Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue Takes Brand Into New Dive Watch Territory

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“We started planning this watch more than 6 years ago. We found out that it takes time when you want to get every detail right. In our opinion it is more important to add another review cycle than launch a product that is not perfect.”

Felix Wallner, CEO of Hanhart talks exclusively to Chrono Hunter about the brand’s new diver from their esteemed collection.

At A Glance

Founded on July 1st 1882 by Johann Adolf Hanhart in the Swiss hamlet of Diessenhoffen am Rhein, their earliest claim to fame was introducing the first budget-friendly mechanical stopwatch in 1924.
Evolving into pocket watches and wristwatches, produced to the highest standards, they had a literal hand in manufacturing the first double hand stopwatch in 1935.
Worn on the wrist of Steve McQueen who was known to favour the Hanhart 417 ES, manufactured for the German Armed Forces for nearly a decade, it is one of the most underrated everyday watches.
Renowned for the Caliber 40 chronograph and Primus model, the Swiss-German outfit has plunged like an Omega Ploprof Summer Blue to reveal their new dive lineup - the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue.
Taking a different horological route from its pilot and motorsport heritage, like the Racemaster GT, S Series, with a nod to Saab 105 fighter planes and Primus Diver, comes a different offering.
This utilitarian piece with distinctive red bezel markings, sapphire crystal, fluted unidirectional bezel and matte blue dial is both refined with nearly as many clicks (60 to be exact) as Stella McCartney' s latest show at London Fashion Week.
Rigorously put through its paces by Black Forest resident and nautical champ Fabio Tunno, who in Summer 2022 achieved records for stereo fins and monofin apnea deep diving, the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue has excellent clarity, reduced profile and more character than Sherlock Holmes.

As Neil Armstong once declared…it’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Now we all know (or we should) about the history of the Omega Speedmaster. First watch on the moon and all that, strapped to the wrist of Walter Shirra on the 3rd of October 1962.

But that’s the past and this is now. We say that, because Hanhart is embarking on a new timekeeping adventure that will put the Snoopy Moonswatch firmly in its place. What are we talking about? The new Aquasphere Freefall Blue.

Primus Diver aside, this is their first real foray into the aquatic world of dive watches. Could this be the Jules Verne of novelties?

Unveiling sleek, contemporary looks, a robust build and 300 metres of water resistance, on par with the Seiko Prospex, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Rolex Submariner, what lies beneath this model?

It’s time to find out. First of all, let’s introduce you a second as to why the brand is so special, before plunging headfirst like a Rolex Deepsea Challenge 120607 into our review. Parachutes at the ready.

Tally ho…

Prepare For Take Off

Famed for their bicompax dial designs and flyback complications as seen in the Racemaster GTF, it turns out that Hanhart has more of a back story (in some regards) than the Rolex Daytona.

Hang on a second and we shall explain.

Look, they might not be one of the oldest timekeeping brands in the world like Gallet (1466), Haldiman (1642) or the oddly named Graham (1695). But they sure as heck can live up to the big boys in terms of age. How so?

Established in 1882, they are only a year older than Seiko, founded one year previously and are in fact older than some of the top Swiss luxury brands of recent times such as;

Breitling (1884)
Eberhard & Co (1887)
Alpina (1883)
Hamilton (1892)

Heck, their storied history stems back further than the likes of Rolex from 1905 (Sorry Hans Wilsdorf!) Ebel, launched in 1911 and even Oris (1904).

On top of this, they were not only responsible for manufacturing chronographs between the 1940s to 1960s but some of their calibres, namely 41 and 42 are still as sought after as an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

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Now that’s some timekeeping clout.

From calibre 40, the first button single chronograph, unveiled in 1938 to the "Fliegerchronograph 1939", housing a set of registers with asymmetric pushers, distinguishable by its vibrant red reset button function.

Oozing more vintage vibes than a Tudor Black Bay reference 7922, these time inspired instruments put the brand on the horological map.

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You could say, it’s what makes them tick!

Their no-nonsense, fuss-free pilot chronographs lend themselves to any wrist with bags of charm on top and under the case. Sure, it may not be fit to grace the catwalks of London Fashion Week.

But if that aviation itch needs a good old scratch, and for much less than £5,000, look no further than Hanhart. These types of watches hit the spot.

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Take the Pioneer TachyTele which is vintage personified. Tough as old army boots and debuted at the beginning of World War Two, it benefited from first rate precision and buttons positioned asymmetrically, ensured simple operation with a soupçon of elegance.

