The German’s are well-known for his or her precision equipment. Corporations corresponding to BMW, VW, Porsche and Leica have carved out big reputations for high quality and performance, of their mechanical merchandise.
One other much less well-known producer of precision engineering merchandise, is Hanhart AG of Diessenhofen, in Germany. Like many different producers in Germany, on the time, Hanhart have been contracted to provide watches for the Pilots of Hitler’s Luftwaffe, within the second world battle.
They produced a chronograph in 1939 with the well-known crimson painted button, which prevented unintended resetting. It was a really good-looking look ahead to its day, with a metal case, cloth strap and a pair of dials. Easy, correct and fairly gorgeous to anybody who appreciates mechanical design. On the finish of the battle the watch manufacturing facility was looted and many of the equipment was shipped in a foreign country. The enterprise was wound up. Willy Hanhart, the founder was dealing with whole spoil. Nonetheless, close to the top of the 40’s he managed to get some new equipment collectively and restart the enterprise.
At present, the corporate nonetheless exists and makes watches to German design in Switzerland. The design is similar to these made throughout the battle years. Placing the watches facet by facet you’ll be able to see the essential design components of the 1939 mannequin, mirrored within the 2010 mannequin.
Collectors will at all times be curious about watches with an attention-grabbing historical past. The Hanhart vary definitely has this. As additional proof, most within the 40’s period of technological growth, will bear in mind the title “Dornier” the German seaplane firm. Lately the grandson of the unique designer, Claude Dornier, commissioned Hanhart, to provide a Chronograph remembering one in all Dornier’s most profitable plane designs, the Do-X flying boat. Irén Dornier, the grandson, wore this new watch throughout his latest circumnavigation of the world within the historic seaplane.
Its tough to purchase these watches exterior of Europe. Distribution is intently managed by dealerships of distinctive character.
However if you wish to add one thing actually attention-grabbing to your assortment, a Pilots watch from Hitler’s Luftwaffe, or one from a U boat captain, you will see one with that heritage, on this vary, of Chronographs.