They came, they saw, they asked. A fan’s favourite from this renowned German brand. Introducing the Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm & 42mm with AMT column wheel movement, hyceram red pusher, and cutting-edge technology. 

Summary

• Brimming with pedigree and history, there’s lots of vintage vibes packed into these 39mm and 42mm German pilot watches.
• Inspired by the original Bundeswehr chronograph, dating from the 1950s, there’s much to admire about this entry-level piece, featuring an unidirectional fluted bezel with position markers in red, domed sapphire crystal and Super-LumiNova X2 C3.
• There’s 100 metres of water resistance, screw down crown as well as two subdials, containing running seconds and 30 minute totalizer. 
• Housing Sellita AMT5100 M, the manual winding flyback chronograph was high on many of their fans list to include in these models. This classic chrono hits all the nostalgic notes, has 58 hours power reserve and is presented on a leather or stainless steel strap. 

What’s on today’s horological menu du jour I hear you ask? Classic pilot chronos

Sure, we can wax lyrical about the Longines Big Eye. Or the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph, specifically produced for the Royal Air Force in 1980, with more ruggedness than Gerard Butler.

But aviation is what Hanhart does best. 

And after our deep dive review into their Aquasphere Freefall Blue, we are back to take the plunge and look at this re-edition of a pilot inspired chronograph. And we don’t need any slide rule bezel in sight…are you listening up Breitling?

Strap yourself in, as we introduce the Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm and 42mm

Press Release - Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm and 42mm 

Founded in 1882 by Johann A. Hanhart in Diessenhofen, Switzerland, later relocating to Germany’s Black Forest, the brand is renowned for precision timekeeping instruments, especially affordable mechanical stopwatches from the 1920s and iconic pilot’s chronographs from the 1930s onward. 

And it is no different with this enticing watch. 

A distinctive feature of many Hanhart chronographs is the red pusher, originally designed to prevent accidental resets. 

Today, the brand produces robust mechanical wristwatches and chronographs in Gütenbach, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Collectors value Hanhart for its aviation heritage, functional tool watches, and enduring quality. 

Here below is the full press release of this model.

It’s time to take to the skies! 

The Red Pusher

He tenderly pressed a kiss to her sleeping forehead before quietly leaving the apartment. 

When he looked at his Hanhart chronograph in the hangar, a smile flitted across his lips: she had painted the pusher with her red nail polish so that he would always think of her and return safely…

It is unclear whether this legend is true, but the red pusher originally had a practical purpose: the signal color was intended to prevent pilots from accidentally resetting the stop time. 

Many of the historic Hanhart calibres were equipped with a flyback function, which could have serious consequences if pressed incorrectly, for example when used for navigation purposes. 

The red pusher was therefore not just a design element, but a safety measure that protected users from possible errors. The HyCeram handle combines the advantages of 60% microfine ceramic and modern 3D cross-linked polymers. 

The result is a hybrid ceramic with an elegant and high-quality appearance.

Precision In Time With History - The Flyback Function

The flyback function has long been part of Hanhart's DNA. 

Stainless steel version

The historic 417 ES, once developed for the pilots of the German Armed Forces, already had this practical complication - also known as the speed switch. 

It enables a new time interval to be started immediately with just one press of the reset button, without having to stop the stop mechanism first. 

With the new 417 ES Heritage Flyback, this function now returns to Hanhart's most popular collection. The chronograph is powered by the high-quality hand-wound AMT5100 M caliber from Sellita's “Manufacture AMT” department. 

The movement works with a classic column wheel, offers a power reserve of at least 58 hours and beats at 4 Hertz - robust, precise and built for everyday use as well as for use in demanding conditions.

The combination of historical design, iconic red pusher and modern technology makes the new 417 ES Heritage Flyback a chronograph that masterfully combines functionality and fascination.

Official Movement Specs

A Piece Of History - Available In Two Sizes

The 417 ES Heritage Flyback is available in two case sizes: 42mm and 39mm. 

