Hanhart Presents Its First-Ever Dive Watch, the Aquasphere FreeFall Blue

Hanhart, a German watch brand renowned for its pilot watches, is easily recognized by the distinctive red markings on its bezels and the signature red pusher on its chronograph models. While Hanhart hasn’t traditionally ventured into the realm of dive watches, the brand recently dived in that direction with the 300m water-resistant Fly Navy Aerosphere limited edition (now sold out), which debuted earlier this year and now seems to be the precursor to Hanhart’s new collection, the Aquasphere. Though the Primus Diver also proved popular (it was a chronograph, based on pilot’s models), the Fly Navy Aerosphere boasted superior water resistance, and both lent some of the design cues to the new model. The first in this new area for Hanhart is the Aquasphere FreeFall Blue, tested by professional German freediving champion Fabio Tunno.

The brushed and polished stainless steel case of the new Aquasphere FreeFall Blue draws its inspiration from the Fly Navy Aerosphere; it measures 42mm in diameter and 12.95mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm, and strikes a robust yet wearable profile. The unidirectional, 60-click fluted bezel features a matte blue ceramic insert, with a highly legible track. The bezel displays minute markers for the first 15 minutes, followed by 5-minute intervals, highlighted by a triangle at 12 o’clock and the brand’s signature red stripe. All markings – triangle, numerals, and indices – are treated with Super-LumiNova C1 for optimal legibility. The screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, protected by subtle guards, showcases the modern Hanhart “H” logo. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the screw-down caseback, adorned with maritime images, ensures a water resistance of 300m. A helium escape valve at 10 o’clock (nicely integrated) also reinforces the watch’s diving functionality.

The matte navy blue dial of the Aquasphere FreeFall Blue is exemplary for its legibility. The outermost silver-toned inclined flange features a crisp minutes/seconds track, with the same silver outlining the prominent hour indices and hands, all generously filled with Super-LumiNova C1 for optimal readability. The familiar handset, with a red-tipped central seconds hand in silver and a lume detail, ensures visibility underwater and indicates if the watch is running.

While reminiscent of the Primus Diver, the hour hand includes an extra bar to distinguish it from the minutes hand, possibly a signature feature of the Aquasphere collection. The date display is thoughtfully omitted, allowing for a clean look. The Hanhart logo below the 12 o’clock numeral perfectly balances the block with the collection name, “automatic”, and “30 ATM” water resistance print on the dial.

The movement behind the decorated caseback is an automatic Sellita SW200-1 base (alternative to the ETA 2824), regulated to be accurate to 0/+8 seconds per day, operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour and with a 38-hour power reserve. The new Hanhart Aquasphere FreeFall Blue is offered on a blue textile hook strap or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp, extension and fine adjustment feature. With everything we know about Hanhart and the quality of its timepieces, this new diver will generate a positive reaction from fans of the brand and beyond this immediate circle. The price is EUR 1,390 for the Aquasphere FreeFall Blue with a strap and EUR 1,590 with a steel bracelet. 

For more details, please visit hanhart.com.