When we launched our Hanhart Bronze 417 last year, we didn’t realise how popular the watch would be. We had no clue that this cool functional pilot’s chronograph rendered in quick patina bronze would end up selling on the secondary market for a considerable premium. So, first of all, I want to thank everyone who bought the watch and shared it on social media and supported the project.
When it comes to special editions, our philosophy has always been to make the watches we want to wear. But, at the same time, it is important that we tap into the authentic spirit of a brand or a model. With the 417, the project was very special because when we first broached the idea to Felix Wallner, Hanhart’s co-managing director, it didn’t exist in the brand’s line-up. Felix had seen the buzz that had built up around the original watches, and he could see that there was a strong desire from the collector’s community. So, amazingly, he agreed, and we began our 417 adventure that ended up taking several years.
Why? Says Wallner, “The first thing that we wanted to do was