40mm Pioneer TachyTele with antique white dial

Revived during the 1990s when Spandex and David Hasselhoff were de rigueur, these timepieces never fell by the wayside. By 2012, the brand had delivered a number of TachyTele executions, oozing retro white dials.

Besides, they even have a specialist museum located in Gütenbach, in the heart of the Schwarzwald, or Black Forest. This is headed up by Manfred Schwer who ensures all the exhibits and watches run like…well, clockwork. You can find out further details here.

But now, it’s time to taxi down the runway and uncover the brand’s new and exciting foray into the dive sphere. Where’s Jacques Cousteau when you need him?

Personality Of The Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue

“For us the AQUASPHERE is a milestone in the history of the company. For the first time we present a proper dive watch, and we are happy that it has already been tested to a depth of 110 meters by the professional diver Fabio Tunno.”

Felix Wallner, CEO of Hanhart talking to Chrono Hunter about the new release

Many top Swiss luxury watch brands like to harp on about the spirit of adventure, as per Vacheron Constantin and their highly successful yet sexy Overseas collection.

But it’s now time to turn the focus on the new diver from Hanhart, known as the Aquasphere Freefall Blue. And as John Mayer sang about in 2008, we are going to do some “Free Fallin” of our own with this unadulterated review.

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Bringing in an age of subterranean adventures for those looking to buy a watch with robust features and 300 metres of water resistance to combat water sports, snorkelling and poolside flexing, there’s plenty of punch to this terrific timepiece.

Hook, line and sinker. The Hookstrap variation

Straight off the bat, it has excellent presence on the wrist without overdoing it into Panerai territory. Yet if you are after a slim Jim or a dress piece, this might not be the one for you.

At 42mm x 12.95mm, to give you a size comparison, this is the same case diameter as a 2020 Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 326933 and is half a millimeter less than an Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 or Hublot Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow (451.OX.1180.OX.3999)

Rugged like Gerard Butler, there are a number of different features that stay true to its design codes while signalling their burning desire to get with the times. Forget “This Is Sparta.” This is more a case of, this is Hanhart. After all, they have never ventured into diver territory…

Until now.

As legible as an IWC Pilot or Mark XX with silver dial, and as precise as one of Robin Hood’s arrows, there is super functionality abound making this a potential timekeeper.

There’s lots of satin and polished surfaces to admire and is as dynamic as making that Monday morning commute.

Plus there’s that all important Superluminova C1 guaranteeing high levels of clarity even in the murkiest of conditions. This can be seen on the digit 12, appliqués on the cobalt blue dial as well as the triangle situated on the bezel.

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Oh, you’ll be able to light up the sky (and the sea) with this strapped on your wrist.

The bracelet itself is sold and tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm around the push clasp system, operated by two buttons.

There is some fetching logo engraving on it and an attractive lustre to the stainless steel. Meanwhile, the clasp is satin finished and, I must admit, the profile is relatively low which doesn’t look over bulky.

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Double domed sapphire crystal comes as standard thanks to an AR coating and there is added luminosity thanks to the oversized syringe shaped hands, indices and hour markers, daubed up to the max.

Note the signature red marker based at 12 which is a quintessential element of their design.

On top of this, there is a handy helium valve on the new Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue. Situated at 10, it offers maximum protection from any damage during the decompression stage.

Good to know when you are exploring flora and fauna off the coast of Mexico or the Maldives.

Other highlights to take into account include the triangular marker located at 12 o’ clock, signifying the dive start time, blue ceramic insert, crown protector providing extra security for the branded crown, signified by the letter H and not one, but two crown guards.

We also like the red tipped second hand, further enhancing the crystal clearness of this timepiece.

“For us the AQUASPHERE marks a turning point for the brand. In the pilots watches sector we have already very iconic and renowned models like the 417 ES. Now we can prove in a completely new field what we are capable of.”

Felix Wallner, CEO of Hanhart talking to Chrono Hunter about the new Aquasphere Freefall Blue

Technical precision and contemporary visuals meet, resulting in something fit for the everyday wearer and professional diver.

Drawing influence from the Primus Diver, while it won’t win any Oscars or Emmys in contrast to something a little more attractive like the attractive 39mm Longines Legend Diver, they have captured many enthusiasts, with their new take on technical precision.

The cornerstone of German engineering that’s been at the centre of the brand’s philosophy for decades, ever since the introduction of their successful stopwatches, you cannot argue with the super efficient execution.

