AVI-8 x Worn & Wound CVRT 3375A

The collaboration between a brand known for flamboyant, aviation-inspired designs and a creative studio revered for its austere, enthusiast-focused aesthetic creates a fascinating tension. The release of the Avi-8 x Worn & Wound CVRT 3775A represents a sharp deviation from the norm, signaling a pivot toward subdued functionality and technical precision. This project does not merely add a new colorway to an existing lineup; it reimagines what an accessible pilot’s watch can be when the superfluous elements are stripped away, leaving only the essential components of timekeeping. The result is a piece of equipment that feels less like a novelty and more like standard issue gear for a modern operator who values discretion over display.



At the heart of this project lies the concept of "CVRT," or covert. In a market often dominated by oversized dials and polished surfaces screaming for attention, this watch takes the opposite approach. It is designed to fly under the radar. The aesthetic is strictly utilitarian, borrowing the visual language of modern aeronautical instrumentation rather than the romanticized, retro-aviation cues often found in this price segment. It feels like a device pulled from a cockpit dashboard or a tactical gear bag rather than a jewelry case. The design philosophy championed by Worn & Wound Creative Services is evident in the strict adherence to geometry and the rejection of ornamentation. Every line, angle, and texture serves a purpose, creating a visual harmony that is brutalist yet refined.



The case dimensions are a critical aspect of the watch's identity and its appeal to the serious collector. Measuring exactly 37.75mm in diameter, the sizing is highly specific, suggesting a refusal to round up to the industry-standard 38mm or 40mm. This choice speaks to a deep understanding of wrist ergonomics and the current shift away from the "dinner plate" sizing of the last decade. With a lug-to-lug length of 46mm, the watch maintains a presence without overhanging the wrist, anchoring itself securely during activity. The 11mm thickness is equally considered, allowing the watch to slide easily under a cuff or a jacket sleeve, avoiding the snagging hazards common with taller, chunkier dive watches. This is a tool meant to be worn, not merely displayed.



Visually, the case presents a dark, monolithic profile. Constructed from stainless steel and treated with a hard coating, the exterior possesses a gunmetal-like sheen that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This matte finish is essential for a watch claiming a tactical heritage, as glare can be a liability in the field. The mid-case features a conical profile, which visually slims the watch further while directing the eye toward the dial. The lugs are angular and sharp, cutting a distinct silhouette that suggests precision machining. A closer inspection of the bezel reveals a two-piece construction with a knurled "bumper" edge. This texture not only adds a tactile element for gripping but also serves as a protective buffer, taking the brunt of impacts that might otherwise damage the crystal or the main body of the case.



The dial of the CVRT 3775A is a masterclass in legibility, prioritizing the immediate transmission of information. The surface is a deep, matte black, devoid of any sunburst effects or glossy finishes that could compromise readability. Against this void, the indices stand out with stark contrast. The typography chosen for the numerals is a technical sans-serif, reminiscent of the fonts used on altimeters and radar screens. The numbers are applied and filled with C3 Super-LumiNova, ensuring they are not just printed flat on the dial but have a three-dimensional presence. This raised application catches the ambient light during the day and provides a reservoir for the luminescent material to glow intensely when the environment darkens.



A particularly thoughtful detail is the inclusion of a raised chapter ring that encircles the dial. This ring is calibrated to 1/5th of a second, a nod to the precision of the movement within. The hash marks vary in line weight, creating a rhythm that guides the eye without causing clutter. The numerals at 15, 30, 45, and 60 on this outer track allow for rapid orientation and interval timing, a feature that pilots and field operators find indispensable. Between the four and five o'clock positions, a circular date window is recessed into the dial. By matching the date wheel color to the black dial, the window disappears when not in use, preserving the symmetry of the layout. This integration avoids the "hole punch" look that plagues many designs where a white date wheel disrupts a dark dial.



The handset continues the theme of functional aggression. The hour and minute hands are modified alpha shapes, broad at the base and tapering to a fine point. They are fully lumed, ensuring that the orientation of the hands is unmistakable in low light. The seconds hand, a slender needle, features a red tip. This splash of crimson is the only vibrant color on the watch, providing a focal point that allows the wearer to verify the watch is running with a single glance. Seeing the seconds hand sweep smoothly around the dial offers a visual confirmation of the mechanical heartbeat inside, a reassuring sign in a tool watch.



