The Hawker Harrier “Jump Jet” found service across several air and naval air forces during the latter half of the 20th Century. It represented a breakthrough in avionic design and went on to serve many missions with distinction. To pay tribute to the variants of this famed jet, Avi-8 is proud to introduce the latest version of its Harrier chronograph family inspired by the planes that flew for the Spanish Navy, nicknamed the “Matador”.

The First Harriers received by the Armada Española (Spanish Navy) arrived in 1976 and were integrated into the 8th Squadron operating out of the Rota, Naval Base near Cadiz and on the Aircraft Carrier Dédalo. At first glance the Matador is a complex jigsaw of gears and wheels, which are precisely layered on top of each other as a dynamically designed piece of aviation inspired timing instrumentation. The sturdy case measures 44.0mm in diameter with a carved caseback that echoes the turbine blades of the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine inside the Harrier. A hardened mineral convex lens with anti-reflective coating frames the mechanics underneath perfectly resting on the case bezel perfectly.

Each detail of the case has been carefully considered and exhibits a thought to the use and wear of the timepiece. From the beveled chamfered edge bezel to the crown guard and piston like pushers, the case is complete as a suitable shell from which the watch may perform fully. The dial itself is crowned with a “Grande Date” double aperture date display. Each frame for each digit has been carefully beveled and sits above an interlocking design of gears and wheels, giving a peek and the inner mechanics of the movement.

No detail has been left unconsidered. At the 3’oclock position, the re-engineered movement now features a disc display capable of a remarkable 1/20 of a second split time measurement. With chronograph seconds and minute read out, the Matador is a comprehensive timing device. Time read out is executed via legible luminous hands and facetted indexes. In full timing operation, the Matador comes alive with a whirring of hands and wheels that create a dynamic experience not unlike that of a Harrier in full flight.

Strapping the watch to the wrist, the fit is comfortable and snug courtesy of well-engineered lugs and a supple, comfortable leather strap with military influenced cross-stitch designed for easy wear and maintenance.