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AVI-8 makes aviation-style watches that give you a lot of style and reliability without breaking the bank.
This Flyboy AV-4021-0D was on loan, and it comes in the Flyboy snap box with two NATO-style straps. It is a simple, attractive pilot watch with a Japanese automatic movement and blue lume. That exact model is no longer listed on Amazon, so the button goes to a current AVI-8 Flyboy automatic.
- Clean, traditional aviation design
- Two NATO straps included
- Blue lume on numerals, markers and hands
- 43mm is a great size on my 7.5-inch wrist
- NATO straps can look bulky with the long tail
- Black-on-black dial can get dark in dim light
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Unboxing
It comes in the Flyboy snap box, an olive drab nylon cloth case. On the pillow is the watch on a blue nylon NATO strap that matches the blue accents, and there is a second black leather NATO strap for a full blacked-out look.
Case and crown
I believe the case is steel with an IP (ion) plating, with a brushed look even on the bezel. The lugs flow into a very traditional case, and the old-school crown has a coin edge and a 3D AVI-8 roundel on the end.
Dial and movement
The black dial is slightly textured, with raised numbers and hour markers filled with blue-toned Super-LumiNova, plus sword hands, aviation-style crosshairs and a little red airplane on the second hand. The date window sits at 6 o’clock.
It runs on a Japanese automatic movement. I counted 21 jewels and think AVI-8 usually uses Seiko or Miyota. The screw-down case back is IP-plated too, with a crystal you can see the movement through.
About the buy link
The AV-4021-0D I reviewed is no longer listed, so the button goes to the AVI-8 Flyboy Airmaster GMT automatic in black, a current Flyboy automatic. It is a different model with a GMT function and a 40mm case, so check the listing for details.
On the wrist
At about 43mm, it is a perfect size for my roughly 7.5-inch wrist. NATO straps are not my usual style, and the extra strap can make them look bulky, but the black leather NATO really ties everything together.
A light tan, black or even blue leather strap would also look fantastic. For two or three hundred bucks you get a reliable automatic, two straps and a great look.
FAQ
How big is the AVI-8 Flyboy AV-4021?
About 43mm across and maybe 12 to 13mm thick.
What movement does it use?
A Japanese automatic with 21 jewels. I believe AVI-8 generally uses Seiko or Miyota movements.
What straps come with it?
A blue nylon NATO strap and a black leather NATO strap.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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