The Germans are well known for their precision machinery. Companies such as BMW, VW, Porsche and Leica have built great reputations for the quality and functionality of their mechanical products.
Another less famous manufacturer of precision-engineered products is Hanhart AG of Diessenhofen, Germany. Like many other manufacturers in Germany at the time, Hanhart was contracted to produce watches for Hitler’s Luftwaffe pilots in World War II.
They produced a chronograph in 1939 with the famous red painted button, which prevented accidental resetting. It was a very nice watch for its time, with a steel case, fabric strap and 2 dials. Simple, precise and amazing for anyone who appreciates mechanical design. At the end of the war, the watch factory was looted and most of the machinery was shipped out of the country. The business was liquidated. Willy Hanhart, the founder was facing total ruin. However, near the end of the 1940s he managed to assemble new machinery and restart the business.
Today the company still exists and manufactures German-designed watches in Switzerland. The design is very similar to those made during the war years. By placing the watches side by side, you can see the basic design elements of the 1939 model reflected in the 2010 model.
Collectors will always be interested in watches with an interesting history. The Hanhart range certainly has this. As further proof, those most interested in the 1940s era of technological development will recall the name “Dornier” from the German seaplane company. Hanhart was recently commissioned by the original designer’s grandson, Claude Dornier, to produce a chronograph that was reminiscent of one of Dornier’s most successful aircraft designs, the Do-X flying boat. Irén Dornier, his grandson, wore this new watch during his recent trip around the world in the historic seaplane.
It is difficult to buy these watches outside of Europe. Distribution is tightly controlled through single dealerships.
But if you want to add something really interesting to your collection, a Hitler’s Luftwaffe Pilots watch, or one of a submarine captain, you’ll find one with that heritage, in this range, of chronographs.
