A 42mm pilot field case is sensibly sized, topped by a domed hardened mineral lens with anti-reflective coating.
An “onion” style crown draws from early trench watches fashioned out of traditional pocket watches. These watches would eventually form the shape and design of quintessential pilot watches and would serve as critical pieces of instrumentation for the combat pilot. Piston like pushers operate and snap back reset the chronograph easily.
Art-deco inspired fonts mark the hours, and while the dial is calibrated comprehensively it remains clearly readable courtesy of intelligent spacing, proportionality and use of depth to dip into the chronograph sub dials.
The central dial layer’s subtle horizontal lines are drawn from the wing pattern of a Nieuport 17, an aircraft flown by many members of the Escadrille.
A pulsometer is marked out on the tension ring of the dial with a nod to the French elements imbibed in the origin and inspiration of this watch.
The syringe like hour and minute hands are met with detailing on the chronograph seconds hand where a French Air Force roundel has been carefully applied true to the commitment of the brand to reflect history and narrative into the detail of the watches.
The case back is carved with the famed Indian head insignia of the Escadrille found on the Spad VIIs and other aircraft flown by them.
The AVI-8 brand has long looked to reference history through the prism of modern watchmaking and aptly the choice of a Japanese High Beat Meca-Quartz Sweep hand chronograph movement does precisely that.
Providing pin point split time accuracy to one fifth of a second, the movement’s behavior as an automatic with the precision of quartz makes for a thoroughly satisfying timing experience.
While traditionally a pilot watch circa the 1920s would not have been fashioned on the “Jubilee” style solid stainless steel bracelet used on the Lafayette, its choice makes for an excellent fit both aesthetically and functionally, completing the watch as both a historical wearable signpost and as a durable, ever wearable watch for both connoisseur and enthusiast alike.
Tapering from 22mm to 18mm the bracelet hugs the case to the wrist for a snug and always comfortable wear.