The pilot’s chronograph watches made by the German company Hanhart from the 1930s to the 1950s are legendary, and incredibly cool. Their cool factor, however, is immeasurably boosted by an association with actor and “King of Cool” Steve McQueen, who was known to wear one when riding his motorcycle as well as on set. Paying tribute to the specific watch McQueen wore, Hanhart has now partnered with watch magazine Revolution to produce a limited edition in bronze — with a surprisingly reasonable price.
While the actor wore a steel version of the Hanhart 417 ES Chronograph (ES referring to its case material), another version of the watch produced at the same time was in chrome-plated brass. Revolution wanted to recreate the look of those vintage watches with the chrome worn off, and the bronze would further offer an aged look as it formed patina.
Revolution WatchThe 2020 version of the 417 Chronograph was redesigned to be thin like the original by using a manually wound movement, the Sellita SW 510. Its case measures 42mm wide, and should wear prominently on the wrist on its bund-style strap, just as McQueen was known to wear it at times (though the extra layer of leather can be removed).
Despite its bronze case, which usually entails a premium over stainless steel, the Hanhart x Revolution 417 Chronograph is priced the same as the steel version at $1,900. This seems eminently fair, but only 150 examples are being made, so interested parties should act fast.