The New Hanhart Pioneer Silva

Hanhart, the German watch brand with Swiss roots, has been producing Flieger (pilot’s) chronographs and stopwatches since 1938. Launched in 2011, the Pioneer collection is a favourite among fans of vintage pilot watches and chronographs replicating styles popular during the 1930s to 1950s. The latest models of the Pioneer collection come with compact 38.5mm cases and the no-frills design associated with tool watches but mark a radical departure from the vintage pilot’s watches that we associate with Hanhart. Straightforward three-handers with no superfluous elements whatsoever, the slim Pioneer Silva models borrow certain design features from a model in its museum, reinterpreted in a more modern, Spartan spirit and accompanied by an affordable price.

While the Pioneer collection is associated with reissues of the legendary 417 ES chronograph produced for the German Armed Forces, the collection is also home to simpler, three-hand models like the Pioneer One. The name of the two new references, Silva (Latin for forest), alludes to the origins of Hanhart’s manufacture in the Black Forest, Germany. Using the Kal 36/39 as a template, the new Pioneer Silva watches have compact old-school dimensions.

The polished 50m water-resistant stainless steel case has a very pleasant diameter of 38.5mm, a thickness of 10mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 44mm. Like other models, the crown bears the H of the Hanhart logo. A sapphire crystal on both sides protects both the dial and movement. On paper, it sounds like a simple yet nicely proportioned design.

Framed by a slim polished bezel, the dial, available in black or white, is as basic as they come with nothing but the essentials. The main design feature appropriated from the historical model concerns the indices. Other features like the subsidiary small seconds counter and the blued hands have not made the cut. Punctuating the Arabic numerals at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 o’clock are six applied dots, which appear to be filled with luminescent material; we will confirm this when we do a hands-on article with the watch. A bold minutes track, narrow pencil-style hands and the brand’s historical logo complete the picture.

The reverse side is also fitted with a sapphire crystal and reveals the Sellita SW 200 automatic movement with stop-seconds, a 38h power reserve and a customised black rotor. The two new Pioneer Silva models can be ordered with a black ox leather strap with Alcantara lining and a pin buckle or a stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet. Available to order directly from the brand, the Pioneer Silva retails for EUR 890 (incl. tax).

For more information, please visit Hanhart.com