Hanhart 417 ES x 0260 x BAIT: A Vintage Racing Chronograph Reimagined

Hanhart has unveiled a compelling collaboration for its iconic 417 ES chronograph, partnering with Lex Borrero of 0260 and Eric Peng Cheng of BAIT. This special edition reimagines the legendary timepiece, originally a robust pilot's watch from 1954 and famously worn by Steve McQueen, into a vintage-inspired racing chronograph that feels as though it stepped out of the 1950s. The new models maintain the compact dimensions of the 417 ES while introducing distinctive dial aesthetics, appealing to collectors who appreciate a blend of historical reverence and contemporary design.

The new collaborative timepieces retain the familiar and well-regarded proportions of the most compact 417 ES variant. What truly sets them apart is the introduction of fresh dial color schemes and subtle design elements. This approach creates the illusion of a racing chronograph Hanhart might have conceived in the 1950s, even if such a model never actually existed in their historical archives.

Crafted from stainless steel, the watch case measures 39mm in diameter, with a thickness of 13.3mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm. The case features a sophisticated mix of satin-finished and polished surfaces, lending it a refined yet durable appearance. A signature Hanhart detail, the fluted bezel, is present and boasts its characteristic red marker. This bezel operates smoothly, rotating continuously in both directions without discrete click stops. The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides for optimal clarity. The screw-down caseback is engraved with the individual limited-edition number, and the watch is rated for a water resistance of 100 meters, ensuring its resilience in various conditions.

The collection offers two distinct dial variations. One version features a black main dial complemented by cream-colored sub-dials and striking red accents, creating a high-contrast and sporty look. The second option presents a cream-colored dial paired with brown counters, offering a more subdued and classic aesthetic. Both configurations adhere to a bi-compax layout, featuring a small seconds display and a 30-minute chronograph counter. These editions incorporate fine, precisely oriented Arabic numerals and a minutes/seconds track along the dial's edge, drawing inspiration from earlier Hanhart designs. The minute and seconds hands are thoughtfully curved at their tips to minimize parallax errors, enhancing legibility. Both the hour and minute hands are treated with Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in low light conditions. Beyond the Hanhart branding, each dial proudly displays the logos of both 0260 and BAIT, signifying the unique partnership.

Powering these special editions is the manually wound Sellita SW510 M movement, consistent with the standard 417 ES models. This robust movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a reliable power reserve of 48 hours. Each watch is paired with a vintage-inspired saddle-leather strap, available in black, light brown, or dark brown, and features bar-tack stitching for added durability and a classic aesthetic. The strap is secured with a pin buckle adorned with Hanhart's historic logo.

Each dial colorway is produced in a limited series of 88 pieces, making these watches highly exclusive. The Hanhart 417 ES x 0260 x BAIT models are available for EUR 2,890 or USD 3,300.