Today, we’re revisiting a brand I know well—and one that long-time readers will certainly recognize: AVI-8. Before my three-year break from watch reviewing, I covered numerous models from their lineup, so I’ll skip the brand background and get straight to the watch. Recently, I reached out to AVI-8, and they were kind enough to send over one of their latest releases: the Airmaster GMT Automatic from the Flyboy collection. Judging by their website, the brand has been quite active during my hiatus, with a substantial number of new models introduced over the past few years.

The watch arrived in a fabric-lined cardboard box, which also included a metal warranty card and an instruction manual. I actually quite liked the packaging—it’s compact, well-presented, and complements the overall aviation-inspired aesthetic that AVI-8 is known for. Initial impressions were positive, right up until I went to put the watch on my wrist. That’s when the black and blue bezel insert unexpectedly popped off. Upon inspection, I discovered that the double-sided adhesive still had the protective film on it, meaning it hadn’t been properly secured during assembly. I removed the plastic and reattached the insert myself. While this was a minor quality control oversight, it’s worth noting that in all my previous reviews of AVI-8 watches, I’ve never encountered a similar issue. It seems to be an isolated case. And if a replacement is needed the AVI-8 would replace the watch without a problem As for the design, this isn’t my favorite colorway in the Airmaster GMT range, but the fully lumed dial gives it a unique and eye-catching twist.

The Airmaster GMT features a 40mm stainless steel case, marking a notable shift from AVI-8’s typically larger pilot-style timepieces. With a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm and a thickness of 15mm, it strikes a balance between presence and wearability, although the considerable thickness does make it feel a bit top-heavy—I personally would have preferred a slightly slimmer profile. The case showcases a thoughtful mix of brushed and polished finishes, adding visual depth and reinforcing the robust aviation-inspired design. As expected from AVI-8, the machining and finishing are of good quality, consistent with what I’ve seen from the brand over the years.

Topping the dial is a bi-directional 120-click bezel with a two-part design. The fixed inner section is done in bare stainless steel with an engraved minute track, while the rotating outer ring features a black and blue aluminum insert marked with a 24-hour scale—a practical touch for tracking a second time zone. Positioned at 3 o’clock is a push/pull crown, signed with the AVI-8 logo. The crown offers good grip and tactile feedback, making time-setting a smooth experience. Around the back, the solid stainless steel caseback is engraved with the model name and key specifications, contributing to the overall tool-watch feel. Protecting the dial is a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a welcome addition at this price point. The watch is rated for 50 meters of water resistance (5 ATM)—adequate for everyday use, such as hand washing or exposure to rain, but not suitable for swimming or water sports.

The dial is undoubtedly the standout feature of this watch—both visually and literally. The entire white surface of the dial is coated with lume, which glows a vivid green in low-light conditions. This full-lume dial offers a dramatic and eye-catching nighttime presence. Design-wise, the applied hour markers adopt a classic pilot-watch aesthetic, with a triangle flanked by two dots at the 12 o’clock position. Arabic numerals are featured at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, while the remaining markers are presented as floating indices, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. At the center of the dial sits the GMT subdial, which adds another visual layer. This subdial is recessed below the main dial and features a 24-hour scale. A subtle yet well-executed texture distinguishes the GMT section: vertical lines on the upper half and horizontal lines on the lower half provide visual interest and contrast. The GMT hand is small, rendered in baby blue, and filled with lume. The main hour and minute hands follow the pilot style, with a unique half-black, half-brushed finish and lume-filled segments for nighttime readability. The seconds hand is black and non-lumed, offering a more understated touch.

A round date window is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, bordered with a baby blue frame that ties in nicely with the GMT hand. The white date wheel is not lumed—an omission that could have been a thoughtful detail on a full-lume dial. The AVI-8 logo and “Dual Time” branding are printed on the GMT subdial, which helps balance the layout but does contribute to the overall visual busyness. In fact, the dial might be too crowded for my taste. While certain watches pull off a complex dial with grace, this one borders on feeling cluttered. A slightly thicker bezel or the removal of the dial’s minute track—already duplicated on the bezel—might have helped improve balance. Finally, while the lume application is impressive in concept, it falls short in execution. It’s not evenly applied, with noticeable spotting under full charge. Additionally, the lume fades relatively quickly—typically lasting only 15–20 minutes—which is underwhelming for a watch intended as a functional “tool” piece.

The Airmaster GMT is powered by the Seiko NH34, a robust and affordable automatic GMT movement that’s quickly becoming a go-to choice for microbrands offering accessible travel watches. The NH34 offers a true GMT complication, featuring an independently adjustable 24-hour hand that allows tracking a second time zone—ideal for travelers or anyone coordinating across time zones. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and offers a 41-hour power reserve, which is more than adequate for daily wear. Accuracy out of the box tends to vary, typically ranging from -20 to +40 seconds per day, though mine example performed much better with around +5 to +7 seconds a day. The movement also supports hacking and hand-winding, adding to its practicality.

While it’s not the most refined or decorated movement—you won’t find any Geneva stripes or blued screws—it excels in terms of reliability and ease of service. It’s a workhorse caliber with Seiko’s reputation for dependability behind it. The NH34’s inclusion in a watch at this price point is impressive. It enables genuine GMT functionality without resorting to complex or fragile modules. The NH34 isn’t a luxury movement, but it delivers exactly what it promises: rugged reliability, real GMT functionality, and excellent value. In the context of the Airmaster GMT, it’s a perfect match.

The Airmaster GMT comes equipped with a black leather strap accented with blue detailing—an area where AVI-8 consistently excels. Strap design has long been one of the brand’s strengths, and this example is no exception. The leather is soft and supple straight out of the box, offering a level of comfort rarely found at this price point. The strap features clean black stitching, complemented by subtle blue contrast stitching near the lugs, adding a touch of visual interest without being overbearing. The underside is lined with blue leather, matching the color of the keepers and tying the whole design together cohesively. A brushed tang-style buckle, signed with the AVI-8 logo, completes the look. The buckle is well-made and feels secure, with a finish that matches the overall utilitarian style of the watch. On the wrist, the watch wears exceptionally well thanks to the strap’s immediate pliability and well-proportioned taper—from 20mm at the lugs down to 16mm at the buckle—enhancing both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

The AVI-8 Airmaster GMT is a compelling blend of bold design, practical features, and everyday wearability, all at a competitive price point. While not without flaws—namely the uneven lume application, short lume duration, and minor assembly oversight—it still offers solid value for money, especially for fans of aviation-inspired timepieces. The full-lume dial, layered construction, and textured GMT subdial give the watch a unique personality, even if the dial layout borders on visually overwhelming. The Seiko NH34 movement adds genuine GMT functionality and dependable performance, further boosting the watch’s utility for frequent travelers or those managing multiple time zones. One of the standout aspects remains the strap—AVI-8 continues to impress with supple leather, thoughtful stitching, and a comfortable taper that enhances on-wrist presence. The overall build quality is in line with what I’ve come to expect from AVI-8 over the years: durable, stylish, and well-executed for the price. While this particular colorway may not be my favorite and the dial and bezel design could benefit from a few tweaks for balance, the Airmaster GMT still manages to hold its own. For those seeking an affordable automatic GMT with bold aesthetics and a unique dial execution, it’s certainly worth considering.

Price €314,95 at avi-8.com