German watches
The German watchmaker Hanhart keeps expanding its Pioneer line of chronograph watches. Predictably featuring very similar styling, the new Hanhart Pioneer MonoScope automatic chronograph watch is available in two versions, both of them powered by the same modified automatic movement. If only it wasn’t so big!
Well, when compared to the new gargantuan Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 limited edition hand-wound chronometer, the new Pioneer MonoScope is not particularly huge. Also, pilot’s watches from 1930s-1940s were often powered by pocket watch movements, often designed to be worn above a thick leather jacket’s wrist and thus were quite large.
When I tried one on my own wrist, it felt just fine, albeit a bit on a heavier side than I have expected (but then I have relatively large arms and prefer more casual dress in my daily life.)
However, if you are searching for a vintage-styled timekeeper that would also look good with a business suit (i.e. something up to 40 millimeters wide and no more than 12 millimeters top to bottom,) its impressive diameter of 45 millimeters and an even more notable thickness of 16 millimeters may really make you think about some other, more compact option.
On the other hand, if you want a sporty watch to wear with casual dress, the size of this thing is really not a problem at all.
It is also nice to note, that the watch is finally available in two versions: one with Hanhart’s signature vintage-styled fluted bezel with a bright red mark at 12 hours, and the other with a smooth bezel that makes the watch look a lot more modern.
Another interesting point of this timekeeper is its HAN4212 self-winding movement.
Probably based on the good old ETA Valjoux 7750 ebauche, the caliber features Hanhart’s exclusive add-on module that converts the traditional chronograph with two push-pieces into a nice-looking monopusher, which is operated by a single pusher at 2 hours.
As usual, the Pioneer MonoScope comes with a standard bi-compax dial layout that features a small seconds counter at 9 hours and a 30-minute chronograph totalizer at 3 o’clock.
Decorated with luminous Arabic numerals, both the silver and the black dial of the watch are not only quite elegant, but are also easily readable in any lighting condition.
Well, perhaps the hours and minutes hands are somewhat out of proportion here with the former almost reaching the minute track with its sharp tip. But apart from that, the face of the timepiece looks almost flawless.
See also: Hanhart Pioneer Stealth 1882 Chronograph
Photos: Hanhart
Hanhart Pioneer MonoScope Automatic Chronograph watch specification
Price: €2700 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber HAN4212 (base ETA Valjoux 7750,) modified in-house, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 31
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Skeletonized and blacked-out oscillating weight with “Hahnart” inscription
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph (monopusher)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 45.00 mm
Case height: 16.00 mm
Lug width: 20.00 mm
Dial: Black or Silver
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous, Rolex-style
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Brown or black calfskin leather strap with contrast stitching, rivets and steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire