Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsAVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition
AVI-8Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition
MSRP $450

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition40h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition50m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition$450

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Pilot
Diameter
42mm
Thickness
12.6mm
15mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
22mm
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Bronze
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$450

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition

The AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition is praised for its comfortable 39mm proportions and the warm, evolving character of its bronze case, with some noting the potential for undesirable bronze patina. One owner highlights the legible dial and inner GMT complication, considering the 41mm case, 48.5mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm thickness to be great dimensions, though the stock leather strap and lug hole placement are flagged as limitations. Another owner points out that the lume looks great after a charge. On balance, owners appreciate the AVI-8 Flyboy Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition for its distinctive bronze case and wearable dimensions at its price point.

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