Is This AVI-8 the Top Gun, or a Goose?

[@TheSweede12]

Not my favourite watch however I think I like it a lot more than you do. If we all liked the same thing their would only be one watch. I appreciate your honesty Great video again

[@Snek03]

I actually love the dial! Very much reminds me of my fighter jet flying days(on Tom Clancy's Hawx cough cough)! The seconds hand looks great and is very easy to read when you figure it out. I also love that it combines both hour and minute numerals. It just really does a good job of simulating instrument panels including the angular plane. The lume does suck though. I wouldn't want to spend on this watch because I wouldn't wear it now, but I would've loved it as a teenager!

[@Jaseph2]

I appreciate that Jody’s reviews are honest. I also appreciate that he always mentions the good and the bad. I personally don’t think it’s such a bad looking watch, although I think there are better looking models. Also I think that AV-8 pieces aren’t really meant to be pilot watches, but try to capture the design of various aircraft. This is why many of them have control panel like designs.

[@lavasurfer22]

100% agree

[@derbagger22]

I quite like it. It's unique, it's stylish. I understand that a purist doesn't like it because legibility and clean looks are the name of the game. But many that aren't that stringent on those ideals will likely be complimenting you on it...

[@fatkev1983]

The RAF moved to a quartz Seiko 7A28-7120 chrono in the 80s... with a rather no nonsense and all business dial. In fact... the previous decade with the mechanical Valjoux 7733 powered chronos had a similar overall look. Dull blasted case finish to reduce reflections, black dial face, contrasting white hands and markings for improved low light reading and sub dials with multiple pushers to operate. I struggle to see how this watch represents the RAF in the 1980s in the slightest. I guess I'm.more upset at the use of the RAF name with little to no respect for the actual time pieces used throughout the decades. A total let down for me. Still got like as the video was still great.

[@kitabshah193]

For what it's worth I think it looks really cool. Which perhaps says more about me than the watch. I am a big fan of the super busy Citizen Skyhawk.

[@ZCherish]

Man, Jody when he doesn't like a watch is a tad scary...makes me feel like I did something wrong. I'm sorry...?

[@MrAdjaize]

AVI-OID

[@ZodiakAsHell]

hahaha

[@DeusNyx]

I see what you did there. Brilliant!!!

[@DeusNyx]

The 1920s & 1940s, look GORGEOUS!!!!! For a pilot watch, min, hours, seconds, and indices should all be lumed, or have some kind of lume. I'd take any Oris pilot watch over this 1980 version anyday. Oris kinda have that side of the market under thier wing. Great review, honest. I see what you mean by dogs breakfast, why no lume, why transparent half of it, why confuse the seconds hand... argh!

[@beats4you154]

I like it. Good price and original.

[@VulcanSpock]

I actually like the watch a lot, simply because it looks so different from the usual and conventional dial designs.

[@MoonfaceMartin88]

Neither a flightsuit and Ray Bans, nor shirtless with a volleyball? I am disappointed...

[@JamesMiller78]

Such a thorough review. Gives me more details to pay attention to.

[@memberberry6177]

If it were lumed like the picture, I'd actually love it.

[@redletterl78]

I’m somewhat surprised that I like all 4 designs! Perhaps this one less so, but they’ve got a solid theme going imo. Can’t speak to the long term quality, but I’d be happy to own one on specs and looks myself.

[@lupo1185]

Another find and honest review, much appreciated. Best Intro yet...my first thought on the watch "the crown is way to small", the second "why the secondshand isn't moving" until I realized, the white line being part of the dial-design. Fully agree, just a little overdone. I really like their "non hands-design" (I think the hawker-harrier...) with the moving discs. If they let you, you should review that one ;)

[@fondajames]

I actually really like the design lol unfortunately not enough to own but it is more appealing to me than the 40s and 60s dials they made

[@rick3670]

As you pointed out, the purpose of a pilot’s watch is for ease of legibility... not this hot mess of stylistic vulgarity that was consistent with the 80’s. Great movement, nice case, if someone likes it? Good for them! Me? I’ll stick with my Parnis mechanical, non-hacking, hand winding Flieger style watch. No complications, second hand at the 9 o’clock position, basic, bare-bones watch. Great review, Jody!

