The New Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169M Limited Edition

Hanhart was established in Switzerland in 1882 and relocated to Germany in 1902, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to the pricey Swiss-made stopwatches. It became successful by offering timing devices of comparable quality at a more accessible price point. A significant milestone occurred in 1938 with the development of the Caliber 40 mono-pusher chronograph – this timepiece, and its subsequent iterations, gained widespread recognition and was supplied to the German military during and post-WWII. Fast-forward to the present day and Hanhart continues to uphold its legacy. In collaboration with the Austrian Air Force, the watchmaker has created a special edition chronograph sure to captivate helicopter pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike, the Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169M Limited Edition.

The watch may strike a chord of familiarity for those acquainted with the brand. It draws inspiration from a longstanding model in the Hanhart collection – the 45mm Pioneer MonoScope. This distinctive timepiece features the signature oversized fluted crown and a striking red-coloured button for its chronograph functions positioned near the lug. Available with a fluted rotating bezel or smooth fixed bezel, the stainless steel Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169M case boasts a water resistance of 100 meters and a blend of polished and brushed finishes. A domed sapphire crystal tops it off; the solid steel caseback is screwed.

The dial of the Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169M edition adopts a bi-compax layout, with the running seconds sub-dial positioned at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3. The dial exudes a sense of simplicity and clarity with large, luminous Arabic indices and prominent cathedral-type hour and minute hands. The red-tipped central chronograph and 30-minute counter hands add character to the timepiece. While these elements are also present in the Pioneer MonoScope model, what sets the Austrian Air Force AW169M edition apart is its distinctive green dial colour, the inclusion of the “AW169M” designation beneath the historic Hanhart logo, and the depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Helix Pteron propeller. This design choice is a nod to the Austrian military’s use of AW169M helicopters, renowned for their exceptional performance and multi-role capability, which industry leader Leonardo S.p.A manufactures.

The heart of the Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169M Limited Edition mono-pusher chronograph beats with an automatic calibre, built upon the reliable ETA7750 base with a modification by La-Joux-Perret. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

The Hanhart Austrian Air Force AW169 M is available with either a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet. It is offered in limited quantities, with only 50 pieces featuring a fluted bezel and 50 pieces with a smooth bezel. Pricing starts at EUR 2,940 for the version with a leather strap and EUR 3,140 for the model equipped with a stainless steel bracelet.

For further details, visit hanhart.com.