AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Pegasus

In the sphere of aviation-inspired watchmaking, the British brand Avi-8 has carved out a distinct identity since its founding in 2012. Rather than producing generic pilot watches, the brand delves deep into the annals of aeronautical history, dedicating its collections to specific aircraft, the stories of their crews, and the groundbreaking engineering that made them legendary. This commitment to narrative and detail is vividly expressed in their latest offering, the Hawker Harrier Pegasus Automatic Limited Edition, a timepiece that channels the formidable power of one of aviation's most revolutionary engines.



The true inspiration behind this watch is the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, a marvel of turbofan technology that granted the iconic Hawker Siddeley Harrier its unique and history-making capabilities. This was not just another jet engine; it was the key to vertical and/or short take-off and landing (V/STOL). The ability to direct thrust downwards for vertical lift, hover in mid-air with precision, and then seamlessly transition to high-speed forward flight was a paradigm shift in military aviation. The Pegasus engine represented a pinnacle of ingenuity, and it is this spirit of audacious engineering that AVI-8 aims to capture.



Visually, the Hawker Harrier Pegasus is an assertive and moody statement. The entire timepiece is rendered in a deep, uniform black, from the case to the dial and strap, creating a stealthy and modern profile. This monochromatic approach immediately draws the eye to the complexity and texture of the dial, which serves as the centerpiece of the watch's design narrative. It is a watch that forgoes bright colors in favor of form and shadow, demanding a closer look to appreciate its intricate construction.



The dial itself is a masterclass in thematic design, eschewing a simple flat surface for a multi-layered construction that directly mimics the appearance of a jet turbine. A series of sculpted blades radiate from the center, creating an incredible sense of depth and mechanical realism. This is not a mere printed image but a three-dimensional structure that plays with light and shadow, changing its appearance as the watch moves on the wrist. The effect is one of looking directly into the maw of a powerful engine, a design choice that is both bold and captivating.



At the 4:30 position on the dial resides the watch's most dynamic and defining feature: a small seconds subdial designed as a constantly rotating turbine wheel. This element brings the entire engine concept to life, providing a continuous, visual heartbeat for the timepiece. As the seconds tick by, the miniature turbine spins, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that reinforces the connection to the Pegasus engine. It is a clever and engaging complication that transforms the act of time-telling into a kinetic experience.



Surrounding the complex inner dial, the primary time-telling elements are designed for clarity without disrupting the aesthetic. Simple, printed indices mark the hours, treated with Swiss Newlite for visibility in low-light conditions. The hands are clean and functional, ensuring that despite the dial's intricate background, the core function of the watch remains legible at a glance. The balance between ornate design and practical readability is carefully managed.



The case of the Pegasus Automatic is crafted from stainless steel, coated in a resilient black finish that matches the rest of the watch. It is a substantial piece of hardware, measuring 44mm in diameter with a thickness of 16.5mm. These dimensions give the watch a significant and commanding presence on the wrist, appropriate for a timepiece inspired by such a powerful piece of military machinery. The lug-to-lug measurement of 52mm further emphasizes its size, suggesting it is best suited for those who prefer a larger, more modern watch profile.



Attention to detail extends to the caseback, which offers another nod to the watch's aeronautical roots. Instead of a simple solid backing, the design features a pattern that echoes the turbine blades seen on the dial, providing a cohesive design language that wraps around the entire piece. Engraved around the perimeter are the essential specifications, confirming its stainless steel construction, sapphire crystal, and status as a limited edition "Harrier Pegasus" model.



Protecting the intricate dial is a flat sapphire lens. Chosen for its superior scratch resistance, second only to diamond, sapphire ensures that the face of the watch remains clear and unmarred through daily wear. Furthermore, the crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating, a crucial feature that reduces glare and enhances legibility, allowing the owner to appreciate the detailed dial work without distracting reflections.



The crown, located at the traditional 3 o'clock position, is a pull-out type. This design choice is straightforward and functional, allowing for easy setting of the time. Its size and texture are designed to be proportionate to the case, providing a solid grip for adjustments while integrating smoothly into the overall robust and tool-like aesthetic of the watch.



At the heart of the Hawker Harrier Pegasus is a Miyota 8 series Japanese automatic movement. This caliber is widely respected within the watch community as a reliable and durable workhorse. As an automatic movement, it is powered by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, which causes a rotor inside the watch to spin and wind the mainspring. This eliminates the need for batteries and creates a more intimate connection between the owner and the mechanical nature of their timepiece.



The choice of the Miyota 8 series speaks to AVI-8's mission of delivering value. These movements are known for their dependability and ease of service, ensuring that the watch can provide accurate timekeeping for years to come. The movement powers the main hour and minute hands, as well as the signature spinning turbine small seconds, executing its functions with precision.



The watch is secured to the wrist by a 22mm black genuine leather strap. The strap features a distinctive padded and ribbed design, which adds to the technical and pilot-oriented character of the piece. This textural detail complements the turbine motif of the dial and provides a comfortable wearing experience. The black leather is versatile and reinforces the all-black styling of the watch head.



Water resistance for the Pegasus Automatic is rated at 5 ATM, which translates to 50 meters. This level of resistance means the watch is protected against everyday encounters with water, such as rain, splashes from hand washing, or accidental brief submersion. It is not intended for swimming or diving, but it provides ample peace of mind for daily wear and tear.



With a total weight of 110 grams, the watch has a noticeable but not overbearing heft. This weight contributes to the feeling of a solid, well-constructed object, reinforcing the quality of the stainless steel case and the mechanical movement within. It feels substantial on the wrist, consistent with its bold design and military inspiration.



The AVI-8 brand itself operates on a philosophy of deep engagement with its subject matter. The team's stated mission is to move beyond the surface-level aesthetics of pilot watches and instead explore the form, function, and history of specific aircraft. This process involves collaborations with pilots and engineers, ensuring an authentic translation of aeronautical concepts into horological design.



This approach is about storytelling. Each AVI-8 collection is an explicit homage, designed to bring the narrative of a particular plane or historical moment to life for the wearer. The goal is to create timepieces that are not only functional but also engaging and educational, fostering a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for aviation and watchmaking.



The Hawker Harrier Pegasus is a prime example of this philosophy in action. It is not just a black watch with a plane's name on it; every key feature, from the spinning subdial to the layered dial and turbine caseback, is a deliberate tribute to the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine. It embodies the brand's desire to produce timepieces that are relevant in their remembrance of human and mechanical heroism.



One of the most significant aspects of this release is its exclusivity. The AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Pegasus is strictly a limited edition, with only 500 pieces being produced for worldwide distribution. This scarcity immediately elevates its status from a simple production watch to a collectible piece. For enthusiasts of aviation or those who appreciate unique watch design, this limited run adds a layer of desirability and ensures that each owner is part of a very small club. The AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Pegasus Automatic Limited Edition, in the "Piston Black" colorway, is priced at $350 USD.



Case: Black stainless steel case, 44.0mm diameter, 16.5mm thickness, 52.0mm lug-to-lug. Features an anti-reflection coated sapphire lens and offers 5 ATM water resistance with a pull-out crown.

Movement: Miyota 8 series Japanese Automatic movement with 2 hands and a small second.

Dial: Black turbine-styled dial with printed indices using Swiss Newlite for luminescence. The small second is a spinning turbine wheel located at the 4:30 position.

Strap: 22mm black genuine leather strap.

Price: $350 USD

Reference Number: AV-4127-01

Notes: This is a limited edition of only 500 pieces worldwide. The design is a tribute to the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, famous for its use in the Hawker Harrier jet.