[@stevejamieson1613]

Couldn’t agree more. I bought the quartz AV-8 Hurricane in black PVD. Looked amazing online but reality is a different thing. I hate the dial with a passion that burns. It’s a rubbishy one piece mould injected thing with no applied indices. The lume has all the brilliance of an elderly firefly and the strap is as thick as a piece of brisket and as long as a Japanese WW2 midget submarine. I have worn it twice and I think that’s one too many times. I’ll be putting it on EBay as soon as I get the chance. Might do a KZbin of the thing first perhaps 🧐

[@chrispeek380]

The face is busy but actually the case and strap are one of the better looking combos I've seen, but I think your point stands dial-wise. It's obvious there's little historical reference and they are just making it up as an aesthetic grab bag.

[@sauerchild]

Hey dude..I just bought the Breitling Navitimer 92 UNITED STATES NAVY TOP GUN LIMITED EDITION FIGHTERS WEAPONS SCHOOL PIECE!.

[@diydad7704]

I passed at 3:25 when you mentioned the movement. Yes, a decent watchmaker can regulate it to something like +6 seconds but i bet ten times the price of this watch that it hasn't been done. Looking at their site i see watches that remind me of german Stowas while the Harrier series is a complete laugh. By the time you manage read these dials you crash into the runway. There is a reason why real military watches are simple, clear and straight forward and not toys like the Harriers.

[@lenpowell6647]

Hey hey....Got my first Seiko auto 5 today finally.1980 built with a7009A heart.Immaculate and all numbers match.Arrived running and am a serious honeymoon.I took your review weeks ago to decide to get one albeit the older internals.Swapped straps with the only rubber18mm to hand and love it.Owe it to your review kid.Cheers.Len.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Len! Enjoy.

[@Ram-jw9ry]

I don’t own one, but I have to say I don’t agree. It’s not that bad and the front dial isn’t rhat unattractive. I’m actually thinking of purchasing one. Regardless, nice review as usual bud. Thank you! Love watching your reviews all the way from Texas!

[@lavasurfer22]

I'm usually in agreeance with Jody. Not so much in this video though. I will admit that the watch is on the busier side, but it really isn't all that much. Especially when you take in consideration some of AVI-8's other designs (or numerous other watch brands). This watch still isn't my taste, but make the markers lume and opaque the transparent section and it will be on the right track.

[@jorritbekema386]

The dial is actually the only thing I like about this watch. Miyota...no, thick case...no, thick strap..no, price...no, dial...YES!

[@TimedSquare]

Very sound advice and thank you for the review. I do agree: it lacks "straightforwardness" for me, which is my #1 factor to choose a watch. Cheers

[@saulysw]

Some things in the 80's need to be left in the 80's.

[@zsel81]

i'm pretty sure that time device is integrated in cockpit since 50s. You don't need any kind of hand watch since then. The last need for hand watch in plane was during ww2. Perhaps even a decade earlier.

[@charliedoyle118]

That watch has a “butter face.” She has a nice case and band, butter face.

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

Underrated comment =D

[@Micah-Woods]

Appreciate the review! Where did you get those watch winders?

[@kevorknourian5442]

Awesome watches I own several of them

[@vincentjack735]

This is a great looking watch. I think so

[@Norman-yq3hl]

Not my cup of tea either. Saw a review of a black case version on another channel and it looked like it might have had lume, but no lume shot offered. We're lucky that AV-8 didn't actually add big hair. Mercer Watch Co. is coming out with a nice 200m dress/diver with an inner bezel. Hope you have a chance to review it. Have added a sharkskin strap to my Zelos Mako Bronze. Seemed appropriate. Only water resistant, so I'll have to change if I'm headed to the ocean. All the best and enjoy the Spring.

[@williamparker2922]

I can see where there maybe a niche for this watch... A person who collects something and never opens the packaging, maybe. Like one of those limited edition Hot Wheels cars. Great video and review.

[@Masterpsflood]

The only thing I like about the design is the translucent smoke black dial

[@KonvoyChief]

Thanks for reviewing this. Didn't know you've reviewed AVI-8 before so will check them out. Generally is the brand good value for money and worth buying? And with the discount code I might just grab one.

[@nunomendes2484]

That was merciless, man. I've seen worse. I'm a sucker for pilot watches... Saving up for a Bell&Ross you probably hate.

[@adrianmorris3772]

Strangely enough,Jody, I like this watch. Thanks for sharing your video. Best regards from Adrian in Sheffield England 😀

[@ROrneli]

that 0 at the 12 o clock part of the dial destroyed this watch.

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

I've stopped watching the review of this garbage of a watch half way through. I only hit like for the effort you put in the making of this video. I bet it was painful to hold on that watch for the whole length of the recording.

[@Poltergest1978]

I find the one at 4.35 very nice instead.

