Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm: a return to the original proportions

Hanhart introduces the 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm, a compact white-dial chronograph inspired by a rare historical reference. Price: €2,290.

Hanhart has introduced the 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm, a more compact interpretation of its white-dial bicompax chronograph, itself reintroduced in 2024 and inspired by one of the brand’s rarest historical references.

The original Hanhart 417 was produced primarily with a black dial for the German armed forces. Only a small number of white-dial examples were made for use outside standardised military specifications, notably in naval, medical, civil aviation and technical contexts. 

These light-coloured "civil" versions of the chronograph later became known among collectors as the “Moby Dick”, a nickname derived from the colour of the dial.

The original Moby Dick

With only a handful of original pieces known to survive today, the 417 Moby Dick has become one of the most sought-after Hanhart chronographs on the vintage market.

The new 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm returns to the original case diameter for the first time. Standing out against the white backdrop, the thermally blued hands reveal varying shades of deep blue depending on the angle of the light, adding visual depth to the dial.

Both the hands and the ivory-coloured Arabic numerals are treated with Super-LumiNova Light Old Radium GL, presented in a subtle cream tone that emits a green glow in low-light conditions. 

The numerals, fonts and Hanhart logo are all based on those of the early 417 references.

Measuring 39 mm in diameter and 13.60 mm in thickness (11.55 mm without the crystal), the case protects the movement from external influences thanks an inner soft-iron core ensuring antimagnetic resistance of up to 16,000 A/m in accordance with DIN 8309.

Water resistance to 10 ATM (100 metres / 330 feet) makes the chronograph suitable for everyday wear.

The stainless-steel case combines high-gloss polished facets with satin-finished lugs and case flanks. The crown is signed with the historic Hanhart “h”.

The characteristic Hanhart fluted bezel rotates smoothly in both directions. 

Its ivory-coloured Super-LumiNova insert replaces the traditional red marker and is carefully colour-matched to the dial and hands.

Powering the watch is the hand-wound, Swiss-made SW510 calibre, housed behind a screw-down stainless-steel caseback. 

Based on the Sellita SW510 M, the movement features hacking seconds, operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), and delivers a power reserve of up to 58 hours when fully wound. 

Each movement is individually tested and regulated at the Hanhart manufacture in Gütenbach, with rate accuracy specified between 0 and +8 seconds per day, averaged over six positions. 

No negative deviation is permitted in the main positions, and a maximum delta of ten seconds is allowed between positions.

The new Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm is offered either on a calfskin strap with white stitching and a steel pin buckle, or on a stainless-steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Prices are set at €2,290 and €2,490 respectively. hanhart.com