Hanhart fully embraces #FliegerFriday with the Night Pilot
Borna BošnjakFunction over form is the ethos of a tool watch, especially a pilot’s one. By extension, the pieces that manage to combine the two in a unique way are few and far between – and the new Hanhart #FliegerFriday Night Pilot happens to be one of them. Full-lume dials are often well-received at the T+T office, so much so that we did a round-up of some favourites – had the Hanhart been released just days sooner, it would certainly be on the list. Unveiled to celebrate #FliegerFriday for the second year running, the Night Pilot follows the instantly-sold out Pioneer TwinControl that Zach covered last year.
Lume!
And plenty of it. In fact a whole dial full. The dial of the Night Pilot takes on a creamy tone with a tinge of green in the light, with highly legible black printing contrasting against it. I especially love the intricately skeletonised cathedral handset that, despite not being uber-legible, makes for a very cool look after dark.
And it’s that after-dark look that the Night Pilot is all about. The cool green glow makes the dial features stand out even more, covered in what are sure to be thick layers of C3 Super-LumiNova. A classic two-register layout is a Hanhart signature, though the brand goes for a contemporary look, opting for the modern, italicised Hanhart logo as opposed to the vintage example found on the 417ES. While it’s not as noticeable in light conditions, the non-luminescent date wheel really is a bit of an eyesore, as it interrupts the radiating glimmer of the dial.
Sizeable dimensions
The case is a modern one, too, due to its larger dimensions and the black DLC coating covering the stainless-steel surfaces. With a 42mm diameter and 15mm thickness, it’s bound to have plentiful wrist presence, which, when combined with the matte black surfaces, are going to make the watch stand out significantly. An oversized crown at 3 o’clock is also rendered in black DLC, underneath a bright red chronograph pusher – another Hanhart signature. The Night Pilot is also fairly capable underwater, offering 100 metres of water resistance.
The glowing treatment is applied to the strap as well, as the white stitching shines green after dark to match the dial. It’s a subtle, but super-cool touch that really showcases Hanhart’s great attention to detail. Less cool is the 21mm lug width, which will make the Night Pilot more difficult to pair with aftermarket straps. Considering how sweet the original strap is, though, I certainly wouldn’t be swapping it out.
Extensively modified calibre
Hanhart stays true to their roots by using a monopusher calibre for their chronograph, working with both Sellita and Manufacture La Joux-Perret to produce the HAN3911 calibre. La Joux-Perret modifies the SW500 movements to house the complication and add a date at 6 o’clock. With a 42-hour power reserve, it’s the culprit for the tall height of the watch, though a solid performer otherwise.
On a similar note, I appreciate Hanhart’s transparency regarding the sourcing and modification of the movements, as it’s something that numerous other brands should replicate.
Hanhart #FliegerFriday Night Pilot pricing and availability:
The #FliegerFriday Night Pilot is available now from Hanhart, as a limited edition of 100 pieces. Deliveries starting from mid-September. Price: €2,490 (incl. 19% VAT)
| Brand | Hanhart |
| Model | #FliegerFriday Night Pilot |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 15mm, 21mm lug width |
| Case Material | DLC-coated stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 10 bar |
| Crystal(s) | Convex sapphire, AR-coated |
| Dial | Fully luminescent |
| Strap | Black cowhide, DLC-coated steel pin buckle, luminescent stitching |
| Movement | HAN3911, monopusher automatic chronograph, Sellita SW500 base modified by La Joux-Perret |
| Price | €2,490 (incl. 19% VAT) |