Soaring Style: The AVI-8 Hawker Typhoon Baldwin Automatic in Dark Khaki

When it comes to aviation-inspired timepieces that marry heritage with contemporary style, AVI-8 rarely puts a foot wrong—and the Hawker Typhoon Baldwin Automatic in Dark Khaki (£288) is a prime example of their prowess. Taking design cues from one of WWII’s most celebrated aircraft aces, Wing Commander John Robert Baldwin, this watch is a fitting tribute to those daredevil skies of yesteryear. And, quite frankly, we can’t stop ogling its militaristic aesthetic and rugged charm.

Right off the bat, the dial is bound to catch your eye. Styled with hands and a dial frame inspired by the instrument panel of the iconic Hawker Typhoon, it immediately calls to mind the meticulous gauges and controls of a vintage fighter plane. Sporting a Khaki colourway, the dial offers a subtle nod to military fatigues, and the applied indexes with Swiss Super-Luminova bring clarity, whether you’re strolling through city streets or on a late-night mission.

No less impressive is the 42mm stainless steel case, which feels robust yet not overly chunky on the wrist. At 15mm thick, it’s got a reassuring heft, but nothing that’ll weigh you down. Peek beneath the sapphire lens, and you’ll see a crisp, legible display—while around back, the exhibition case back reveals the watch’s beating heart: a Japanese automatic movement accompanied by a custom rotor reminiscent of the Hawker Typhoon’s roundel. It’s the sort of detail that gets watch aficionados grinning from ear to ear.

For those who pay as much attention to comfort as they do design, the 22mm genuine leather strap is a real winner. Its Khaki hue ties in perfectly with the dial, and the stitching pattern harks back to the seat design of the Hawker Typhoon itself—upping the watch’s authenticity credentials. The pull-out crown and 5 ATM water resistance (enough for everyday wear) mean that this isn’t just a pretty face; it’s built to handle life’s little adventures with aplomb.

One of the coolest aspects of this watch is the small seconds subdial at the 4 o’clock position, which adds just the right amount of visual intrigue without cluttering the overall layout. The Hawker Typhoon Baldwin Automatic is also surprisingly wallet-friendly at £288—a welcome bonus when you consider the sapphire crystal, automatic movement, and top-notch detailing on show.

All told, AVI-8’s Hawker Typhoon Baldwin Automatic stands as a dashing, aviation-inspired timepiece that’ll strike a chord with fans of vintage military aesthetics. With a backstory steeped in WWII ace-level heroics and a build that exudes quality, this watch is more than just a humble wrist accessory—it’s a wearable piece of history that refuses to fly under the radar.

buy now from avi-8 | £288