Hanhart Thermosphere Limited Edition: inspired by firefighting operations

Hanhart introduces Thermosphere Limited Edition: 42mm steel case, fire-service-inspired bezel, automatic movement and a 112-piece run. Price: €1,540.

The new Thermosphere Limited Edition sees Hanhart adapt its Aquasphere diving watch concept to a very different operational environment. 

Developed in collaboration with the Baden-Württemberg State Firefighters Association, the watch takes its inspiration from the procedures used during breathing apparatus operations, where precise time management is critical to firefighter safety.

While the Aquasphere was conceived for underwater orientation, the Thermosphere is engineered for the challenges of extreme heat, dense smoke, and severely reduced visibility. 

Its name derives from the ancient Greek word thermós, meaning heat, directly referencing the  environmental demands of firefighting operations.

Limited to 112 pieces, a number chosen in reference to the European emergency telephone number for fire and rescue services, the watch incorporates key time markers used in breathing apparatus monitoring directly into its bezel design. 

During an operation, firefighters monitor the available air supply and follow predefined checkpoints to ensure a safe return. 

To support this process, the unidirectional rotating bezel features a series of distinctive luminous triangular markers corresponding to these operational reference points.

At the start of an intervention, the solid triangle on the bezel is aligned with the minute hand. The remaining markers then provide a quick visual indication of elapsed and remaining operational time. 

Typically, this corresponds to approximately 30 minutes when using a single air cylinder or up to 60 minutes with a twin-cylinder configuration. 

The prominent minute hand, combined with a heavy application of Super-LumiNova across the bezel, hands, and dial, ensures optimal legibility even in complete darkness.

The colour scheme also draws inspiration from the visual codes of the fire service. Yellow, blue and red accents enhance legibility while giving the watch a distinctive appearance. 

The dial carries the emblem of the Baden-Württemberg Firefighters Association, which is repeated on the screwed caseback. 

At 12 o’clock, the number “112” is subtly referenced through a specially highlighted numeral “1”, visually separating it from the adjacent “12”.

The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter, 12.95 mm in thickness and 49 mm lug-to-lug. Finished with a combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, it is equipped with crown guards, a helium escape valve and a fluted blue ceramic bezel. 

A convex sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective treatment protects the dial, while water resistance is rated to 30 bar (300 metres / 1,000 feet).

Inside beats a self-winding movement based on either the Sellita SW200-1 or Soprod P024 calibre. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it incorporates 25 jewels and delivers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. 

As with all Hanhart watches, the movement is regulated in-house according to the brand’s specifications, targeting an average daily rate between 0 and +8 seconds across six positions.

For operational flexibility, the Thermosphere is offered with an elastic Hookstrap textile strap that can be adjusted quickly and worn over protective clothing. 

Alternatively, customers can choose a stainless steel bracelet.

The Hanhart Thermosphere Limited Edition is available under references 775.274-3338 (Hookstrap) and 775.274-6428 (stainless steel bracelet). Limited to 112 individually numbered pieces, it is priced at €1,540 including VAT. hanhart.com