[@tomabaksic9384]

Great video and honest review as always. I would very much appreciate your opinion on Avi-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic. Kind Regards

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

That thing is super top heavy!! Great review, shame on the company for the “fake” lume!!

[@charlie-obrien]

The over the top design makes it look like an Invicta. Maybe that appeals to some people, but not to me and I have several Aviators.

[@bigpizzapie]

Thanks for the honest review

[@TheTarrMan]

Like the second hand idea but yeah. . . too busy. $350 US is out of my budget anyways. Can't help but think most of the price goes to the packaging anyways.

[@balpreetsingh8624]

Jody you have to review the 'orient oyster' watch! Now a discontinued model but neverthless very charming and great spec and value.

[@riseuplight]

Thanks for your honesty!

[@MarcTheWatchman]

Nice review, shame the watch wasn't as good as it could have been. Got a challenge for you - you've found some amazing deals recently on automatic watches that were really high quality like the Guanquin and StarKing (which I added to my collection, thanks again :D ) . Do you think you could possibly do a review at some point on what you feel is the best value-for-the-money automatic chronograph?

[@CIP3RM]

Nice watches but goddamn if that isn't a terrible name/logo, If I were them I'd just get a nice symbol to represent the brand then put the brand name on the case back. Corny names kill a lot of these (not so)micro-brands for me especially when you're paying more than $200 for them.

[@TheFlyrodder68]

This one can simply crash and burn, lol! Nice review and I can't agree with you more, so spot on all around. Thumbs up!

[@thewatchloungechris]

Great title love Top Gun! And great review as always

[@paulstevenson200]

"...a bit of a horror story...all over the place." My thoughts exactly. I wouldn't wear this even if it was a freebie. That watch could give some of the Chinese over-complications a run for the money. Bloody hopeless. Great review. Thanks.

[@Sillybollox1966]

Very poor quality. Saw one with the numbers fallen off behind the crystal. Whilst still in the shop !!

[@stevenwymor1398]

Definitely designed by committee. Not sure exactly how a dog’s breakfast would look different from its dinner but point taken Jody. Yuck.

[@mrfuriouser]

I'm not sure you are quite properly honoring the memory of Goose here... ;)

[@jeffm0518]

I actually like the 1960 release.

[@apb3251]

Love the honesty. Will you get round to reviewing any of the Dan Henry range of decades?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I have one of the 1930s ones in for review later this month. Cheers!

[@apb3251]

Good stuff. I have the 1939. I also like the 1970

[@nastasiospapadopoulos2015]

What do you think is the most authentic avation watches company? Just cause AVI-8 does not seem right. Greetings from Hellas!

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

It reminds of a typical watch, you would see on ali express. I would buy that watch if it were on ali express.

[@SunsetSheen]

Why did they put the Oregon Ducks logo at the 12 o clock position?

[@gordonanderson6216]

I always presumed that the small seconds feature was just a visual check that the watch was running, a normal small seconds dial isn't much use for timing anything is it?

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

Gotta be honest...not a fan of Avi-8. If you want a military style watch...I mean... Hamilton Khaki really isn't much more than that... Or there's Junkers, which I think make much more attractive Flieger watches at the same price point. Or there's the SNK809, which is a third of the price... I dunno, I guess I just don't like the "busy" gimmicky dials, but I guess some are into that.

[@kellypaws]

Looks like an Explorer slept with a Type B and then there was this.

[@jorge23483]

🤔 How curious. Patrick's chanel: Take Time got the black version and it have lume (not so impressive if I say), so maybe is a difference between pvd and stainless steel version? Either way, thanks for the video pal 👍.

[@pannan80]

Are there no watches with solid backs anymore 😔

[@H1euTr4n]

Hello Jody, might I ask when you will surprise us with a review of the new Phoibos Eagle Ray?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thursday mate!! 48 hours time. Cheers!

[@H1euTr4n]

@@JustOneMoreWatch I'll look forward to it! Also love your brutal honesty in this video! Cheers

[@gitmoholliday5764]

Bummer... and I wanted a 1970's also ( with some nice big orange secondhand )

[@TomajNagy]

I think this design echoes the 80's well. And yes, it means there's a little bit too much going on. I don't like it particularly, but I can understand the stylistic choices. About the lume. Other reviews shows it's just as is, as the factory images. Like this vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiummuKpLegf7Mm So it's not a lie, "just" a big mistake that this specimen has none.

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

Yeah that thing looks like a designer got a little too drunk. Great review!

[@vincentjack735]

I like that. Very cool looking

[@Taraisgood]

Looks like a $20 AliExpress Curren watch.

