AVI-8 Marks 110 Years of the Lafayette Escadrille with a New Flyboy Automatic

Before the United States entered World War I, a group of American volunteer pilots were already flying for France as part of the Lafayette Escadrille. The squadron became one of the best-known aviation units of the era, bringing together American volunteers, French military history, and the early days of aerial combat. To mark the squadron’s 110th anniversary, AVI-8 has released the Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition, a commemorative version of its Flyboy model. 

The watch is built on a 42mm stainless steel case measuring 13.7mm thick, with an anti-reflection coated sapphire crystal over a dial finished with applied indexes and Swiss luminous details. Around back, the customized exhibition caseback carries the insignia of the Lafayette Escadrille.

The collection comes in four variants: Mossy Hue with a green sunburst dial and green leather strap, Blue Horizon with a blue sunburst dial and brown leather strap, Haze Glide with a tonal grey dial and matching grey strap, and Tarmac Night with a black dial, gold-tone case, and brown leather strap. Together, the four versions give the release enough variety for different tastes while keeping the overall Flyboy design intact.

Inside is a Japanese automatic movement, listed as the M-MIY-8215-D6BKW, with three hands and a date display. Water resistance is rated to 5 ATM, and the watch uses a pull-out crown.

The AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition is available now through AVI-8’s website and selected partners worldwide. Each of the four variants is limited to 180 individually numbered pieces, with pricing starting at $330 USD.