Journey back to the 1950s: Hanhart presents a heritage model with a red pusher and modern tempo control

Journey back to the 1950s: Hanhart presents a heritage model with a red pusher and modern tempo control

"We're always happy to receive suggestions for new models. Over the past few years, two requests have been brought to our attention particularly frequently," reports Hanhart Managing Director Felix Wallner.

"Our iconic '417 ES' with a black dial was designed to be equipped with either an AMT column-wheel flyback movement or a red HyCeram pusher. We have now combined the elements and present the '417 ES Heritage Flyback,' a chronograph that combines a distinctive history with timeless design and cutting-edge technology."

The new models from the German watch manufacturer, founded in 1882, are available in case sizes of 39 and 42 millimeters.

And there might even be a touch of romance in it. At least if you believe the legend of the pilot's companion who was left behind and who marked one of the buttons on her lover's aviator chronograph with red nail polish – so that he would always think of her and soon return.

And if this story isn't true, then one can rely on the practical use of the red pusher, which has characterized many Hanhart chronographs since their introduction in 1938.

The signal color was intended to prevent pilots from accidentally resetting the stopwatch. Many of the historic Hanhart calibers were equipped with a flyback function, where incorrect pressure could have serious consequences, for example, when used for navigation purposes.

The red button was not just a design element, but a safety measure that protected users from possible errors.

Hanhart and the flyback function

The flyback function is part of Hanhart's DNA. The historic "417 ES," originally produced between 1953 and 1962 for the German Air Force—hence why aficionados also call it the "Bundeswehr Chronograph"—already featured this practical complication. The timepiece was equipped with the Hanhart Caliber 42, a column-wheel caliber with a tempo setting (now known as a flyback) and manual winding. It allowed for the immediate start of a new time interval with just one press of the reset pusher, without having to stop the stopwatch mechanism first.

With the new "417 ES Heritage Flyback," this function returns to Hanhart's most popular collection. The chronograph is now powered by the hand-wound caliber AMT5100 M from Sellita's Manufacture AMT division.

The movement uses a classic column wheel, offers a power reserve of at least 58 hours, and beats at four hertz – robust, precise, and built for everyday use as well as for use under demanding conditions.

Water-resistant to 10 bar, the "417 ES Heritage Flyback" is available in two case sizes: 42 and 39 millimeters. The latter corresponds to the original format of the "417 ES," as it was designed for the German Armed Forces in the 1950s.

This smaller version features an anti-magnetic case and therefore a solid caseback. The 42-millimeter model has a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing a view of the movement.

Loans to the 1950s

Like all models in the "417 ES" collection, the new "Heritage Flyback" is closely based on the design of the original Bundeswehr chronograph from the 1950s. A particularly striking feature is the fluted bezel with red position markers – a typical Hanhart stylistic feature that can be rotated continuously in both directions.

The dial also references the historical original in almost every detail: The classic Hanhart layout with totalizers at 3 and 9 o'clock, the reactivated numbers and fonts as well as the brand lettering from that time create the effect of a journey through time on the wrist.

Thanks to the generous use of Superluminova on the numerals and hands as well as the convex, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the watch is always easy to read.

Both case sizes are available with a black or dark brown leather strap, with or without a sub-bracelet. Alternatively, a stainless steel bracelet is also available.