[@keaton1283]

"Watch" the birdie! ;)

[@eusupporter8438]

I like the watch but if they tell it is lumed it should glow. Fair is fair.

[@oldiesfreek]

Paul is not wearing his shoes.

[@WuBloodKin09]

Alpo in a box! 😂

[@carpandrei7493]

So the Swiss super luminova is weaker that the Seiko Lume? Interesting...

[@billsplumbing6998]

Where can I get the same watch winder that’s on the shelf

[@abdulrahimalzahrani6882]

Great watch without any doubt ,,😎

[@gundam0816]

are these watches made in the UK or China??

[@sugarboy0622]

Where are these watches made? Does anyone know?

[@oOJayWeeOo]

Oh man....that into-music really gave me the feels but than such a disappointing watch :(. Top Gun is one of my favourite Movies of all time a kind of important important corner stone of my childhood and movie-enthusiasm. That beeing said i´m actually pretty sad there really isnt a real "Top Gun watch"...in the movie, in some scenes Tom Cruise wears a "Orfina Porsche Design" but you really cant get those anymore (not even used). And sure there is the IWC Pilots watch chronograph Top Gun....but thats way to expensive for me. So unfortunatly that leaves me with no watch to commemorate that movie and time of my live..... :(.

[@khronokraze]

"Crash & burn, huh, Mav?" It had some potential given some of the other related versions. But, it didn't quite work out with the sum of all parts totalled. I LOATH weak lume and lume that is missing where it should have some. And, shame on AVI-8 for the misleading product images where it very obviously implies the indices should have lume. HOWEVER, I think maybe the black version has the full lume on the indices. I just watched Take Time's video review on this and his black version does have the lume on the indices. It's strange they didn't decide to lume all models consistently across all the color variations. I'm also not keen on the proportions. Not so much the 42mm diameter, but the thickness.. It seems unnecessarily overly thick at nearly 15mm thick. You should be housing a 7750 with that much thickness. And, relative to the case thickness, looking from the crown side, i don't like how low the crown appears so low to the bottom of the case and how much of the case material rises up to the bezel and crystal. It just seems like too much material above the crown and the crown looks awkwardly very low to the bottom of the case. Looks very disproportionate, top heavy, and unbalanced particularly when viewed from the crown side. Even if they didn't change the location of the crown, perhaps it could have used a larger one to balance out the look a little better. Patrick from Take TIme has quite a different evaluation of this watch than yours, but that's what makes KZbin and subscribing to multiple channels to get as many opinions about a particular watch as possible to base our own decision to buy or not.

[@michaelrouth5612]

fail

[@MrZacharyMc]

This is more Iron Eagle than Top Gun.

[@RondelayAOK]

why is there a zero at the twelve?

[@mrbacchus6127]

Yes, you would lose some credibility if you didn't point out that this thing I is a hot mess. And I think others have said, why do they get to commemorate something they have no ties too?

[@rp20832]

Upvote for Top Gun, but the watch can get bent :)

[@stusims6567]

I agree that the watch is a bit of a mess. Just not my style.

[@phillipgatelein8591]

Great review yes. Great watch No.

[@78thedaddy]

Is it just me... is the 12 and 6 not centred?

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

Doesn't matter, it's a piece of poopoo. These microbrands try hard, end up screwing any good plan they might have had.

[@paulstevenson200]

Glynn Reynolds. My thoughts also.

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

Way to be fair Jody. Looks like a $12.00 GearBest cheapo!!!

[@Star_Sn1per]

The IW389101 is the real Top Gun.. Not this fallacy.

[@ccw1961]

How not to design a watch! As an ex RAF bod I am mystified! what does any of the design have to do with the RAF...Its appalling

[@CyberRabid.]

I wouldn't pay more than $100 for anything with an 8200 series Miyota. Turn the page.....

[@geraldwoodny5252]

The watch seemed ok until I read tony hills comments ...now I hate it but I hit like for the channel not for the watch

[@aaronb845]

On top of this is the quality is highly questionable. The hands fell off mine and the company would not honor their warranty. Terrible sketchy!

[@noffler]

What a shocker.

[@True-os6tg]

Nowhere need as bad as was expecting from intro and a unique look which is rare but would never buy a watch that doesn't hack esp a pilots watch .Would drive me round the bend .

[@Capidiego1]

Could I swim at pool with this watch?

[@simondonald1040]

Love it

[@simondonald1040]

In a, its farked sort of a way LOL!

[@urieelSEptim]

why is it so thick?