I think we’ve talked about watches from time to time around here, and as you all know I’m a geek for all sorts of mechanical things, including watches. I’ve been looking at acquiring a watch with a chronograph feature for a while now and have looked at all the usual suspects. I really, really, really like this watch, but am reluctant to pull the trigger. Someone talk me into it, please.
Hanhart 417 Titanium Desert Pilot Flyback Column Wheel Chronograph LE - 42 mm
It was Steve McQueen’s favorite chronograph watch. Some call him the King of Cool.
I realized a while back that in the price range I’m comfortable in, I get the most satisfaction out of midrange Seiko quartz models from the 1970s. This one’s been on my wrist every day since last August (pic from the purchase listing).
I do have a couple of automatics, none of which are particularly impressive pieces of machinery, but I really like the look of my Lorier Astra:
Titanium with that band and you will forget you have it on. I’m partial to classic Belair titanium, band and all with a dark face. The chronograph is not something I have much interest in.
Those are nice, but I just do not like integrated bracelets. Kind of like Roman numerals.
Oh shit, I just realized that Hanhart is a really limited run. You gotta jump on that.
Yeah, I’m starting to be convinced.
It’s a great looking watch. Don’t wear one anymore, don’t even know where mine are, but I can appreciate a nice one.
Link from your article:
Though I’m a huge Seiko Prospex Turtle aficionado, my present to myself when I upgraded to Captain at SWA was an Omega Speedmaster. I’d always wanted one because I always thought the story behind the certification of the Speedmaster for the Apollo program in the ‘60s was cool.
Further, the story behind Snoopy being the Safety Mascot for NASA and the Apollo program I found interesting; I’ve loved Snoopy since I was a kid.
Omega was awarded the first Silver Snoopy Award given by NASA to contractors or civilians who contributed to NASA safety, after the Apollo 13 astronauts used their NASA issued Omega Speedmasters to time 2 critical fuel burns to return to earth after the explosion on the Service Module.
The “Snoopy Omega” is hard to find as only 5441 were made in 2003, 5441 being a reference to the Apollo 13 mission duration- 54 hrs 41 min.
I love this watch.
I love the Speedmaster too. You flyboys have really cool watches.
I destroy watches. I own an Apple Watch that I wear when I run, but otherwise I own two good watches, a Jaeger LeCoutre Reverso that my partners bought me when I turned 50 (it is the oldest continuous watch in production and while it was my every day watch it had to be wound once a day), and an Omega Seamaster that I bought myself when I turned 60, because I wanted an every day watch that was tough. Both have been sent back to the companies because I just about ruined them. There are a couple of watches I’d like to own but can’t justify, a Hamilton field watch and a Shinola dive watch, but I’d add that Hanhart to the list. That’s really nice.
I used to buy shitty watches when I was working because I would break them all the time. So I know shitty watches but I don’t know Shinola.
