Marking Eight Decades of Triumph: AVI-8 Launches Limited-Edition VE Day 80th Anniversary Collection

In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), AVI-8 has unveiled a powerful tribute to one of history’s most pivotal moments — a limited-edition collection of timepieces honouring the legacy of wartime aviation and the heroes who shaped the course of history.

Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on the 8th of May 1945, marked the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender by the Allied forces. It was a day that saw jubilant crowds flood the streets, and a nation tuned in as Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the British people. Eighty years on, the memory of this defining moment endures — and AVI-8 channels its essence into a collection that fuses craftsmanship, history, and timeless design.

Limited to just 800 pieces, the VE-Day 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Collection comprises three remarkable models: the P-51 Mustang Patriot Automatic, the Spitfire Type 300 Automatic, and the Hawker Hurricane Kent Automatic. Each model is a nod to the legendary aircraft that dominated the skies during WWII, offering not just a watch but a piece of living history.

Thoughtfully designed in two vintage colourways, the collection captures the subtle tones of wartime newspapers and pilot uniforms. The result is an authentic aesthetic that honours the era’s visual identity. More than just surface detail, AVI-8 has woven symbolism throughout each timepiece. Notably, the number 8 on the date wheel is replaced by a ‘V’ — an homage to both Churchill’s iconic ‘V for Victory’ salute and the date of VE Day itself. The 8 and 5 o’clock markers are further emphasised, silently echoing the 8th of May. Adding to this are discreet touches like Morse code for 'V' integrated into the luminous dial — inviting enthusiasts to look deeper into each watch’s story.

More than a wristwatch, each model is a salute to history, a tribute to those who served, and a celebration of the enduring power of remembrance.

The VE-Day 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Collection will be available from 16th May exclusively at AVI-8.co.uk, priced at £350. With only 800 units produced, it’s a rare opportunity for collectors and history lovers alike to own a timeless piece that speaks volumes without saying a word.