When a shooter veteran is celebrated by a manufacturer of aviation-inspired watches, it results in the surprise collaboration between watch manufacturer AVI-8 and video game publisher CAPCOM. The result ? The creation of two limited edition automatic watches inspired by the game “1942”.
1942: an iconic vertical schoot'em up by Capcom
“1942” is a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up video game, released in 1984 on an arcade machine. It was developed and published by CAPCOM, known for its many successful franchises such as Street Fighter, Mega Man, Resident Evil or ecore Monster Hunter.
The game takes place during World War II, and puts the player in control of an American fighter plane, the Super Ace, which must cross the Pacific and confront the Japanese army. The game consists of 32 levels, with bosses at the end of each level. The player can collect power-ups to improve his weaponry, speed or resistance.
“1942” is considered a classic of the genre, which left its mark on an entire generation of players. It has had several sequels and adaptations on various consoles and computers. It is part of the cultural heritage of video games, and has been reissued in compilations like Capcom Classics Collection or Capcom Arcade Stadium.
What are the characteristics of the AVI-8 x CAPCOM watches?
The AVI-8 x CAPCOM watches are the result of a collaboration between the AVI-8 watch brand, specializing in aeronautical-themed watches, and the video game publisher CAPCOM, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.
The watches are based on the AVI-8 Flyboy model, which pays homage to military aviation pilots. They use the visual codes of the game “1942”, with retro and fun elements.
The watches are released in two versions: the Blue Ace and the Black Ace. Each version is limited to 150 numbered copies, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a set of prints created by the artist Nache Ramos, who illustrated the game with a vintage style.
Here are the main characteristics of the watches:
- 41mm diameter stainless steel case
- Japanese Seiko TMI NH35 automatic movement
- Waterproof up to 5 ATM
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Textured and multi-layered dial, with 8-bit airplane patterns
- Date window with pixelated font
- Super Ace airplane-shaped seconds hand, with a rainbow gradient
- Index “12” with the game logo font
- Two-tone stainless steel or nylon strap
- Luminescent elements for optimal readability in the dark
The AVI-8 x CAPCOM watches are a beautiful tribute to the game “1942”, which will delight retro-gaming fans and lovers of original watches. They combine the watchmaking know-how of AVI-8 and the fun heritage of CAPCOM, to create a unique and collector's piece.
The AVI-8 x CAPCOM 1942 limited series is now sold out, but it is still possible to enjoy superb watch models inspired by the world of aviation as well as other collaborations by consulting the AVI-8 collections catalog .