Hanhart Flyback Chrono 417 Bundeswehr

The authentic patina of this Hanhart Flyback Chronograph Ref. 417 and its historical significance make it a special collector's item for any lover of vintage military pilot's watches. A true original that reflects the spirit of the time and inspires with its authenticity and beauty.

In the mid-1950s, Hanhart began developing the pilot's chronograph for the German armed forces - a tool tailored to the needs of pilots. Its name: 417, its mission: maximum functionality on the wrist of the German Air Force. The newly founded Bundeswehr urgently needed a wrist chronograph with a flyback function - a feature that enabled pilots to start a new time measurement with just one press on the lower pusher while the time was running. In contrast to conventional chronographs, this eliminated the time-consuming process of stopping and resetting before starting a new measurement. Hanhart supplied the Bundeswehr with this reliable and precise chronograph for almost a decade. The few surviving examples of the original 417 have become true treasures and are now among the most sought-after vintage chronographs made in Germany.

The present example is particularly fascinating due to its patina, which has developed through use over the years. As the chrome layer wears away, the brass underneath is revealed in some places - a detail that emphasizes the vintage character of this watch. This phenomenon even inspired the new edition of the Hanhart Chronograph in steel and bronze. But nothing beats the authenticity and value of the original.

With its timeless design and historical significance, the Hanhart 417 Chrono remains an icon - a piece of history that impressively embodies the values of robustness, precision and functionality.

Condition report
Dial: outstanding matt black dial with natural patina - original radium in hands and markers.

Case: chrome-plated brass case - natural wear - rotating bezel - deep military engraving on the case back: "12-121-5208 BUNDESEIGENTUM" (Federal property).

Movement: manually wound caliber 42 - values on the time grapher: rate: -17s/day, amplitude: 325 degrees, beat error: 0.5 ms.

Int.Exe.: 24844