Islander AV-8 Harrier Commemorative Limited Edition Watch #ISL-265

This item is a PRE-ORDER only. You will be paying in full for it now. The pre-order window will be open until September 23 2025. We expect to start delivering watches on or about December 15 2025. We will keep you updated with production progress every four weeks.

NOTE: If you saw our YouTube video, there was an error noted in the case size. It is 40mm, not 42mm.

This timepiece is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the AV-8 Harrier aircraft—a symbol of innovation, resilience, and precision. Designed to honor the pilots, squadrons, industry partners, and support personnel who have contributed to the success of the AV-8 over the past 50 years, this watch encapsulates the spirit of the aircraft’s storied history.

The journey began in 1971, when the first Hawker-Siddeley AV-8A variant underwent testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. By 1979, the AV-8C was introduced as an interim upgrade, extending the aircraft's service life and enhancing its capabilities. In 1983, the first production AV-8B was delivered to the United States Marine Corps, marking the retirement of the AV-8A and AV-8C by 1987. The significance of this collaboration was cemented in November 1990 when the United States, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom signed a four-nation Memorandum of Understanding.

The AV-8 is a versatile, single-seat light attack aircraft, providing critical air support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Its Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) capability enables it to operate from a wide range of amphibious assault ships, rapidly constructed airfields, and even damaged conventional airstrips. Its primary mission set includes fire support, close air support, air interdiction, suppression of enemy air defenses, and air-to-air operations.

Over the decades, the AV-8 Harrier has played a pivotal role in major military operations, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Unified Protector, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Beyond its combat contributions, the AV-8B has been a cornerstone of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) concept, providing rapid-response, forward-deployed air support in crises around the world. Whether supporting humanitarian missions, disaster relief efforts, or tactical operations, the AV-8B has proven indispensable to the success of the MEU.

A particularly poignant chapter in the Harrier's history is the raid on Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The loss of lives and aircraft during the attack is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in service. Yet, it also highlights the remarkable resilience of the Harrier community, as one damaged AV-8B was restored to operational condition, embodying the spirit of perseverance.

The watch face is a fitting homage to the iconic Rolls-Royce F402 engine, featuring 23 radial striations that mirror the fan blades of the engine, as seen from the front. This subtle yet powerful design element honors the craftsmanship and engineering excellence that have powered the Harrier’s legacy for over five decades. Each unit will be individually marked on the caseback with its serial number.

The stainless steel case diameter is 40.5mm with a thickness of 14mm. Tip to tip it is a very wearable 47mm. The lug ends are drilled for easier bracelet to strap changes. Inside is an NH34, 24-jewel automatic movement with 21,600 vibrations per hour. This self-winding movement supports hand winding and hacks (seconds hand stops when you pull out the crown). as well as a second time zone. Power reserve is about 41 hours fully wound.

Super-LumNova C3 is applied to the hands and markers, as well as the sapphire bezel and the canopy of the Harrier on the dial. The bezel is a precision 120-click bi-directional sub-style and an anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal guards against scratches and provides greater clarity when you need to check the time. The crown is screwdown and helps ensure 200 meters of water resistance.

A female endlink bracelet is included with solid links, solid end links and a robust milled scissor push-button flip-lock deployant clasp with six positions of micro-adjustment. For sizing the bracelet, screws are used for removing bracelet links instead of pins. Water resistance is 200 meters. Weight is 175 grams. An extra brown leather aviator strap is also included. Both the bracelet and strap use quick release spring bars.

Photos shown here are from the prototype. The delivered unit will differ in the following points:

1) There will be two more "fan blades", one between 10:00 and 11:00 and another between 11:00 and 12:00.

2) All lume with be green (C3 Super-LumiNova). The lume photo shows some blue, this will be changed to green.

3) The bracelet and strap will have quick release spring pins for easier strap changes.

4) The "Since 1971" text at the bottom of the dial will be made slightly larger.

Sorry, serial number reservations are not possible. This watch is not affiliated with the AVI-8 watch brand.