AVI-8 HAWKER HARRIER II Pegasus Concept
As many of you know, AVI-8 has been discussed a plethora of times on WatchReport.com by myself and a colleague. I have mentioned many times how much I admire their watch styles even though I am more of a dive watch guy, however, their newest release I tend to like just about as much. AVI-8 is very well known, dare I say cult following, for outstanding budgetary pilot watches, hence the company name. This model, the Hawker Harrier II (Pegasus Concept) is a whole other approach by the company which I applaud. I wouldn’t actually consider this model a pilot watch as much as their other designs as you will see as we move along in the review. It does have some basic specifications that are similar to other Hawker Harrier II models with a twist for telling the time. The Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept has a robust round 45mm case though still lightweight. The watch model comes in several different dial colors and case finishes so if the version pictured doesn’t suite your fancy check out the others on the website linked below the specs. The Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept is still currently in the preorder phase with traditional order to begin around December 12, 2016.
COLLECTION: HAWKER HARRIER II Pegasus Concept
MODEL: AV-4047-02
MOVEMENT: Automatic Japan
CASE: Stainless Steel
CASE DIAMETER (mm): 45
CASE THICKNESS (mm): 13
CASE SHAPE: Round
CASE COLOR: Stainless Steel
DIAL COLOR: White
BAND: Genuine Leather
BAND COLOR: Green
BUCKLE: Strap Buckle
BAND WIDTH (mm): 22
WATER RESISTANCE: 5ATM
WATCH WEIGHT (g): 120
WARRANTY: 2 Years International
Retail Price $443 – $468 USD
http://bit.ly/WR_AVI-8_PegasusWatch
Do I like everything about the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept? Almost. Do I dislike anything about the watch? Actually no unless I’m just get picky. Okay, I’m slightly contradicting myself, right? I guess it is probably easiest to start off by mentioning what could be improved upon with the watch, getting these aspects out of the way up front. When the numeric font is examined closely on the watch it could be refined a little bit more. However, to the naked eye, the font looks fine so I’m just being really picky. The watch could also use a screw down crown. I know this watch is not meant for getting wet but I have become so much more comfortable with the added peace of mind a screw down crown provides. So I’m just plain picky as you can see. Really neither of these aspects are deal breakers at all but thought I should point them out.
So, what do I like about the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept? Let’s start with the price point on the being an outstanding value in my book. What makes the watch a great value at $430 USD? Two key features go a long way toward making the watch a great value. First, is the timing complication. Rather than using standard hour, minute and second hands this watch is fitted with discs for both the hours, minutes and seconds. Is this a new concept? Not at all. However, the other watches that have incorporated this type of design, tend to cost at a minimum hundreds more and use the same fairly basic movement.
The disc design provides a very unique look that is guaranteed to foster a ton of conversation, I can attest to that for sure. The disc setup doesn’t always make it easy to tell the exact time especially if you are like me with some visual impairment. I tend to just tell the time by noticing how close or far away the blue indicator on the chapter ring is from a certain hour. If you have great visual acuity I’m sure telling the exact time will never be an issue. Next, the watch comes with a very clear sapphire crystal. I’m not certain if the crystal has an anti-reflective coating but admit taking photographs was not all that difficult as I didn’t have to fight much glare at least from the crystal. When these two very important aspects are combined with everything else I will mention briefly below, the $430 is extremely reasonable and an outstanding value.
The stainless steel case consists of both brushed and high polished finishes with no visible imperfections. The contrasting finishes dress up the watch quite a bit which will allow for the watch to be the perfect accessory in multiple venues. Dial work is another aspect that AVI-8 tends to produce well. Normally, dial stamping is fairly significant or consists of some nice textures. Not so much in this instance as far as the stamping goes, however, the complexity is so much more as the dial is constructed of five separate components including the timing discs. I have to admit I love the texturing and the subtle design on the face-plate. I really appreciate how AVI-8 incorporated the design of the harrier aircraft from the center out to the edges. I have to admit I was surprised at the lume as it is fairly decent. It does fades rather quickly so don’t expect too much in that area which isn’t a huge deal in my book for this style of watch.
The Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept is powered by a Miyota 8215. I know so many people are just not fond of this movement and I have to admit I am one of them. I would much prefer the Miyota 9015. However, most people tend to shy away from this movement as like me can not stand the erratic sweep of the second hand which is a typical symptom of this movement. In this particular case it isn’t so much of an issue because of the use of the discs even with the seconds complication. While the erratic nature is there still it just isn’t as in your face as with a normal second hand. Normally, a Miyota 8215 isn’t much to look at and display case backs are pointless. In this case, the movement is ever so slightly modified with a custom rotor as you will see in the photos. Good choice to use a display case back in this particular instance.
As with any watch from AVI-8, a great strap has become a foregone conclusion. So never fear, the Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept comes with a fantastic high quality 22mm green leather strap. The blue edges on the strap compliment the blue indicators located on the dial. The leather strap like always is finished off with nice hardware, a heavy duty signed thumbnail buckle. Strap length is never an issue with their straps and this particular strap will fit wrists well over 8 inches. I wish more watch companies put as much thought into their straps as AVI-8.
7 3/4 inch wrist
In the end, if you like something a bit different, you really can’t go wrong with the Hawker Harrier II Pegasus Concept. The watch provides a great looking simple case design, great looking dial, sapphire crystal and a slightly customized automatic movement. Adding in the complexity of discs for the timing complication, this watch is even more special in my book. I highly doubt you will be able to find a watch with this design at a better price. AVI-8 will continue to have a huge following that is for certain and I applaud their efforts with producing another great looking watch at a great value. As always, I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
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It is rare to find an ultra affordable watch with quality components and a nice design. At least not the quality most watch enthusiasts look for. Now, when I say ultra affordable, I know $150 is still considered a lot to the general public to spend on a watch, and while there are many Seiko and Citizen watches out there in this price range, I think this Momentum Torpedo Blast is a contender, not only in quality but also in design, that is if you like a dive watch. The Momentum Torpedo Blast is 44mm with a Seiko VX32G quartz movement, and in this instance an upgraded sapphire crystal for an extra $35, bringing the total price to $149. With that said, allow me to discuss this affordable diver in more detail.
