With the 417 C Flyback LE, Hanhart and Chronos — German sister magazine WatchTime — present a limited edition model in steel and bronze. The favorite watch of Steve McQueen and former German Bundeswehr chronograph comes with a column-wheel chronograph, flyback function and hand-wound movement.
The Hanhart 417 began its career as a tool watch for German Air Force pilots shortly after West Germany rearmed and joined NATO. Hanhart has been supplying the German armed forces with this watch for almost ten years. Today, the few surviving examples are considered coveted collectors’ items. Actor and racing driver Steve McQueen also wore this chronograph and it was seen at many motorcycle races, as well as in the 1962 film “The War Lover.” There are two different versions of the models: the 417 in nickel-plated brass and the 417 ES in stainless steel.
Old models radiate a special beauty, where the nickel layer becomes thinner over time due to the heavy use of pushers, crowns and rotating bezels, and reveals the rose gold color of the brass. Hanhart achieves this look in the new model with case parts made of steel and bronze.
The light bronze patina gives the watch a more classic charm when worn. The dial under the highly domed sapphire crystal with bi-compax graduations, as well as the hands shape and historic Hanhart logo, are also authentic.
Like the original, the case measures 39 mm and comes with a hand-wound movement with column wheel control and flyback function. This mechanism allows the new interval to be measured immediately by pressing the reset button. The new AMT5100 M caliber can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. It comes from Swiss specialist Sellita’s AMT Manufacturing division and has a 58-hour power reserve. The column wheel and screws have been painted blue, and the plate is striped. The chronograph is worn on a lined brown or black leather strap.
The new Hanhart 417 C Flyback LE is limited to 150 units and priced at 2,860 USD or 2,490 Euro.
