A Timeless Tribute: The AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition Watches

AVI-8 has built its reputation on meticulously designed timepieces that serve as wearable tributes to aviation history, capturing the spirit of iconic aircraft and the daring pilots who flew them. Now, they turn their attention to a pivotal moment that forever changed the course of history, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day – May 8, 1945. The AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition capsule collection is a powerful collection that pays homage to the aircraft, the pilots, and the enduring symbols of triumph that marked the official end of World War II in Europe.

This limited-edition collection features three distinctive models, each honouring a legendary aircraft that played a crucial role in securing Allied air superiority: the P-51 Mustang Patriot Automatic, the Spitfire Type 300 Automatic, and the Hawker Hurricane Kent Automatic. The legacy of these iconic machines is intricately woven into the design of each timepiece.

The collection is offered in two evocative colourways that reflect the era’s aesthetics – sepia tones reminiscent of wartime newspaper clippings, and deep navy and military browns drawing from pilot uniforms. The dials across the collection feature a wealth of subtle yet powerful references, ensuring that every detail tells a story of that historic moment. In the brown and beige variants, the fully luminous dial ensures clarity even in low-light conditions.

At the heart of each timepiece lies a tribute to the defining moment of VE-Day. Look closely, and you’ll see that on the date wheel, the number 8 is cleverly replaced with a bold “V”—a direct nod to May 8th and Churchill’s iconic “V for Victory” salute. The dial also incorporates Morse code for the letter ‘V’ (three dots and a dash), echoing the triumphant message that resonated globally. Further homage is paid to the date, with the markers at 8 and 5 o’clock subtly emphasised to symbolise May 8th, 1945. On the Hawker Hurricane Kent Automatic and P-51 Mustang Patriot Automatic models, the seconds hand is specially designed with a “V” hand sign, a striking and literal reference to victory etched into every tick of the watch.

The symbolic touches extend beyond the dial. The front of the dial proudly bears the outward-facing “V” sign, universally recognized as a symbol of victory, while the caseback features the inverted “V”—a poignant reminder of the struggle and defiance that led to this historic triumph. Even the strap holds a hidden tribute; its underside is subtly engraved with the musical notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, often called the “Victory Symphony,” which famously begins with a motif mirroring the Morse code for “V”—a theme synonymous with the Allied war effort. Beyond these intricate historical details, the collection embodies AVI-8’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship with robust Japanese automatic movements and durable sapphire lenses, serving as both functional tributes and wearable pieces of history.

This limited-edition capsule collection is a powerful reminder that time never forgets. Following a global unveiling on May 8, 2025—the very day history was made—the AVI-8 VE-Day 80th Limited Edition capsule collection launches very soon, on May 16, 2025. Available at a price point of £390, these watches offer a compelling way to wear a piece of history on your wrist, blending intricate storytelling, aviation heritage, and solid watchmaking into a collection of significant meaning and value.

---