Latest Review
October 17, 2025 
There are few things that stir the senses like the roar of a WWII warbird overhead. For enthusiasts of mechanical things—whether engines or movements—an airshow is a sensory overload: the glint of polished aluminum in the sun, the bone-rattling sound of propellers, and the raw thrill of machines built for speed, precision, attack, and evading.
This year is the 85th anniversary of the venerable P-51 Mustang. So with AVI-8’s all-new Hitchcock Automatic and Kindelberger Chronograph Limited Editions in tow, both inspired by this iconic plane, we decided to head out to our very first airshow. Here’s what we learned—and what you should know—before you go wheels-up into the world of aviation’s biggest stage featuring this exact WWII fighter.
Get Ready to Bring the Noise (and the Earplugs)
Airshows are by no means quiet affairs. From stunt planes tumbling out of loops to heritage bombers buzzing the crowd, to an up-to-11 playlist of face-melting, guitar god classics, the volume alone is an experience in and of itself. Though you may not be able to exactly hear your AVI-8’s Japanese-made movement ticking away while at the show, you’ll still notice the dial design echoes the precision instruments found in cockpits—easy to read at a glance, even when things get loud and fast. Just don’t forget a good pair of earplugs, unless you want your ears ringing longer than your chronograph can count.
Sun, Tarmac, and Staying Cool
Airfields are essentially giant, sun-baked slabs of concrete and asphalt. Shade is scarce, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are mandatory for your kit. A lightweight hat goes a long way, too. On the wrist, the Mustang-inspired Limited Edition’s sturdy 43mm stainless steel case and ribbed leather strap manages to feel rugged, yet not overwhelming—ideal for a long day under the sun.
Arrive Early, Find Your Spot
Like at any enthusiast gathering, the best vantage points go fast. Arriving early not only scores you a prime view, but also gives you time to explore static displays. Nothing beats walking right up to a vintage fighter, brushing your hand along the riveted fuselage, then checking your AVI-8 and realizing your wrist is carrying a little piece of that same story. Pro tip: Pay a little extra and spring for the “photo pit” for prime positioning, shade, and even snacks.
Gear Up for Your Ground Game
When it comes to your gear, a little preparation goes a long way. Bring a camera with a long lens and a phone with an extra battery—you’ll end up taking more photos and video than you ever planned. Comfortable shoes are essential, since you’ll be on your feet all day, and a light backpack makes it easy to stash snacks, water, and the inevitable souvenirs (because yes, you’ll likely leave with a patch or two). And, of course, don’t forget your watch. As they say, time flies when you’re having fun and the P-51-inspired Kindelberger‘s chronograph feature makes it easy to time everything—from demonstration intervals to how long you’ve been waiting in line at the snack tent.
Feel the Need, The Need for Speed
Whether it’s an epic WWII era bomber or state-of-the-art fifth-gen fighter, at some point, standing in the middle of a buzzing crowd with jet wash in your hair, you’ll look up and feel an overwhelming sense of speed, nostalgia, and awe that will make the hairs on your back of your neck stand tall. At that moment, you’ll feel why aviation continues to inspire watchmakers like AVI-8. It’s about more than planes or watches—it’s all about precision combined with passion.
P-51! Cadillac of the Sky!
Toward the end of the show, we began to realize that the plane we’d come to see, the P-51 Mustang, had failed to appear during its designated spot in the program. We turned to Sandi, our new friend and Photo Pit manager, who radioed in only to discover that it was having mechanical difficulties. An immense feeling of disappointment began to set in just as a F-22 Raptor screamed overhead. Despite the sheer awe and power demonstrated by this Fifth-Generation fighter, we knew we’d missed the shot we came for. The Raptor disappeared until, seemingly out of nowhere, it came back into focus… but in what’s called a Heritage Formation, where both modern and historical aircraft fly together.
As the two planes drew closer, we began to recognize the distinctive silhouette of the older aircraft. It felt just like the magical moment from Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun when Christian Bale’s character yells, “P-51! Cadillac of the Sky!” Sure enough, it was indeed the P-51… the very aircraft we came to see in formation with the F-22. We immediately snagged our cameras to get a few final shots of these epic fighters together. Mission accomplished!
P-51 MUSTANG SPECIFICATIONS
Hitchcock Automatic / Kindelberger Chronograph
- Movements: Japanese-made Automatic 3 Hand+Date / Mecha-Quartz Chronograph
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Sizes: 43 mm
- Case Thickness: 14 mm / 13 mm
- Lug To Lug: 51 mm
- Lens Material: Anti-reflective Flat Sapphire / Anti-reflective Curved Mineral
- Case Back: Screw-down Exhibition / Screw-down Silod
- Dial Color: Silver
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
- Indexes & Lume: Applied Indexes with Swiss Newlite
- Straps: Blue Ribbed Leather
- Warranty: 2-Year International
So, if you’ve been thinking about attending your first airshow, take this as your sign to go. Pack the basics, prepare to be amazed, and strap on something that nods to the legends above. For us, AVI-8’s all-new Hitchcock Automatic and Kindelberger Chronograph Limited Editions were the perfect co-pilots.
