It has been a while since we review an AVI-8 watch. The last review we done for the brand was for the Dambuster. The brand has added to their collection and it is the AVI-8 Bell X-1. This collection is inspired by the pioneering spirit of the X-1 aircraft, famously known for achieving the first human-piloted supersonic flight on October 14, 1947. This timepiece a timeless tribute to the daring pioneers who pushed the boundaries of aviation.  The model we will be reviewing is the Jet Black.

Features

CASE

Material : 316L Stainless Steel
Lens: Sapphire Glass
Diameter (mm) : 41
Thickness (mm) : 13
Indexes: Swiss Newlite Luminous

STRAP

Material : Black Rubber/ Leather Strap With Strap Buckle

MOVEMENT

Type : (Seiko) NH35

OTHER INFO

Water Resistance : 5ATM

Unboxing

First Impression

The jet black and the orange colour theme is brilliant. It make the watch very appealing and it just looks good. The octagonal shape of the casing is very different to AVI-8 norm but it really goes well on the AVI-8 Bell X-1. We also like the two tier dial with a the main dial at the center of attention. So far, we love the watch and we really hope it continues…

Dial

This is the main show of the watch. Starting with the outer index, it is has the regular batons, in differing sizes, for the minutes and hours. The outer index is placed at a higher level than the main index. In a way it helps to focus our attention to the main index.

Moving inside you get the index. Finished with a textured background, there are numerals in interval of fives. The numbers are small but do have a 3D effects and this helps it to pop out from the dial. The the twelve o’clock position, you have a large ‘0’ and a large ‘6’ at the 6 o’clock position. It helps to breakaway from the smaller numbers and add a bit more boldness to the watch.

Love the branding at the 9 o’clock position. It does not get in the way of the purpose of the dial and looks well in place.

Sword hands have been used for the hands and they have been given a luminous coating. They do go well with the overall message of the watch and and fits the homage of the Bell X-1.

Legibility is perfect but this cannot be said for the the date window located at the 3 o’clock position. The date window uses a black background with orange numbers and it gets lost within the dial. Using a colour other than black for the background would have helped with legibility.

Swiss Newlite has been applied to the index and numerals, and visibility during low light is perfect.

Casing

The AVI-8 Bell X-1 has a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 13mm. It is on the larger side, but given the octagonal shape, it goes not too big on the wrist. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, and the a curve lugs, this also add to the comfort and rest on the wrist. The jet black colour is a perfect colour for this watch. The orange helps with the black, vice versa, and the 316L stainless steel used is smooth to the touch.

We have a Sapphire Lens and this a great choice. Strong, durable and minimal reflection from all angles.

We absolutely love the back casing. The main reason is the custom rotor used. It looks like a holes at the bottom of a piston. The use of the orange on the rotor also add to the homage of the Bell X-1 jet fighter plane.

The crown themselves are of a decent size and easily controllable. It is ‘hidden’ and protected with a cut on the casing, and it does help with comfort and it does not press against the wrist.

Movement

The NH35 movement is popular with AVI-8 watches and we have come across this movement many of times. It is a strong entry movement and we can expect a time accuracy is between  -20 to +40 seconds a day under normal conditions. It has 24 jewels and 41 hour power reserve.

Given the price of the watch, the NH35 is a good movement.

Strap

The strap is made up of two parts. One the outer surface you have a leather finish and underneath of have a rubber material. A quirky combination but it works well on the AVI-8 Bell X-1. The rubber part allows the strap to wrap well around the wrist and it is comfortable for sure.

There are enough holes available, so if you have a small wrist, there is no need to worry.

Buy, Shortlist or Avoid?

As always, we have to discuss the price before making our final judgment. Priced at $354, it is on the mid price range. However, given the quality of the watch, the colour theme and the overall aesthetic of the watch, we have to say this is a buy. The watch just looks good on the wrist and also feels good. We love the octagonal shape and the quirky strap.

Do not forget to subscribe to New Labels Only and do follow New Labels Only on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Youtube   @Newlabelsonly where New Labels only is most active!