Turning the watch over reveals a solid steel case back, a feature that purists often prefer over display backs on tool watches. The metal back provides superior protection against magnetism and structural stress. The engraving on the back is kept minimal and industrial, listing specifications such as the materials, water resistance, and movement caliber in a clean, block font. It resembles the data plate found on an engine block or a piece of military hardware. The text confirms the use of a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a mandatory specification for a watch intended to endure rough handling. The 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance rating is also proudly displayed, certifying that this instrument is capable of handling heavy rain, submersion, and surface swimming without compromising its internal seals.



Powering this instrument is the Miyota 9015 automatic movement. The choice of this Japanese caliber is significant, as it elevates the CVRT 3775A above the entry-level fray often populated by lower-beat movements. The 9015 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), which results in a smoother sweep of the seconds hand compared to the stuttering 3Hz beat of lesser engines. This high frequency also contributes to greater positional accuracy. With 24 jewels and a power reserve of 42 hours, the movement is a workhorse known for its reliability and serviceability. It offers hacking seconds, allowing the user to stop the watch precisely to synchronize with a reference time, and hand-winding capability, ensuring the watch can be kept running even during periods of inactivity.



The operational interface of the watch is centered around the crown, located at the four o'clock position. This placement is a deliberate ergonomic choice. By moving the crown off the traditional three o'clock axis, the designers have ensured that it will not dig into the back of the wearer’s hand during flexion, such as when gripping a control stick, a steering wheel, or a hiking pole. The crown itself is knurled to match the bezel, providing a sure grip even with wet or gloved hands. It is a pull-out type, which simplifies the operation compared to a screw-down crown, while still maintaining ample water resistance through robust internal gaskets.



The versatility of the CVRT 3775A is further enhanced by its strap options. The watch is supplied with two distinct mounting systems, allowing the user to tailor the aesthetic and function to the mission at hand. The primary option is a fitted black rubber strap. This strap is molded to flush-fit against the watch case, eliminating the gap between the lugs and creating a seamless, integrated silhouette. The rubber features a series of transverse ridges or vents, which not only add to the technical look but also facilitate airflow and water drainage. This makes it an ideal choice for aquatic environments or humid conditions where sweat and moisture management are concerns.



For those who prefer a more textile feel or a connection to military tradition, the package also includes a black nylon Mil-Strap. Unlike standard NATO straps that can add significant height to a watch, this strap is designed to be low-profile while offering the fail-safe security of a pass-through design. If a spring bar were to fail, the watch would remain attached to the wrist by the remaining bar. The nylon features a ribbed weave, adding texture and durability. The hardware on the strap is finished to match the case, maintaining the covert aesthetic. Swapping between these straps changes the personality of the watch from a modern diver to a classic field watch, doubling its stylistic utility.



The packaging of the CVRT 3775A is an extension of the product's ethos. It does not arrive in a polished wood box or a velvet-lined display case. Instead, it is housed in a rectangular metal tin that resembles a piece of military surplus equipment or a survival kit container. The exterior of the tin is a mottled, dark grey, looking as though it has already seen a tour of duty. The "AVI-8" branding is stamped onto the lid in a simple, utilitarian font. This packaging suggests that the object inside is a tool to be used, not a delicate artifact. Opening this tin feels less like unboxing a luxury good and more like issuing a piece of kit from the quartermaster.



The collaboration with Worn & Wound is not merely a branding exercise but a fundamental restructuring of AVI-8’s DNA for this specific model. AVI-8 has historically focused on narrative-driven watches that incorporate actual pieces of aircraft or overt references to famous planes like the Spitfire or Harrier. Those watches are often large, complex, and conversation starters. The CVRT, however, moves in the opposite direction. It focuses on the experience of flight and fieldwork rather than the machinery. It captures the focus required in the cockpit and the durability needed on the ground. Worn & Wound’s influence ensures that the specs appeal to the die-hard watch nerd—the person who cares about lug width, beat rate, and lume brightness—while AVI-8’s production capabilities ensure the price remains grounded.



