AVI-8 Reviews 86

Purchased a "flyboy" model after non-stop advertising bombardment. I had to try it.

The Good: Amazing shipping. Watch arrived within days of ordering. I wish that someone had let me know that it shipped before it arrived, but hey. The cross over between the AVI-8 people and the headquarters leaves something to be desired. AVI-8; great and responsive. Solar Time (or whatever they call themselves); crickets. Packaging is impressive. Initially, watch looked great. Build quality is better than average.

The Bad: it's a well-dressed cheap watch. The dial appears to be textured plastic! The lume advertised as "Swiss Luminova" isn't. Barely glows at all. The "distressed" look of the dial is kind of depressing (pebble grained plastic...ugh). There's a lot going on with the dial of this watch and it should be crisper. The supplied leather band is cheap with a capital C. Left a stain on my wrist after only a few hours of wear.

Summary: It's not a bad watch, but it's not a great watch either. You get a lot for the price point, just don't expect Swiss or Japanese quality. Just get yourself a real leather band first.

Bought ten watches, everyone has a particular that make it amazing. HUD serie is astonishing, with the night luminous band.... go on guys!!!

Based on the other reviews, I may be very lucky but I've bought two AVI-8 watches and love them. I'm a retired aviation engineer and started my career working on the Harrier (AV-8B) and knew John Farley as he was our BAe test pilot so I had to get the regiment blue version. Looks great and keeps time perfectly. As I finished my career at Bell Helicopter, i bought the Bell X-1 (I'm a big Chuck Yeager fan). Again, I love it and have no problems and the shipping was fast and efficient.

I’m extremely disappointed with my experience with AVI-8.

I ordered the Gütersloh model because I liked the design and aviation aesthetic. At first, I was happy with it — it looked great and felt solid. But after only a year and half of normal wear, one of the pusher buttons literally fell off. No impact, no abuse — it just failed.

I paid out of pocket to ship the watch back to AVI-8 for repair, expecting reasonable customer support for a watch that was barely old. The response I received was honestly shocking. I was told the repair would cost more than the original price of the watch.

Let that sink in — a watch that fails within a year and half, and the repair costs more than buying it brand new.

That’s not customer service. That’s poor quality control and even worse after-sales support. I’m not upset about normal wear and tear — I’m upset about a basic component failing prematurely and then being quoted an absurd repair price.

I really wanted to like this brand, but between the durability issue and the repair quote, I can’t recommend AVI-8 to anyone. Buyers beware. I just told them to keep the watch

If I could put zero stars I would. The watch I received is broken and completely unusable, even more disappointing is their customer support. It is nonexistent. I have sent numerous emails with only one automatic response to the first one. Every email since has been not replied or even acknowledged that they are working to resolve anything. I’m asking a full refund and will never be purchasing or recommending to anyone.

I purchased a limited edition watch for my son in September. The watch was for his birthday so it wasn't given to him until January. After wearing the watch a handful of times, the minute hand came loose from the housing. When we contacted them, we were informed that we had to pay for shipping back to Hong Kong where they would assess if the watch would be covered by warranty. Avoid this company at all costs.

****updated we have now been refunded, painful process I really hope no one else has these issues *****
Awful customer service after receiving a faulty watch ( hands do not not align ) can’t tell time on it - returned back for repair in Hong Kong only to receive the same fault back - it’s useless. Refusing a refund even though we emailed within 30 days. Sent off a second time for repair I have NO CONFIDENCE this issue will be resolved. I feel so sorry for my son he saved for ages and has not wore it once. I will be taking advice from trading standards if it comes back with same issue… again The customer service is only via email and is a lengthy, painful experience. The email I have had today seems to be unaware the watch has already been inspected and “repaired”, they have had a chance to resolve it and failed…. Do not buy ….

I purchased the Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph - Lightning Orange. I've had the watch for just a few days - so far so good. I purchased it at a significant discount ~NZ$210 incl shipping. It looks good and feels pretty good, too. However, bear in mind that I am not a watch connoisseur.
My main contention is that this watch is advertised with a glow in the dark function. In reality, there is absolutely zero.
There is one other small defect on the screw down case back that covers the battery. One of the indentations was not machined very well which could make sealing tricky.
Also note that AVI-8 is yet another brand that will require you to spend your own money on freight if you are ever making a warranty claim. Buying local can be expensive for a reason.

I ordered a watch from them (AVI-115 407) and the useless courier company/driver has made out he delivered my watch. He has not delivered the watch. I emailed AVI-8 and let them know about the situation and they instructed me.to reach out to the courier company and get them to start an investigation which I did and passed the reference number to AVI-8. I have tried to speak to the courier company on numerous occasions and they are absolutely useless. Since them i have sent AVI-8 3 emails and they have not had the decency to reply back to any of them. I want to know what is going an and more importantly I want my money back. If you do not respond back I will contact my bank and get them involved.

