Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39mm: The Quiet Power of a White-Dial Icon

The civil chronograph has reverted to its original dimensions. For additional information, please visit hanhart.com.

Hanhart's legacy is closely associated with pilots' chronographs, and the "Moby Dick" holds a unique significance in the brand's narrative. The majority of vintage 417 chronographs used dark dials, although a limited quantity was manufactured with white dials for civilian purposes. Fans gradually embraced the moniker “Moby Dick” due to their distinctive appearance and scarcity. Although the title was never formalised, Hanhart has subsequently embraced the term. The new 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm presents a much sought-after release: a white-dial variant of the iconic 417 ES chronograph in its original, small dimensions, now alongside the previously available 42 mm edition.

The new 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm features the model's traditional stainless steel casing, with a diameter of 39 mm, a thickness of 13.6 mm, inclusive of the domed sapphire crystal, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46 mm. The dimensions closely resemble the original vintage watch, rendering this version significantly more compact and practical than the bigger 42mm reissues. The characteristic fluted bezel revolves smoothly in both directions without any audible clicks. Hanhart replaces the signature red marking with an ivory-hued Super-LumiNova inlay, coordinated with the dial and hands. A convex sapphire crystal featuring an internal anti-reflective coating emulates the appearance of the original Plexiglas while enhancing durability. An inner case made of soft iron safeguards the movement from magnetic fields of up to 16,000 A/m. The water resistance is rated at 100 meters.

The white dial is pristine and easily readable, showcasing period-appropriate lettering, a bi-compax configuration, and the traditional Hanhart emblem. Arabic numbers and hands in an ivory hue are infused with Super-LumiNova Light Old Radium. The steel components are thermally blued.

The 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm is equipped with the Sellita SW510 M hand-wound chronograph movement, serving as an alternative to the ETA 7750. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing a minimum power reserve of 58 hours, it has hacking seconds and a traditional cam-lever chronograph design. Every movement at Hanhart’s Gütenbach production is governed by stringent tolerances of 0 to +8 seconds each day, with no permissible negative deviation in the primary positions.

The 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm is available with a calfskin leather strap in light brown, black, or dark brown, or a stainless steel bracelet featuring a folding clasp. The cost is EUR 2,290 for a leather strap and EUR 2,490 for a stainless steel bracelet.