AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition Honors the Legacy of the Lafayette Escadrille
Aviation-inspired created to commemorate 110 years of one of the most iconic squadrons in military aviation history.
AVI-8 expands its aviation heritage collection with the introduction of the new AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition, a commemorative timepiece created in tribute to the legendary Lafayette Escadrille.
Celebrating 110 years since the formation of the historic squadron, the new limited edition combines classic pilot-watch aesthetics with subtle military references and mechanical simplicity, reflecting the pioneering spirit of early aviation.
A Tribute to the Lafayette Escadrille
The Lafayette Escadrille remains one of the most recognized aviation units of the First World War.
Formed before the United States officially entered the conflict, the squadron consisted largely of American volunteer pilots flying for France. Over time, it became a symbol of courage, camaraderie, and the emergence of modern aerial warfare.
More than a century later, the legacy of the Lafayette Escadrille continues to inspire aviation historians and enthusiasts worldwide.
With the new Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition, AVI-8 transforms that historical legacy into a wearable tribute designed with restraint and authenticity.
A Design Inspired by Aviation Heritage
The watch is housed in a 42 mm case that balances contemporary proportions with vintage pilot-watch inspiration.
Rather than relying on overt military styling, AVI-8 focuses on subtle historical references and functional detailing throughout the design.
One of the most distinctive elements is the customized exhibition caseback featuring the official insignia of the Lafayette Escadrille, serving as the central commemorative detail of the watch.
The overall design maintains the utilitarian character associated with aviation instruments while incorporating modern finishing and improved everyday wearability.
Mechanical Simplicity
Inside the Flyboy Lafayette Automatic is a Japanese MIYOTA-8215 automatic movement chosen for its reliability and practicality.
The watch also features:
- A sapphire crystal for improved scratch resistance
- Applied indexes for enhanced depth and legibility
- Swiss luminous material for low-light visibility
- A genuine leather strap reinforcing the vintage aviation aesthetic
AVI-8 positions the watch as both a commemorative collector’s piece and a functional everyday mechanical watch inspired by aviation history.
A Strictly Limited Release
Each version of the AVI-8 Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition will be limited to just 180 individually numbered pieces per variant.
The collection is scheduled to launch globally on May 29, 2026 through AVI-8 and selected retail partners worldwide.
Technical Specifications
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42 mm |
| Thickness | 13.7 mm |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM |
| Dial | Aviation-inspired dial in black/grey/blue/green with applied indexes and luminous details |
| Crystal | Anti-Reflection Coated Sapphire Lens |
| Crown | Pull Out |
| Caseback | Exhibition caseback with Lafayette Escadrille insignia |
| Strap | 22mm Genuine Leather Strap |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Calibre | MIYOTA-8215 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central seconds, date |
| Limited Edition | 180 numbered pieces per variant |
| Price | USD $330 |
A Celebration of Early Aviation History
With the Flyboy Lafayette Automatic 110th Anniversary Limited Edition, AVI-8 continues its tradition of creating aviation-inspired watches rooted in historical storytelling.
Rather than producing an overly dramatic commemorative piece, the brand has chosen a more restrained approach focused on subtle symbolism, practicality, and wearable design.
The result is a modern aviation watch that honors one of the most important squadrons in early military aviation while remaining accessible to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For more information, please visit the official AVI-8 website.
Explore the releases of Watches & Wonders 2026.
