AVI-8 P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham

P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham edition by AVI-8 pays homage to the legendary WWII fighter plane. The latest addition to the aviation inspired collection is a limited edition timepiece with well-executed references to the P-51. Furthermore, Avi-8 has improved the quality from strap and casing to the watch itself. Read our review below and get detailed insights as well as more pictures of the P-51 Mustang.

The P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham Limited Edition

The P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham edition is inspired by the lines, details and form of the Mustang fighter plane. For instance, the curved crown guard simulates the exhaust of the aircraft. It’s something that you might not notice at a first glance but certainly will appreciate as a cool feature.

The case is shaped to have a more aerodynamic profile. Something that works well together with the fine brush finishing on the bezel. Turning the watch around reveals a see-through case back that allows you to see the movement. Finally, the unique number of the limited edition is engraved into the casing.

Inspiration from the P-51 Mustang cockpit is also incorporated into the dial. As a result, it has  multiple layers and cutaway Arabic markers at the 3, 6, 9 and 0 hours with baton markers in-between. The sandwiched look has a nice quality to it as well as a solid military inspiration without being tacky. To ensure low light visibility and clarity, each hour and minute marker – along with the sword shaped hands – have high grade Swiss lume.

Related: The ultimate chronograph watch guide

The AV-4069-01 edition has red detailing of the second hand, calendar window and “VPH 21600” (vibrations per hour) label. Furthermore, the movement of the second hand is in a smooth sweeping motion.

Each watch comes with a tanned leather strap with stitching details and additional nylon and canvas, Velcro-release cuff like strap. The watch also comes with the required tool for easily changing the strap.

Model specifications: P-51 Mustang AV- 4069-01 Edition: Bottisham (Automatic) limited edition

Case

• 316L stainless steel case
• Stainless steel see-through case back
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Case diameter: 43.0 mm
• Case thickness: 13.0mm
• Crown: Normal with fixed crown protector
• Bezel: Fixed case bezel
• Water resistance: 5 ATM

Dial

• Sandwich construction dial with Swiss luminous and applied indexes
• Indexes: Deep embossed with luminous
• Hands: Swiss luminous hands

Strap

• Genuine leather strap
• Strap width (mm): 22.0mm
• Buckle: Tang buckle

Movement

• Caliber NH35- TMI, Made in Japan
• Automatic – 3 hands with date
• 24 jewels

The P-51 Mustang fighter plane

The P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter that was used during WWII and the Korean War. North American Aviation (NNA) designed the plane in 1940 as a response to the Curtiss P-40 fighters. Aerodynamically fluid lines of the new laminar flow wing decreased drag at high speeds, thus giving the Mustang it’s great performance. In 1943, the Mustang was equipped with the legendary Rolls Royce Merlin engine also known from the Supermarine Spitfires and the Hawker Hurricanes.

Guy Martin’s Rolls Royce Merlin engine

The fact that the Mustang remained in service well into the 1980s is a testament to the superior abilities. As a result, the fighter plane has played an important role in the history of military aviation. The Bottisham edition by AVI-8 pays tribute to 361st Fighter Group, United States Eighth Air Force, comprising the 374th, 375th and 376th Fighter Squadrons. A group that operated out of RAF Bottisham Airfield. A photograph of four P51s in formation “The Bottisham Four” has become an iconic image of the airborne superiority of the Allies in WWII.

P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham review

Compared to the Hawker Hunter watch that we have previously reviewed, it’s clear to see that quality and detailing have been improved for the limited edition P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham. From the box and the strap to the quality of the watch, the materials look and feel better. Furthermore, the design of the watch case is less chunky than the Hawker Hunter. We also really like the see-through back casing; it’s a nice feature that underlines the attention to detail for the new collection.

The strap has also undergone serious improvement. Consequently, the leather is thinner and softer and the toning of the color is slightly darker to fit the color scheme. Finally, the stitching adds great detailing that compliments the general style of the watch. However, one thing that we don’t understand is the black color of the keeper and free loop of the leather strap which just seem misplaced. That can, however, be quickly solved by exchanged to the nylon strap.

To conclude, AVI-8 has successfully overcome earlier challenges with misaligned elements and less refined finishing. As a result, the P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham is a well-made, stylish and comfortable timepiece. Furthermore, the watch is also a good example of how military inspiration can be incorporated in a sophisticated way to function as an everyday watch.

The P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham collection

The P-51 Mustang Automatic Bottisham edition is available from AVI-8 in three different colors: black (with red detailing), green (with yellow detailing) or grey (with blue detailing). Each watch is uniquely numbered as part of the limited edition of 1,490 pieces and comes with additional nylon and canvas, Velcro-release cuff like strap and a box.

Price: £290-305 depending on the model.

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