The definition of refinement, right down to the rehaut which, on the periphery of the blue dial enables wearers to read the seconds clearly, it seems no expense or detail has been spared.

Like the debate between the date and no date Rolex Submariner, some might not like the omittance of a date aperture but there’s sufficient to enhance the face which features;

Hanhart 1882 (under the 12)
AQUASPHERE, AUTOMATIC, 30ATM (above the 6)

Nonetheless, this does not detract from the overall utilitarian and clean aesthetics showcased. Besides, this may for some divers get in the way when undertaking their Jacque Cousteau style explorations.

And we know there’s nothing greater than making a splash at that smart affair, be it dinner party, wedding or swanky, cocktail bar opening..

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But we have not forgotten about the solid caseback, which has more dive influences than a Rolex Sea-Dweller (well almost).

The nice touch comes via a marine mural. It is filled with coral, fish and other elements that are etched and polished, ensuring you are at one with Mother Nature, Poseidon and what lies beneath the ocean floor.

Then there’s German freediver, Fabio Tunno who has submerged to new depths in the pursuit of trialling the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue.

Tried And Tested

As Stevie Wonder proclaimed in 1970, this model has been “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”...

And more importantly tested by Herr Tunno himself. Perhaps the Roger Federer of apnoea diving, he was assigned the task of trying out the prototype, covering a host of functions and strength experiments.

As graceful as one of the Swiss legends' forehands at Wimbledon, it was down to the man himself to glide down with the timepiece over his wetsuit.

Fortunately, there was absolutely no wipeout involved.

While globetrotting around the world like Phileas Fogg, the Black Forest local took the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue to a variety of nautical settings and situations.

He submerged successfully across numerous locations in Germany as well as the Blue Hole, a popular diving spot just a few kilometers away from Dahab, Egypt.

Talk about taking it to the extreme.

And with enough strength to rival the Hulk, the timepiece became the master of the seas. Don’t take our word for it though.

Taken to depths of 110 metres, he was able to read dive times effortlessly, ideal for pros and freedivers who are thrust into the heat of competition.

After all, this is much more than taking a deep breath. It is the Zen-like experience of being up close and personal with H20, be it swimming, snorkeling or launching head first into an idyllic lake.

Derived from the state of freefall that the watch is named after, forming an integral part of apnoea diving, the individual is subjected to a state of weightlessness. However, this is predominantly based on factors such as depth and equipment.

Consequently, the diver glides like a bird seamlessly down into the water but the next level is slightly more complex, involving water pressure and natural laws of gravity. Where’s Sir Issac Newton when you need him?

It means one has the ability to plunge deeper while saving oxygen and any unnecessary energy where they can truly let go without fear.

Muddy waters this ain't. Nevertheless, it certainly takes Carpe diem to the next level.

6 Things You Never Knew About Fabio Tunno

His early years were spent near Freiburg im Breisgrau
He was formerly an industrial engineer.
He came across freediving by chance while on vacation in Mexico.
In May 2023, he achieved five national records during the Freediving World Cup, taking place in Sharm el Sheikh.
The man from the Black Forest has competed in a wealth of competitions such as the 33rd AIDA Freediving World Championship, Corsica 2024
His claim to fame is that he is currently the deepest German freediver on the planet.

Official Specs

Case Diameter	42mm
Case Thickness	12.95mm
Reference Number(s)	772.270-3338 (strap variation) 772.270-6428 bracelet option)
Water Resistance	300m (30ATM)
Type of Superluminova	C1
Bracelet	Choice of three-link stainless steel or blue textile hook strap
Bracelet Style	Folding clasp
Dial Colour	Matte blue
Crown	Screw down (based at 3)
Helium Valve	Yes
Lug Width	20mm
Lug to Lug	49mm

Sellita SW200-1 Movement

Inside the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue lies the automatic Sellita SW 200-1. Sure, it’s not the Zenith El Primero but this automatic movement is solid enough among the calibre champions of late.

We are talking ETA 2824, Valjoux and possibly Miyota 9039/9075 among contenders at this particular price point.

Pulsating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), it may not quite be weekend proof either with a 38 hour power reserve, but it will get you to your overseas business trip…and back.

But the real beauty lies within and is where the brand stands out from the timekeeping crowd. Its accuracy. With a daily beat of 0 to +8 seconds, spanning half a dozen positions, it is these key industry standards that showcase how serious Hanhart takes precision.

This means there is no negative deviation whatsoever, akin to +-4 seconds, becoming as punctual as the Deutsche Bahn.

