AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Chronograph

Beginning in 1916, a small group of American pilots – 38 to be exact – bravely flew for France during World War I before America even involved itself in the war later in 1917. Some have called them the “founding fathers of American combat aviation.” Which makes sense, considering how the 38 pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille later served as the very center of the US Army Air Service once it was formed in 1918.

Now, AVI-8 is paying tribute to these brave individuals with the release of their Flyboy Layette Edition Chronographs – boasting fine Japanese made Seiko precision quartz movement. Each handsome dial face is housed within a 316 L stainless steel case with a beveled mineral lens and is available in either cream, black or green with complementing dial cases and genuine leather watch bands. It’s this subtle vintage appeal alluding to early 20th-century pilot watches that make the Flyboy both an heirloom-quality timepiece and a portal into our past.  They’re available now and even come equipped with an AVI-8 leather card holder as well.

Purchase: $220