The latter corresponds to the historical original size of the 417 ES as it was designed for the German Armed Forces in the 1950s. 

With the classic 39mm version, Hanhart offers authentic proportions and a striking presence on the wrist - just like the legendary model. 

The 42 mm version, on the other hand, is aimed at all those who prefer the iconic look of the 417 ES in a slightly larger and even more striking format. The 39mm version has an anti-magnetic case and is therefore equipped with a solid case back. 

The 42mm model has a sapphire crystal case back that allows a view of the movement. 

Regardless of size, the new flyback version combines classic design, modern watchmaking and the unmistakable red pusher - a piece of history that sits perfectly on the wrist

Details That Make The Difference

Heritage Flyback is closely based on the original Bundeswehr chronograph from the 1950s. 

Particularly striking: the fluted bezel with red position markers - a typical Hanhart style feature that can be rotated continuously in both directions. 

A real highlight are the sharply drawn, highly polished bevels that elegantly emphasize the transition from the satin-finished horns to the case flanks - a refinement that perfectly accentuates the interplay of light and surface. 

The dial also quotes the historical original in almost every detail: the classic Hanhart layout with totalizers at 3 and 9 o'clock, the reactivated numerals and fonts as well as the brand lettering from back then look like a journey back in time on the wrist. 

Thanks to the generous use of Super-LumiNova® X2 C3 on the numerals and hands, the watch remains extremely easy to read even in the dark. 

Both case sizes - 39mm and 42mm - are available with a choice of black, dark brown or light brown leather strap with or without a lower strap. 

Alternatively, a robust stainless steel strap is also available - for a particularly sporty look.

The German Virtue Of Punctuality

The Hanhart standard with regard to the accuracy of the watches is as unique as the timepieces themselves. 

Every single movement is tested and adjusted by excellently trained watchmakers at the Hanhart manufactory in Gütenbach. 

The Hanhart specifications for rate accuracy are 0 to +8 seconds per day on average over 6 positions. 

This corresponds to the same deviation as +-4 seconds, but Hanhart does not allow a minus second in the main positions. 

The German virtue of punctuality dictates that wearers of Hanhart watches should not be late because of the timekeeping device on their wrist. In addition, a maximum delta of 10 seconds is permitted between the positions.

Others May Show The Time, Hanhart Measure It

As a pioneer in the development of wrist chronographs and stopwatches, Hanhart has played an outstanding role in the history of the German watch industry. 

With a passion for technical inventiveness, Hanhart continues to set the highest standards for itself today and is guided by the following maxims: precision and reliability, perfect readability and simple, safe operation and maximum robustness. 

Since 1882, the watch manufacturer has been producing timepieces that combine perfection with unmistakable design. Development, production and sales of the mechanical masterpieces are based in Gütenbach in the Black Forest.

Official Specs - Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm and 42mm

Where Can You Buy A Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm and 42mm?

If you want to fly high, pick one up from their site for the following prices;

• £1,922 - leather strap  
• £2,067 - stainless steel strap 

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Prices correct as of June 2026

Conclusion

For those looking to get into the chronograph game, there are many players within this price category. But not so many like the Hanhart 417 ES Heritage Flyback 39mm and 42mm, with inherent field watch vibes and stealth.

With a wallet friendly price that smashes many out of the water, given its specs, and way less than £5000, they have ticked many fans' boxes. Plus, if you want to buy a 417 ES with a panda dial, they have this in their locker too.

And for around £300 less. 

Sure, some may have some bugbears around the 13,3mm case thickness, which may come across a little on the chunky side, given the box sapphire crystal. 

But with excellent clarity emanating from its Super-LumiNova X2 C3, timeless aesthetics and flyback functionality, it shouldn’t fly under the radar altogether.

Discover, hunt, buy, sell

Images: Unless otherwise specified

Hanhart

Further Reading: 

19 Best Pilot Watches For The Aviation Enthusiast

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