Side by side

AVI-8 Flyboy CadetvsCitizen Garrison

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

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Flyboy Cadet
AVI-8Flyboy Cadet
MSRP $160

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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.

AVI-8 Flyboy Cadet

The AVI-8 Flyboy Cadet features a 41mm brushed steel case and a matte dial, with subtle nods to 1942 game elements like pixel-style fonts and a plane character. It is powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic movement and retails for $365 USD. One owner notes the included leather NATO strap is too thin and flimsy. Overall, the AVI-8 Flyboy Cadet is seen as a unique offering with thematic design elements at its price point.

Citizen Garrison

The Citizen Garrison is widely praised for its excellent legibility, comfortable wear, and value, with owners frequently highlighting its clean dial, good lume, and solar-powered accuracy. Some appreciate its tool-like nature and versatility as a daily watch, noting the surprisingly good build quality and strap quality for its price. Specific features like the green dial, titanium case, and the day/date complication are also frequently cited as positives. However, the day-date window is considered small by some, and the faux aged markers are a potentially divisive aesthetic choice. Opinions on size vary, with some finding the 37mm or 38mm versions ideal for hiking or smaller wrists, while others feel they look too small. On balance, owners rate the Citizen Garrison highly for its legibility and value as an inexpensive field watch.

From video reviewers

The Eco-Drive solar movement is a consistent strength. The mineral crystal is a shared weakness, noted as prone to scratches. Reviewers disagreed on the watch's suitability for cold weather due to charging issues.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Flyboy Cadet
Garrison37mm
Power Reserve
Flyboy Cadet
Garrison
Water Resistance
Flyboy Cadet50m
Garrison100m
MSRP
Flyboy Cadet$160
Garrison$221

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Pilot
Field
Diameter
37mm
Thickness
0mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
Lug Width
18mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
50m
100m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Green
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Citizen E101
Type
Quartz
Solar

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$160
$221
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