Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Square by Square Prototype: a Rare Expression of Hanhart Design
Created for the Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition, this radically different-shaped watch is made available to collectors.
Hanhart has built its reputation on chronographs and instrument watches, with bold pilot-inspired designs synonymous with the German brand. The Square by Square is a different story. Conceived by Munich-based designer Marcus Wiedemann of Studio Supercreative, with whom the brand collaborated on the CXD NFT Watch, and made for the 2025 Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition, the Square by Square reinterprets shaped watches from Hanhart’s historical archives. The watch remains a concept for now, with just six prototypes planned.
Although inspired by historical rectangular Hanhart models, the Square by Square is no vintage revival. The original case shape blends geometric surfaces with softly curved lines. Measuring 40mm from 12 to 6 o’clock, 38mm across, 10.9mm thick and with a compact 32.8mm lug-to-lug distance, the stainless steel case has proportions designed to suit a wide range of wrists. The profile tapers towards the integrated lugs, while alternating planes and rounded flanks create constantly changing reflections at different viewing angles. Buyers can choose between a polished and a sandblasted matte finish, with three prototypes produced for each execution.
The highly domed sapphire crystal, which extends to the edges of the case, is one of the elements defining the watch’s appearance. According to Hanhart, manufacturing the crystal proved one of the greatest technical challenges during development, with several prototypes breaking before the final production method was perfected. The recessed hexagonal crown integrates neatly into the side of the case; the watch is water-resistant to 100m.
The dial is available in either a deep blue sunburst finish or shimmering mother-of-pearl. It features a wide stepped flange that adds considerable depth. Applied steel-coloured numerals and indices have been designed specifically for this watch and not borrowed from existing Hanhart collections. Equally distinctive are the fully polished, skeletonised hands; when aligned at 12 o’clock, the hour and minute hands form an elongated diamond.
The Square by Square is powered by the no-date Sellita SW1000-1 b, a slim, 3.9mm automatic movement derived from the SW100 family and, according to Sellita, “is the ideal movement for the upper price segment and to create elegant ladies’ or shaped watches”. Running at 28,800 vibrations/hour with a 46-hour power reserve, Hanhart regulates it to the company’s in-house standard of between 0 and +8 seconds per day, averaged across six positions.
At this stage, the Square by Square is a design exercise brought to life. Only six prototypes will be produced: three with the blue dial and three with mother-of-pearl. Hanhart has yet to decide whether the project will evolve into a regular collection. Interested collectors can register their interest directly with the brand. Each prototype costs EUR 1,890. For more details, please visit hanhart.com.
