AVI-8 recently renewed its collaboration with renowned visual artist Ben Li, also known as Inkdial, with a special limited edition release to mark his four-year anniversary in the world of watch illustration.
The Hawker Hurricane Inkdial Chronograph is a mix of traditional watchmaking combined with Ben’s unique illustration style.
Born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and carving out a niche within the watch industry with his intricate watch illustrations, Ben Li primarily crafted using markers and pens. He started in the world of horology during time he spent at a jewellery design studio. However, it was during the 2020 lockdown that his passion for drawing watches really came to fruition, giving rise to his online identity of Inkdial.
Reflecting on the therapeutic process of sketching watches, Ben says:
“I was really into it. It was an amazing and very Zen project to do!”
Now, with over 300 pieces to his name, his detailed, symmetrical designs have led to collaborations with brands that include IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, G-SHOCK and BRABUS, as his reputation in watch illustration continues to expand.
AVI-8 was in fact the first watch brand Ben sketched, making this particular collaboration even more meaningful. And after last year’s successful limited edition artwork for the Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph’s packaging, AVI-8 and Ben decided to work together this year to create a watch that captures Inkdial’s unique aesthetic and celebrates the four-year anniversary of Inkdial with a unique touch in that the number “4” on the dial glows in a distinctive green lume to symbolise Ben’s journey and artistry.
Ben’s vision is brought to life with the new Hawker Hurricane Inkdial Chronograph Limited Edition, transforming AVI-8’s popular timepiece into a “blueprint” style watch with gridlines and artistic markings that extends from the hands and dial details right down to the strap, with each element reflecting Ben’s signature illustrative style. It makes the watch appear as if it is a hand-drawn sketch that has come to life.
The 43mm stainless steel case has a mineral lens with an anti-reflective coating, stainless steel fixed bezel and pull out crown and is water resistant to 50 metres.
As with all AVI-8 watches, this limited edition collector’s timepiece comes beautifully packaged with an additional luminous nylon strap, a booklet detailing Inkdial’s creative process as well as a cleaning cloth adorned with his artwork. You even get a UV torch for a more immersive unboxing experience that pays tribute to the synergy between art and horology.
The Hawker Hurricane Inkdial Chronograph is limited to just 400 pieces worldwide and is available to purchase at Avi-8.co.uk priced at £295 and comes with a two-year warranty.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photograph courtesy of AVI-8 Timepieces
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