VI-8 Watches presents the new P-51 Mustang Hitchcock Automatic inspired by Tommy Hitchcock, the American Lafayette Escadrille member and national polo champion who directly influenced the development of the P-51 Mustang during WWII.

The Hitchcock Automatic is built from AVI-8 Watches’ 43mm P-51 Mustang inspired case, featuring a crown guard echoing the engine exhaust of the aircraft.

Drawn from both the cockpit and body of the P-51 Mustang, the Hitchcock’s multilayered dial blends modern watchmaking sophistication with vintage aviation elements to create a clear and legible dial.

Powering the Hitchcock is the NH35 self-winding movement. In a tribute to Hitchcock’s heroics outside the cockpit, the case back features the words “Ten Goal Tommy,” referencing his 10-goal handicap in polo.

Securing this timepiece to the wrist is a padded genuine leather strap, inspired by the design of the P-51 Mustang’s seats.

Tommy Hitchcock led a glamourous life, and was born into a prominent American family. He became a fighter pilot in the first World War, and was taken prisoner by the Germans in 1918. He made a daring escape, jumping from a moving train, and walking 100 miles to safety in Switzerland.

After the war he studied at Harvard in America, and then Oxford University in England, where he began playing polo with English aristocratic families. He quickly became one of the greatest polo players in the world, representing America in the 1924 Olympics, and soon became known at ‘Ten Goal Tommy’ - referencing his 10-goal handicap in polo, the ranking reserved for only the most skilful player.

It is generally thought that Tommy Hitchcock was the inspiration for Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby written by Scott Fitzgerald. He died in 1944 when his plane crashed while on a test flight for a new version of the P-51 Mustang.