The typography and branding on the dial are exercised with extreme restraint. The logo at 12 o'clock reads "AVI-8 CVRT" in a size that is legible but unobtrusive. There are no paragraphs of text on the dial describing the movement or the water resistance; that information is relegated to the case back. This cleanliness allows the negative space on the dial to play a significant role in the design. The balance between the printed elements and the open black space creates a sense of calm and order. In stressful situations, whether checking the time during a decompression stop or timing a navigation leg, this lack of clutter is a functional safety feature.



The integration of the date window deserves further analysis. Many enthusiasts bemoan the inclusion of date windows on field watches, arguing that they disrupt the symmetry. However, for a watch intended for daily wear and travel, a date function is highly practical. The solution found here—placing it at 4:30 and color-matching the wheel—is the best of both worlds. It is there when you need it, but it does not demand attention when you don't. The white printing of the date numerals is crisp and matches the font weight of the dial indices, showing a level of typographic consistency that is often missed in this price bracket.



The tactile experience of the watch is dominated by the interplay of textures. The smoothness of the sapphire crystal contrasts with the granular feel of the hard-coated case. The rubber strap is soft and pliable, yet grippy, while the nylon strap is dry and rugged. The knurling on the bezel and crown provides a satisfying friction against the fingertips. These sensory details contribute to the perception of quality. It feels dense and solid, weighing in at 127 grams. This weight is substantial enough to feel reassuring but light enough to avoid fatigue during long periods of wear.



The luminous performance of the CVRT 3775A is designed for longevity. Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 is widely regarded as the brightest standard grade of lume available, glowing with a distinctive creamy white in daylight and a potent green in the dark. The application on the hands and indices is thick and even. In a dark environment, the watch face transforms. The chapter ring fades away, and the floating indices and hands create a constellation of data points. This ensures that the time is readable in a movie theater, a dark cockpit, or a campsite in the dead of night.



This watch also addresses the concept of "GADA" (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) by bridging the gap between genres. It is not strictly a pilot watch, as it lacks a slide rule bezel or a chronograph. It is not strictly a dive watch, as the bezel is fixed (or at least appears to serve a protective rather than timing function) and it lacks a rotating scale. It is not strictly a field watch, as the styling is more modern and industrial. It occupies a hybrid space, capable of performing the duties of all three. It is rugged enough for the ocean, legible enough for the sky, and comfortable enough for the hike.



The AVI-8 x Worn & Wound CVRT 3775A is priced at $450 USD. This price point is aggressively competitive given the specification sheet. Finding a watch with a high-beat Miyota 9015 movement, sapphire crystal, custom tooling, and two quality straps for under five hundred dollars is becoming increasingly difficult in the current market. The watch is available for pre-order through the Windup Watch Shop and the AVI-8 website, with shipping expected to commence in December. For those seeking a reliable, low-visibility timekeeper that prioritizes specs and ergonomics over flash and heritage marketing, this collaboration offers a compelling new option.



Case: The 37.75mm diameter case is constructed from hard-coated stainless steel with a thickness of 11.0mm and a lug-to-lug length of 46.0mm. It features an anti-reflective coated sapphire lens, a pull-out crown located at the 4 o'clock position, and a solid steel case back. The design incorporates a two-piece bezel with a knurled "bumper" edge and offers water resistance up to 10 ATM.

Movement: The watch is powered by a Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic movement operating at 28,800 bph with 24 jewels. It features a 42-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, manual winding capability, and a quick-set date function.

Dial: The matte black dial features applied indices and hands filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 for high visibility. It includes a raised chapter ring calibrated to 1/5th of a second and a recessed, color-matched date window positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock.

Strap: The watch comes with two interchangeable options: a fitted matte black rubber strap and a black ribbed nylon Mil-Strap. The lug width is 20mm, and the straps are secured with custom hardware matching the case finish.

Price: $450 USD

Reference Number: AV-4141-01

Notes: This model was developed in collaboration with Worn & Wound Creative Services and is pronounced "covert." It is distinguished by its "bumper" bezel design and arrives in special edition metal tin packaging.