The second hand doesn’t hit the mark, but very random, looks really bad ! The glow don’t work! The watch looks good, but that’s IT !

Not worth the money!!

⭐ 3 Star – Beautiful Watches, but Customer Service Has Gone Silent
I’ve always admired AVI-8 watches — great designs, excellent concept, and attention to detail. That’s why it’s such a shame to be writing this review.
I placed two orders (111181 and 111386), both of which FedEx marked as delivered. However, neither package ever arrived. The proof of delivery photos provided by FedEx were identical for both tracking numbers, and no signature or recipient name was ever captured.
AVI-8’s customer service team initially handled the situation with real care — they acknowledged the issue, followed up with FedEx, and promised to arrange replacements or a refund . Their last email (two weeks ago) asked me to confirm whether I had a cleaner who might have received the parcels. I replied the same day, confirming I do not and kindly asking whether replacements could be shipped via another courier or, if unavailable, a refund issued.
Since then, I’ve heard nothing back at all — no update, no acknowledgment, nothing. It’s disappointing because their earlier communication was so professional and reassuring, and I genuinely wanted to resolve this amicably.
At this point, I’d simply appreciate a refund, as it seems the watches — especially the Snoopy editions — may no longer be available. They’re genuinely beautiful pieces, and I’m honestly just sad this has been the outcome.
I hope someone from AVI-8 sees this and reaches out soon — it’s a wonderful brand, but communication matters just as much as design.

UPDATE :

⭐ Updated Review – Resolved Professionally and Fairly
Following up on my earlier review about my two missing AVI-8 orders (#111181 and #111386): I’m pleased to share that the company has now resolved the matter and issued a full refund.
While the delivery issue with FedEx was frustrating and took longer than expected to sort out, the AVI-8 team handled the conclusion with real professionalism and empathy once they re-engaged. Their message was sincere, apologetic, and solution-oriented, and the refund was processed immediately.
I appreciate that they took responsibility and treated the situation with fairness and respect. It’s reassuring to see a brand stand by its customers even when things go wrong.
The watches remain some of the most creative designs out there, and despite this experience, I’ll continue to admire AVI-8’s craftsmanship and approach.

I received my watch this morning it’s an orange quartz I’ve seen some poor reviews on here, however I’m happy, quick delivery good quality watch!

Appalling customer service. Currently trying to sort issue of the watch being delivered to the wrong address despite all supplied information being correct. Av-8 unwilling to assist and sending generic contact details for FedEx (avoid at all costs)
Simply not worth the hassle.
Credit card claim will follow.

Dreadful experience.
Order was slow to arrive & looked very different to advertising pictures, so was unusable.
Money had been paid to UK but (self-pay) return address was Hong Kong, with caveats that would give them easy get-outs.
I would advise prospective purchasers to be very certain of their desire & the risks before parting with money. 🥵

Shit watch, don't buy it

Purchased Spitfire Lock as related to the flying ace. Got the watch, which looks good but no reference to Eric Lock on the watch at all. As this is to commemorate him, surely should be some reference, even if on the back!!!!!!!!. Very disappointed as it looks like they using his name to sell but can't be bothered to even add his name to the fac

Hidden Return Policy

I have EIGHT AV-8 watches over a five year period, and I am delighted with the products.

I purchased a GMT, and was so delighted with it, I decided to buy the same watch again in a different colour.

When I received the watch, the colour green was very muted compared to the photographs online.

I decided to return it for a refund.

Whilst their website mentions that customers will be responsible for the cost of returns, it completely fails to disclose that returns must be shipped to Hong Kong.

I was astounded to find that the cheapest means of return was £25!!!

Despite writing to AV-8 to complain, my comments about the cost were ignored.

They have now lost a regular and repeat customer.

I will not be purchasing any more of their products.

As a regular customer, I do not feel that they have provided a good service. I assumed that the returns were either the UK, or Europe - NOT Hong Kong!

Unless you are absolutely certain that you will be keeping the watch before you order it, buyers beware of the high costs of returns!

I returned the watch to solar the distributor of av1 watches in hongkong still waiting on my refunded numerous emails to them no reply.Do not buy these watches they are shipped from hongkong unknown to me and also they wiil not go through customs as unknown to me as it has a battery inside the watch I am stiil £125.00 out of pocket plus £20.00 postage

First impressions of the watch are good. Looks great and for the sale price of £209 would be 4 stars. But it's full price is £440 and had I paid that I'd not be so happy.

As I said it looks great, but when compared to £400 Bulova I have, the Bulova just looks in a different class.

Have read reviews about the lasting quality and poor customer services, but as I've only had it 3 days I can't comment as it's all working fine.

Watch steamed up after 2 weeks