One of the most powerful aspects of watch enthusiast social media circles is the prevalence of community hashtags. “Day of the week” hashtags on Instagram such as #BlueWatchMonday and #SpeedyTuesday go far beyond simple social media posts to markedly influence both enthusiast buying habits and new brand offerings. One of the most prevalent of these group participation hashtags is #FliegerFriday, and for its latest release German chronograph specialist, Hanhart has created a special pilot’s chronograph variant inspired by the hashtag. The limited-edition Hanhart #FliegerFriday deftly blends classic pilot’s chronograph forms and a boldly modern colorway to create a truly social media-worthy combination.
The 42mm stainless steel case of the Hanhart #FliegerFriday is largely carried over from the late ‘30s-inspired Hanhart Pioneer TwinControl, but the impression in images is far more modern thanks to a more streamlined overall look. Although the long tapering lugs and oversized pillbox crown remain the same as the Pioneer model, the #FliegerFriday does away with Hanhart’s signature fluted red-accented bezel in favor of a brushed sloping smooth bezel treatment. This cleaner, more modern design meshes well stylistically with the #FliegerFriday’s other major visual change. The new gunmetal gray DLC coating gives the simple pilot’s chronograph design a more sinister, aggressive edge in images while remaining true to the Pioneer line’s roots as a tool watch series. Despite the changes, the #FliegerFriday still keeps Hanhart’s signature piston pushers intact, complete with its asymmetrical top pusher located above the 2 o’clock line and the red ceramic pusher at 4 o’clock. In keeping with the #FliegerFriday’s sporty character, Hanhart rates the watch at a respectable 100 meters of water resistance.
For the dial of the #FliegerFriday, Hanhart keeps the prewar design of the Pioneer TwinControl intact but adds a rich new colorway. The bold, wide-set printed Arabic numerals, cathedral hands, and railroad subdial scales all keep the overall aesthetic firmly rooted in Hanhart’s past, but the new matte royal blue dial color gives the design a casual and contemporary feel in images. Tight azurage across the slightly sunken subdials should ensure that the predominantly matte layout offers some visual play in changing light. Although the new blue dial meshes well visually with the Pioneer line’s red-tipped chronograph hands, the brand’s decision to keep the 6 o’clock date window in black disrupts the overall sense of flow somewhat.
Like the Pioneer TwinControl line, the Hanhart #FliegerFriday uses the HAN3809 automatic chronograph movement, based on the ubiquitous ETA/Valjoux 7750 with modifications by La Joux-Perret. Beyond swapping the 7750’s three-register layout with subdials at 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock, and 12 o’clock for a two-register arrangement with counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, the performance of the HAN3809 is broadly similar to the base movement, with a decent power reserve of 42 hours at a 28,800 bph beat rate. Hanhart’s choice of strap for the #FliegerFriday ties in boldly to the overall color scheme. Rather than a traditional black or brown option, the brand goes with a more dramatic navy blue suede strap with vibrant red accent stitching.
By simplifying and modernizing the style of its cornerstone pilot chronograph design, the limited edition Hanhart #FliegerFriday delivers a look that immediately stands out in the brand’s lineup without sacrificing its heritage. Only 100 examples of the Hanhart #FliegerFriday will be made, and the watch is available now through authorized dealers at an MSRP of €2,490 including 19 percent VAT. For more details, please visit the brand’s website.