement

Powering the AVI 8 Watches Dambuster is a Mecaquartz M-SII-VH60. It is a dependable and accurate workhorse movement. You can expect a time accuracy of ±10 seconds/month and the life expectancy of the battery is 3 years, subject to usage.

Whilst the Mecaquartz is good choice for the movement. We think a solid automatic watch would have suited the watch better. The watch already has the thickness to sustain an automatic movement. Probably one for the future.

Strap

Genuine leather is expected and delivered on the watch. It wraps around the wrist well and sits well. The strap does not need breaking into, which is a massive plus, given its thickness. One interest feature of the strap is that is slims down from the lug. It is larger near the lug but gets slimmer, 22mm afterwards.

Couple of downside to the strap. It will not fit smaller wrist. More holes is needed. Another downside is that it does not have any quick release pins.

The two bands are in the colour of blue and red, representing the RBL theme, another great touch from AVI 8

To finish off with the homage to the brave Service Men and Women, the top of the buckle as a poppy.

Buy, Shortlist or Avoid?

Easy answer to this one. A must buy for the avid watch collector. With the watch limited to 350 pieces, and commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Dambuster, you need to have this watch in your collection, otherwise you’ll need to wait for a while for the next Dambuster anniversary celebration. The RRP of the watch is $255/£255.

Also, £17 from every sale of the watch will go to the RBL charity, to which AVI 8 has already raised £55,000 already.

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