Yes…! Oh this is reliable with a capital R. And you have to admire them, they know their beans.

Expertly tested by their in-house manufacturer situated in Gütenbach. In this way, you should always be on time if you flex this number when out and about doing your thing. Obsessed with time, the Sellita SW200-1 is versatile, highly reliable and found in a plethora of watches including;

Oris 733
Tudor T601
Alpina AL-525
Maurice Lacroix ML 115
Davosa DAV 3021
39mm Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Automatic
Bell & Ross BR 02-92 Orange
Eterna Super KonTiki Milanese (1273.41.40.1718)

Official Specs

Rotor Style	Ball bearing
Movement Diameter	25.6mm
Number of Jewels	26
Main Functions	Hours, minutes and hacking seconds
Type of Movement	Automatic
Power Reserve	38 hours
Vph	28,800 (4Hz)
Precision Rating	-0/+8 seconds per day.

Where Can You Buy A Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue?

The $64,000 question..

Presented in a genuine leather travel roll with embossed branded stitching, if you want to get your hands on this deep sea diver, you can pick this up for the following;

On a steel bracelet, it is priced just a smidgen under £1,200, which you can buy here.
The Hookstrap™ variation costs around £1,040 which can be purchased here.

**WATCH ALERT**

A little horological bird (It’s actually the CEO of Hanhart, Felix Wallner) kindly informs me these novelties have come back in stock and have a delivery time of between 10-14 days.

Ok, so you may have to hang around a few weeks, but it sure beats hanging around for an eternity on the Patek Philippe waitlist or Rolex Daytona waitlist.

What’s Our View?

If you are looking to buy a watch and make waves at the same time, the new Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue should tick most enthusiasts boxes. We’ll explain why.

An excellent melange of form and function, two key attributes in producing a killer timepiece, they have hit the horological nail on the head in many ways. Lineage? Check. Contemporary 21st Century visuals? Double check.

How about durability and immense precision? That too.

Look, we are all too familiar with dive watches that have made an horological impact over time like the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M as worn by Prince William, or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

The Beatles of timepieces, they have transcended popular culture, forming part of watchmaking psyches across the planet.

But ultimately these pieces must do some very simple tasks…and do them to a high standard. Read time easily, not to mention be highly legible under and above the waves.

Low and behold the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue does this with gusto…and has plenty to spare from the looks of it. Be it a pro freediver or taking it out to that hidden Caribbean cove, the brand does not steer from their timekeeping philosophy, ingrained for the best part of eight decades.

A timepiece tells a thousand stories.

But there’s only one that needs recounting thanks to this delicious diver. It is testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and functionality that has seen them air on the side of first rate accuracy.

And this is what you will get in spades alongside aesthetic elegance that might not look out of place around the Christmas table…or any formal setting for that matter.

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Endorsed by Fabio Tunno and with a nod to the Primus Diver, they have encapsulated a new wave, you might say, of aficionados, with a burning desire to share the next stage of their journey.

Conclusion

Dive pieces have a special place in many connoisseurs and professional minds. The fact that they have Fabio Tunno come on board clearly demonstrates they are not taking this venture lightly.

In the ever changing sphere of watchmaking, many have to stay ahead of the game to get noticed. Sure, their 417 ES chronograph with caliber SW 510 is their equivalent of the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

A genuine icon.

Yet, do we detect a slight resemblance to the pilot infused Longines Pilot Majetek, produced for the Czechoslovak Air Force in 1935? Regardless, with this new novelty, it seems they have pulled it off with aplomb with the uber ruggedness that appeals to both horophiles and pros.

Optimal performance has been assured with build quality and readability, while the double domed sapphire crystal has not been sacrificed, ensuring it has a case thickness of less than 13mm. Herzliche Glückwünsche, you might say, but this model is rigorous and sturdy.

There is a nice divers extension link and no-nonsense fit, while the helium escape valve and 300 metres of water resistance provides excellent value.

On the whole, one to consider and an underrated number that shows there is much more to the Hanhart Aquasphere Freefall Blue than meets the eye.

“Vorsprung durch Technik" just got a whole lot more interesting…

Want to buy a beautiful blue dial from a top luxury brand like Audemars Piguet, Cartier or Omega? Looking to sell a Rolex and venture into purchasing a diver? Whether pre-owned, new or vintage, Chrono Hunter is the number one source to buy a watch or sell a watch fast.

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Images (Unless otherwise specified) Hanhart

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