In a unique convergence of historical aviation horology and classic arcade gaming, watchmaker AVI-8 has once again partnered with the legendary video game developer Capcom. This renewed collaboration gives flight to a collection that taps directly into the heart of 1980s nostalgia, celebrating one of the most iconic titles of the era: 1942. The result is the AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic Capcom 1942 Pixel Limited Edition, a series of three distinctive timepieces that skillfully translate the 8-bit dogfights of the arcade screen onto the wrist of the modern collector. This release doesn't just tell time; it serves as a wearable tribute to a game that defined a generation and the aviation history that inspired it.
AVI-8 has carved a distinct niche in the watch industry by dedicating its craft to the spirit of aviation. The brand's identity is deeply rooted in commemorating the aircraft, pilots, and engineering feats of military air history, particularly from the 20th century. Each collection is typically a homage to a specific plane or squadron, with designs that incorporate subtle and overt cues from cockpit instruments, fuselage art, and the functional requirements of pilot watches. Their timepieces are known for their legibility, robust construction, and an aesthetic that honors the past while catering to contemporary tastes. This focus on historical storytelling through design makes their venture with Capcom a fascinating, if unexpected, pairing.
Courtesy of AVI-8
On the other side of this collaboration stands Capcom, a titan of the video game industry. Founded in Japan, Capcom became a household name during the golden age of arcades, releasing a string of hits that are now considered foundational to modern gaming. Among these was 1942, a vertically scrolling shooter that debuted in 1984. The game placed players in the cockpit of a "Super Ace" fighter, tasking them with battling through waves of enemy planes over the Pacific. Its straightforward, addictive gameplay and distinct pixelated graphics captured the imagination of players worldwide, securing its place in the pantheon of classic arcade titles.
The Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic Capcom 1942 Pixel collection represents a creative collision of these two worlds. It merges AVI-8's foundation in authentic aviation heritage with the stylized, digital reality of Capcom's game. It’s a project that speaks to those who grew up with a joystick in hand, spending countless quarters to achieve a high score, as well as to watch enthusiasts who appreciate a unique and character-driven design. This collaboration bridges the gap between the tangible heroism of WWII pilots and the digital escapism that allowed millions to experience a version of that thrill.
The most striking feature of these timepieces is undoubtedly the dial, which serves as a miniature battlefield lifted directly from the game. AVI-8 has painstakingly recreated the 8-bit aesthetic with a multi-layered, three-dimensional dial. The base is a grid of raised black squares, creating a pixelated texture that immediately recalls the low-resolution graphics of the original arcade cabinet. This textured foundation serves as the backdrop for the action, providing a sense of depth and complexity that invites closer inspection. It’s a design choice that is both bold and thoughtfully executed, ensuring the watch is recognizable from across a room.
Courtesy of AVI-8
Populating this pixelated landscape are familiar sprites from the 1942 game. The player's iconic twin-engine fighter plane is prominently featured, seemingly in mid-flight across the dial. This central element is joined by enemy aircraft and bursts of pixelated clouds or terrain, creating a dynamic scene frozen in time. The Arabic numerals marking the hours are themselves rendered in a blocky, pixel-style font, perfectly complementing the overall theme. Even the "AUTOMATIC" text above the 6 o'clock position is stylized to match the retro digital look, demonstrating a thorough commitment to the concept.
This collection is offered in three distinct colorways, each dubbed an "Ace." The "Onyx Ace" features a classic black dial, allowing the colorful pixel art and luminescent elements to stand out with maximum contrast. The "Azure Ace" presents a deep blue dial, evoking the ocean battlegrounds of the Pacific theater depicted in the game. Finally, the "Green Ace" uses a military green backdrop, reminiscent of the islands and landscapes players would fly over. Each colorway gives the watch a slightly different personality while retaining the core design language of the collaboration.
A key element of any pilot's watch is legibility, and AVI-8 has integrated this functional requirement with the playful design by applying generous amounts of Swiss lume. In low-light conditions, the dial transforms. The hands and the blocky Arabic numerals glow brightly, ensuring readability. More impressively, select elements of the pixel art itself are lumed, bringing the arcade screen to life in the dark. This feature enhances the feeling of looking at a retro game display, adding another layer of novelty and charm to the wearing experience.
