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INTRODUCING: The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue delivers a contemporary twist on an old favourite INTRODUCING: The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue delivers a contemporary twist on an old favourite

INTRODUCING: The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue delivers a contemporary twist on an old favourite

Fergus Nash
  • Hanhart’s Pioneer One range is getting even more modern with a black PVD case
  • The almost-iridescent blue dial matches the suede leather strap
  • The dimensions are still large like a traditional flieger at 42mm

Heritage can get you far in the watch world, but a brand can’t rest on its laurels forever. The Pioneer 417 ES has brought Hanhart a feverish revival in the last few years, resurrecting the historic model that was Germany’s first pilot’s watch. While it is undoubtedly a beautiful chronograph, modern adaptation is the key to engaging new audiences and repeat customers. The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue continues their latest trend of bringing the 417 style down to a time-only display, and then gives it yet another contemporary twist with a black case and blue dial.

Hanhart’s vintage style translates to an almost streetwear look surprisingly easily, with the matte black PVD coating on the stainless-steel case smoothing things over and making the fluted bezel less conspicuous at a distance. Of course, the bright red marker becomes even more visible against the black backdrop, so if you utilise the rotating bezel a lot then you’ll have an easier time. The jumbo unguarded crown screams vintage design, and the Hanhart logo shows no expense was spared. The caseback is solid, and screws down to lock in the watch’s 100m of water resistance. Although the chronograph has been removed, the dimensions are still associated with the largeness of a traditional flieger. The case is 42mm in diameter, 12mm thick, and has a lug-to-lug length of 51mm. Should you wish to swap over the ox leather strap to go swimming, you should have no problem finding other 22mm straps that work with the colours.

The tone of the Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue’s dial is a deep royal blue, with a section of concentric circle guilloché beneath the painted Arabic numerals that makes it shimmer beneath moving light. It has a slight iridescence that matches the coarseness of the suede-finished leather strap. The white printed details are exceptionally legible, with clean crisp lines around the dial’s perimeter that make it handy for timing things if you’re handy with the bezel. The syringe hand set is another charming touch of vintage, with the red tip of the seconds hand imparting an extra dab of sporty flavour.

Powering the Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue is the Sellita SW200-1, with it’s smooth 4Hz beat rate and 38 hour power supply, ample for daily wear with automatic winding. The rotor is engraved with the Hanhart logo, although you’re unlikely to see it due to the solid caseback. The SW200-1 is continuing to grow in immense popularity, meaning that replacement parts are abundant and servicing is quite affordable for a Swiss movement.

The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue pricing and availability:

The Hanhart Pioneer Flieger One NightBlue is limited to 150 pieces, and is available from Hanhart’s website here. Price: €1,290