The chronograph watch is an essential component of any fighter pilot’s equipment. He relies on this timepiece for accurate, dead-reckoning navigation, as well as a host of other related time keeping factors of importance. Hanhart was one of the leading German producers of chronographs in the ‘30’s and ‘40’s, and their examples were extensively used by fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe. In fact, only one other chronograph was employed with regularity by the Luftwaffe Jagdfliegern (fighter pilots), this being the equally famous Glashütte Tutima. Hanhart actually made two styles of chronographs with rotating bezels, the other having a simplified movement configured with only one plunger button. The German Luftwaffe ruled the skies over Europe for four years. History will forever recall the daring, record-holding achievements of the Luftwaffe’s Jagdflieger Experten (experts), who amassed kill records most likely never to be surpassed again. Precision was paramount to these Experten, for in their line of work one small mistake could easily be their last. Not surprisingly, the unquestioned Experte of all time, Major Erich Hartmann, is, in fact, often seen photographed wearing a Hanhart chronograph watch!

Today, original Luftwaffe chronograph wristwatches are valued antiques and the most desired of all the military chronographs. These watches will fetch a ransom price from any quarter, as the demand far exceeds the quantity on the market. Such is the rarity of even having the opportunity to buy one of these gems, that the price ticket is actually a secondary concern to just being lucky enough to locate one for sale. Even if one has the good fortune to obtain such a treasure, the evil dilemma to wear or not wear this piece of history surely will face the purchaser. Should the watch still retain its original riveted strap, the increased chance of damage through use makes the dilemma even more cursed. Alas, it is the recognition of all of the aforementioned factors that stimulated Hanhart to produce their famous Luftwaffe Fliegerchronograph once again.

At long last, those who would dearly love to own such a prestigious, historical timepiece can have their dreams fulfilled. After nearly sixty years from the first production in 1939, the original German manufacturer, Hanhart, has now released an absolutely superb remake of this definitive model. History Preservation Associates is proud to offer its clientele a product of such exclusivity. This is not just a classic face with a silicone movement either. The Luftwaffe Fliegerchronograph is crafted with all the precision and detailing of the original, including a 17- jewel mechanical movement! That’s right, you wind this up the way one did with all good old watches. Rated at 28,000 vibrations per hour and complete with a two-year warranty, one is getting all the accuracy, durability and security the original vintage examples don’t have. Nothing has been spared in this new example of an old Jagdflieger’s trusted friend. The watch dial is a precise, masterful and beautiful recreation of the original, and bears the correct Hanhart script logo and “17 Steine” (17 jewels), just as found on the original examples. As part of a limited series of only 2,500 units, each example is individually numbered on the case back and movement and is complete with matching certificate of origin and a handsome, hand-crafted leather storage case. Your investment is secure in a watch of this quality, as your money is really buying fine traditional engineering at its ultimate. All watches are made by hand, one at a time, by the same manufacturer that created the original! Not even today’s high-profile designer watches can better this. The new Hanhart Luftwaffe Fliegerchronograph will serve you as well as those daring, leather-clad Jagdflieger Experten once did the Luftwaffe. Whether navigating the skyways, highways or waterways, rely on Hanhart’s Fliegerchronograph to keep you on time and course.