Courtesy of AVI-8
The watch is housed in a robust stainless steel case that measures a substantial 46mm in diameter. This size gives the timepiece a commanding presence on the wrist, consistent with the oversized nature of historical pilot watches and providing a generous canvas for the detailed dial. The case features a clean, fixed bezel that keeps the focus squarely on the dial's intricate design. A subtle but important detail for fans is the "CAPCOM" logo cleanly engraved on the side of the case, officially marking this as a licensed collaboration.
True to its pilot watch inspiration, the timepiece is equipped with an oversized onion-style crown. This classic design element was originally developed to allow aviators to operate the watch while wearing thick flight gloves. Here, the pull-out crown provides a satisfying tactile experience and adds a touch of authentic aviation character to the otherwise game-centric design. It serves as a functional and aesthetic link to the Hawker Hurricane Clowes model that forms the base for this limited edition.
Flipping the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback with a special engraving. Unlike the pixelated art on the dial, the caseback features a more traditional, finely detailed line-art depiction of the "Super Ace" fighter from the game. This custom artwork is surrounded by key specifications and text confirming the watch's limited nature. Each caseback is individually numbered "000/200," reinforcing the exclusivity of the piece and its status as a collector's item for fans of both horology and gaming.
Courtesy of AVI-8
At the heart of the Clowes 1942 Pixel is a Japanese automatic movement. This self-winding caliber powers the three hands and the date complication, which is discreetly integrated into the dial at the 6 o'clock position. While the specific movement is not named, Japanese automatics are renowned in the industry for their reliability, durability, and excellent performance, making them a logical choice for a watch at this price point. The movement's self-winding nature means it is powered by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for a battery.
Protecting the intricate dial is a sapphire lens, the top-tier standard for watch crystals due to its exceptional scratch resistance. The sapphire is further enhanced with an anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and ensures that the vibrant, pixelated details of the dial are clearly visible from any angle and in various lighting conditions. This is a premium feature that underscores AVI-8's commitment to quality and functionality, even in a novelty-driven piece.
The watch is secured to the wrist with a 22mm genuine leather strap. The strap is designed in a rugged, pilot-inspired style, featuring contrast stitching near the lugs that adds to its utilitarian appeal. The choice of a thick leather strap provides a comfortable and secure fit for the large 46mm case and complements the watch's blend of military and recreational themes. It fastens with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring ease of use and reliability.
The technical specifications of the timepiece are well-suited for daily wear. The 46mm stainless steel case provides a solid and durable frame for the internal components. The water resistance is rated at 5 ATM, or 50 meters. This level of resistance means the watch can easily withstand splashes, rain, and brief accidental submersion, though it is not intended for swimming or diving. The combination of the reliable Japanese automatic movement and the robust external components makes it a practical as well as a visually unique timepiece.
Courtesy of AVI-8
This collaboration is a true limited edition, adding to its appeal for collectors. Production is strictly capped at 200 pieces for each of the three colorways: Onyx Ace, Azure Ace, and Green Ace. With a total of only 600 units available worldwide, the rarity of these watches is a significant factor. The brand's marketing tagline, "once gone, game over," aptly captures the fleeting opportunity to acquire one of these unique pieces of wearable nostalgia.
The AVI-8 x Capcom Clowes 1942 Pixel limited edition watches are positioned at an accessible price point, making them attainable for a broad audience of enthusiasts. Each of the three models is priced at $375 USD. The collection is set for a staggered global launch, becoming available in the US on October 9th, with the launch for Europe and Asia following on October 10th. Given the highly limited production run of just 200 pieces per colorway, prospective buyers will need to act quickly to secure their preferred Ace.
Case: 46mm Stainless Steel with a fixed bezel and oversized onion crown. Anti-reflection coated sapphire lens. Water resistant to 5 ATM. Case side engraved with "Capcom" and a custom engraved limited edition caseback.
Movement: Japanese Automatic with 3 hands and date function.
Dial: Black (Onyx Ace), Blue (Azure Ace), or Green (Green Ace) with a 3D pixel design inspired by the Capcom game 1942. Features pixelated Arabic numerals and hands with Swiss lume.
Strap: 22mm genuine leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle.
Price: $375 USD
Notes: This is a limited edition collaboration between AVI-8 and Capcom, with only 200 pieces produced for each colorway. The dial is a detailed, multi-layered recreation of the classic arcade game's visuals.