Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39mm

Frequently requested, finally available: with the new Moby Dick 39 mm, Hanhart presents the white-dial version of the historic 417 ES chronograph in its original size for the first time. Inspired by one of the rarest executions of the 1950s, this model stands for precise instrument aesthetics beyond military specifications – born civil, uncompromisingly functional.

The thermally blued hands, whose deep blue tone comes alive depending on the angle of light, lend the watch remarkable depth. The anti-magnetic case reliably protects the movement from external influences, while water resistance of 10 ATM makes the chronograph fully suitable for everyday use.

Instead of the classic red bezel marking, the Moby Dick 39 mm features an ivory-colored Super-LumiNova® insert. Perfectly matched to the dial numerals and hand inlays, this iconic chronograph ensures excellent legibility even in daylight.

The Watch and Its History

The designation “Moby Dick” traces back to an exceptionally rare version of the historic Hanhart 417 ES chronograph from the 1950s. While the 417 model is predominantly known with a dark dial, a small number of examples featured a white dial with blued hands. This execution deliberately departed from the instrument-style appearance common at the time, focusing instead on maximum legibility and a distinct civil aesthetic.

Due to its limited availability and distinctive design, this white-dial version gradually became a highly sought-after collector’s piece. Among collectors, the nickname “Moby Dick” emerged as a reference to the white whale from Herman Melville’s novel, symbolizing rarity and strong recognizability. The name was never an official historical model designation, but rather a term that evolved over time within the international collectors’ community and was later consciously adopted by Hanhart.

The Hanhart 417 ES chronograph was used in various professional fields where precise time measurement was essential. Versions with light-colored dials were aimed in particular at users outside standardized military requirements, such as in civil aviation, technical professions, or medical environments. The white-dial version thus represents a civil interpretation of the classic chronograph – factual, functional, and free from formal service regulations.

Iconic Design with State-of-the-Art Technology

In many ways, the Moby Dick 39 mm is a time machine. It combines the defining design elements of the 1950s with modern materials and contemporary manufacturing quality. Particularly striking are the precisely executed, high-gloss polished facets that create a clear transition between the satin-finished lugs and the case flanks. A typical Hanhart design feature is the fluted bezel, which rotates smoothly in both directions. Its ivory-colored Super-LumiNova® insert replaces the classic red marker and is perfectly color-matched to the dial and hands. The bi-compax layout, typography, and historical lettering are consistently based on the early 417 and have been faithfully re-interpreted.

Inside, behind the screw-down stainless steel case back, operates the proven hand-wound SW510 caliber in Swiss Made quality. It features hacking seconds and offers a power reserve of up to 58 hours. While historical models were limited in every-day usability, the Moby Dick 39 mm is water-resistant to 10 bar, clearly designed for modern use.

An inner soft iron core provides effective shielding of the movement against magnetic influences. As a result, the Moby Dick 39 mm achieves anti-magnetic resistance of up to 16,000 A/m, underscoring its technically functional character for daily wear.

Technical specifications

Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm

Reference: H701.202-6428 (steel bracelet)

Reference: H701.202-7212 (light brown strap)

Case

• Material: Satin/polished stainless steel
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Height: 13.60 mm (11.55 mm without crystal)
• Lug to lug: 46 mm
• Convex sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating
• High-domed crystal in the style of the historical model
• Fluted stainless-steel bezel, bi-directional, continuously rotating
• Ivory-colored marking with Super-Lumi-Nova® Light Old Radium GL
• Crown with historical Hanhart "h"
• Screw down case back
• Individual serial number
• Water-resistant to 100 meters
• Anti-magnetic inner case up to 16,000 A/m

Dial and hands

• White dial
• Ivory-colored Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova® Light Old Radium GL
• Thermally blued hands with Super-Lumi-Nova® Light Old Radium GL
• Historical Hanhart logo

Movement

• Sellita SW510 M
• Hand-wound movement
• Frequency: 4 Hz, 28'800 vph
• Number of jewels: 23
• Power reserve of 53 hours
• Hanhart regulation: 0 to +8 seconds per day, as an average across all positions

Functions/Indications

• Small seconds
• 30-minute counter
• Central chronograph seconds
• Hacking seconds

Strap and buckle

• Brown calfskin leather strap with white stitching
• Stainless steel pin buckle
• Alternatively available with stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp
• Lug width: 20 mm

MSRP

• EUR 2'290 (incl. taxes - strap version)
• EUR 2'490 (incl. taxes - bracelet version)

For more information, please visit hanhart.com