Hanhart 415 ES Panda & Reverse Panda: Two Faces of a Racing Icon

by Brent Robillard

The Classic Chrono Gets a 21st-Century Tune-Up

If there’s one thing we’ve come to count on from Hanhart, it’s the brand’s ability to blend authentic vintage vibes with rugged modern construction—and the new 415 ES Panda and 415 ES Reverse Panda chronographs are no exception. Though we haven’t yet had the pleasure of handling these pieces in the metal, our extensive time with Hanhart’s watches tells us to expect nothing short of excellence. And with details like the all-new toolless micro-adjusting bracelet, this release shows Hanhart’s keen ear for what real enthusiasts want.

Hanhart 415 ES Panda and Reverse Panda — 415 ES Panda

A Nod to Racing’s Golden Era

The 415 ES Panda and Reverse Panda reach deep into Hanhart’s archives, reviving the spirit of their 1960s 415 ES chronos—watches beloved by racers for their high-contrast dials and bulletproof reliability. True to that legacy, the Panda brings a crisp white dial punctuated by black subdials, while the Reverse Panda flips the palette with white registers on an inky black backdrop. Both layouts deliver timeless, unmistakable motorsport character—and unmatched legibility at a glance.

The Wing Returns

Enthusiasts will immediately notice the iconic Hanhart wing logo on the dial, a symbol of the brand’s forward-thinking spirit in the 1960s, now reintroduced as a badge of honour tying these new models back to their racing roots. This historic detail, alongside the brand’s signature cathedral-style “h” crown and engraved caseback, gives the new 415 ES pieces authentic retro soul without feeling like a rehash.

Built for the Track—and the Unexpected

Like any true Hanhart, the 415 ES Panda and Reverse Panda are more than just pretty dials. Their 39mm stainless steel cases are shock-protected and anti-magnetic, housing the reliable Sellita SW510 M movement—meticulously adjusted at Hanhart’s Gütenbach workshop to the brand’s famously tight tolerances: 0 to +8 seconds per day, with no allowance for minus seconds in main positions. That’s German punctuality at its finest.

The rotating bezel, fitted with a black ceramic insert and 60-click action, feels like a natural tool for tracking elapsed time on or off the track. Meanwhile, high-domed sapphire crystals ensure superb durability and distortion-free clarity, whether you’re checking the time in the pits or reading the dial under low light—thanks to the bright, white C1 GL X2 Super-LumiNova.

A Bracelet Made for Real Life

What really has us buzzing? The introduction of a high-quality stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp featuring a toolless micro-adjustment. This upgrade lets you dial in the perfect fit on the fly—no spring bars or watch tools required—adding a welcome dose of modern practicality to the vintage-inspired package. The bracelet also carries the historic Hanhart wing logo on its clasp, a small touch that seals the deal for many of us.

Prefer leather? Hanhart hasn’t forgotten traditionalists, offering high-quality calfskin straps in black, dark brown, or light brown, each with the same signature pin buckle.

A Racing Instrument You Can Rely On

Whether you opt for the Panda or Reverse Panda, both watches share a 39mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, and 46mm lug-to-lug measurement—classic, wearable proportions that sit comfortably on a range of wrists. Water resistance to 10 bar (100 metres) adds daily versatility, while the solid, screwed caseback engraved with a consecutive serial number underscores each piece’s limited production feel.

Final Word

Hanhart’s tagline says it best: Others show the time, Hanhart measures it. In these new 415 ES Panda and 415 ES Reverse Panda, that ethos is alive and well. This duo brings authentic 1960s motorsport design roaring into 2025 with modern materials, an innovative micro-adjust bracelet, and a movement regulated with German precision.

If our past experience with Hanhart’s chronographs is anything to go by, these Pandas are sure to exceed expectations—on the track, at the office, or anywhere life demands a watch that’s as reliable as it is charismatic.

Pricing & Availability

Both the 415 ES Panda and Reverse Panda retail for 3120 € ($3836 CAD) on the strap. For more information head over to the brand website.

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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