Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39mm Returns To Its Original Size

Hanhart continues to expand its historically inspired chronograph collection with the introduction of the 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm, a more compact interpretation of one of the brand’s most recognisable pilot’s watches. The model revives a rarely seen white-dial configuration of the original 417 chronograph, a variant that was produced in very limited numbers during the 1950s and intended primarily for civilian customers.

While the nickname “Moby Dick” was not used by Hanhart at the time, it later emerged among collectors as a reference to both the white dial and the model’s rarity. The designation has since become part of Hanhart’s official nomenclature. With this 39 mm release, the brand offers a case size that closely aligns with the proportions of the vintage original, complementing the already available 42mm version.

Case Dimensions and Construction

The stainless steel case measures 39 mm in diameter, with a total thickness of 13.60 mm including the domed sapphire crystal, and a lug-to-lug length of 46 mm. These proportions give the watch a compact and balanced presence on the wrist, closely aligned with its historical predecessor. The case is fitted with Hanhart’s signature coin-edge rotating bezel, which turns smoothly in both directions without clicks. Instead of the traditional red reference marker, the bezel features an ivory-coloured Super-LumiNova insert, chosen to harmonise with the dial and luminous elements.

A convex sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating recreates the appearance of vintage Plexiglas while offering modern scratch resistance. Beneath the surface, a soft-iron inner case protects the movement against magnetic fields up to 16,000 A/m, while water resistance is rated at 100 metres.

Dial Layout and Legibility

The white dial is designed with clarity and historical accuracy in mind. It features a bi-compax layout with two recessed sub-dials, period-correct Arabic numerals, and the historical Hanhart logo. The numerals and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova Light Old Radium, selected to replicate the warm tone of aged luminous material. The steel hands are thermally blued, providing visual contrast against the dial while reinforcing the watch’s traditional aesthetic.

Hand-Wound Chronograph Movement

Powering the 417 ES Moby Dick 39mm is the Sellita SW510 M, a manually wound chronograph movement based on the architecture of the ETA 7750. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of at least 58 hours. It features hacking seconds and a cam-operated chronograph mechanism.

Strap Options and Pricing

The Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm is available on a calfskin leather strap, offered in light brown, black, or dark brown, as well as on a stainless steel bracelet fitted with a folding clasp. The price is set at € 2,290 for the leather strap versions, while the bracelet-equipped model is priced at € 2,490.

More information here.

General Specifications:

Brand: Hanhart

Model: 417 ES Moby Dick 39mm

Dial: White

Lume: Super-LumiNova

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 39 mm Diameter, 13.60 mm thickness, 46 mm lug-to-lug

Crystal: Sapphire Glass

Case Back: Stainless steel

Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Strap: Calfskin leather strap with a steel pin buckle, stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp

Caliber: Sellita SW 510 M

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph

Winding: Hand-wound

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)

Jewels: 23

Power Reserve: 58 Hours

Price: €  2,290 (on a leather strap), € 2,490 (on a steel bracelet)

Limited Edition: No

Availability: Now