by Brent Robillard
Historic revival
Some watch brands, through clever marketing and consistent performance, have become household names. Others, of equal quality and commitment to craft, have somehow been eluded by ubiquity. In its place, they have developed a committed following of enthusiasts who are almost fanatical in their devotion. Like an indie band, they are surrounded by a protective circle of acolytes, who are willing to sing their praises to anyone who will listen, and, at the same time, afraid to spoil the sense of “if you know, you know” cachet that has been built up around them. For me, this describes German watchmaker Hanhart to a tee. And there are few better examples of this craftsmanship than the Hanhart 415 ES Iconic 39.
The Hanhart 415ES Iconic is an understated blend of vintage aesthetics and modern watchmaking that pays homage to the brand’s own 415 ES from the 1960s. And, well, they nailed it.
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Brand heritage
Founded in 1882 by Johann Adolf Hanhart, the brand has a storied history in producing precision timepieces, particularly renowned for its stopwatches and pilot chronographs. The original 415 ES, introduced in the 1960s, was notable for its bi-directional rotating bezel with 60-minute graduations, marking a significant evolution in Hanhart’s chronograph designs. The revival of the 415 ES Iconic 39 pays faithful tribute to this legacy, combining timeless design with modern advancements.
Key Features of the Hanhart 415 ES Iconic 39
Case design and dimensions
Crafted from polished and satin-finished stainless steel, the case measures 39mm in diameter and 13.5mm in height, offering a balanced presence on the wrist. The bi-directional rotating bezel features 60-minute graduations, a notable departure from Hanhart’s traditional fluted bezels, providing both functionality and a nod to its historical predecessor. Mushroom-style pushers and a prominent, knurled crown enhance the watch’s vintage character, while the screw-down case back ensures water resistance up to 100 meters.
Dial
The matte black, textured dial showcases a harmonious blend of colors: yellow hour markers, white tachymeter and sub-dial scales, and a red hundredths scale. This red scale, used for measuring industrial minutes, divides one minute into 100 units, facilitating precise time calculations. Sword-shaped hour and minute hands, finished in gold with Super-LumiNova inserts, feature bent tips to reduce parallax errors. The chronograph’s sub-dials include a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a small seconds display at 9 o’clock. The historic winged Hanhart logo at 12 o’clock adds a touch of heritage to the design.
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Movement and performance
Powering the 415 ES is the manually wound Sellita SW 510 M caliber, offering a robust 58-hour power reserve. This movement is renowned for its reliability and precision, aligning with Hanhart’s commitment to quality. The watch also incorporates enhanced shock resistance technology, ensuring durability in various conditions.
Additional features
The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal featuring an interior anti-reflective coating, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. The calfskin leather strap, available in black, dark brown, or light brown, is lined with Alcantara for added comfort and secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. X1 Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures optimal legibility in low-light conditions.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 20mm Lug width 13.5mm Thick 60-click Bi-directional Bezel Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal Textured Dial Sword Handset Tachymeter scale Red Hundred Scale (industrial minute) X1 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Sellita SW 510 M Hanhart Motion Dampening Shock Proof System 23 Jewels 28 800vph 58-63 Hours on a Full Wind |
| Strap | Calfskin Leather /w Stainless Steel Hardware & Lined with Alcantara |
Hanhart 415 ES Iconic Chronograph
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Final Thoughts
The Hanhart 415 ES Iconic is so much more than the sum of parts. In a recent conversation I had with Fratello’s RJ Broer, he said that when he sees someone wearing a Rolex it is not likely that he will ask the person about it, or comment on it, because more often than not there is no story behind the purchase. It was bought because it is a Rolex. It’s a good watch. The same can be said about a lot of mainstream luxury brands. There is, however, no doubt in my mind that RJ would stop a person on the street, or in the lineup at a super market, if he spotted the Hanhart 415 ES Iconic. Because a watch like this is as good as a secret handshake. A wink and a nod to fellow aficionados. Yes, the brand has history. Yes, the watch merges historical design elements with contemporary watchmaking techniques. But damn. It’s also just a good watch. Don’t tell anybody.
Remember. The first rule of Hanhart is that there is no Hanhart.
Pricing & Availability
The watch retails for €2390, or approximately $2680USD ($3800CAD). Please visit the website for further details.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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