With its bright blue dial and modernized design, the new Hanhart Red X Blue chronograph shakes up the codes of the German brand. A limited edition that could well appeal to fans of sporty and elegant watches.
A revisited design for an iconic collection
Hanhart, the famous German manufacturer, does not usually venture too far from its roots with its Pioneer chronograph collection. Black, white or cream dials, cathedral or syringe hands, the brand remains faithful to its vintage heritage. The only distinctive touches: the red notched bezel and the red chronograph pusher, visual signatures of the house.
The new Hanhart Red X Blue shakes up these established codes. Inspired by the Red X Chronograph LE model from 2010, this limited edition of 140 pieces brings a breath of fresh air to the Pioneer range. Its electric blue dial and modernized hands give it a decidedly more contemporary character.
A historic case with modern performance
The case of the Red X Blue takes up the lines of the Pioneer 417 ES 1954 Flyback. Faithful to the original 1954 design, it has a diameter of 39 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 45.5 mm. Its thickness of 14.5 mm, slightly greater than the reference model, is explained by the addition of an inclined flange that brings depth to the dial.
Despite its generous dimensions, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist and does not suffer from a “heavy head” effect sometimes felt on chronographs. Its water resistance of 100 meters is a significant asset for versatile use.
The suede leather strap, matching the dial, offers optimal comfort and is easily changed thanks to its quick-release bars.
Hanhart visual signatures enhanced
The bidirectional notched bezel with its red marker and the red cap of the pusher at 4 o'clock remain the brand's distinctive elements. These touches of color bring dynamism to the whole and make the watch instantly recognizable.
The red pusher, beyond its aesthetic aspect, fulfills a practical function. It not only allows the chronograph to be reset once stopped, but also to be reset and restarted with a single press thanks to the flyback function. A small technical plus that is appreciable, even if its daily usefulness remains limited.
The bidirectional bezel offers various possibilities for marking time, although the absence of graduations makes its use slightly more complicated.
A modernized dial that does not deny its origins
The sunburst blue dial of the Red X Blue plays beautifully with light. The Arabic numerals, thinner and more modern than on classic models, alternate with two-tone red and white indexes.
Obelisk hands replace the traditional cathedral or syringe hands, bringing a welcome touch of modernity. The chronograph and counter hands, lacquered in a bright red, echo the colorful accents of the case.
The slightly recessed azure counters and the inclined flange give a beautiful depth to the whole. The final result is clearly more striking than the vintage versions of the Pioneer collection, while retaining the brand's DNA.
A high-performance chronograph movement
The Red X Blue is powered by Sellita's AMT 5100 M caliber, previously used in the Hanhart 417 ES Flyback. This movement, based on the SW510 M, has been modified to incorporate a column-wheel mechanism in place of the original cam system.
The result is precise chronograph operation and a comfortable 58-hour power reserve. A technical choice that should satisfy most users.
A complete box set for enthusiasts
The Red X Blue is offered in a box that also includes a Hanhart Addition Timer precision stopwatch. This 55 mm manual stopwatch, equipped with the in-house caliber 122, also offers a flyback function and an interrupt option.
The set includes a dashboard mounting plate with leather insert and a foldable stand for use on a desk or in a vehicle. A complete set that will delight motorsport enthusiasts.
A chronograph between tradition and modernity
With the Red X Blue, Hanhart demonstrates its ability to evolve its iconic models while remaining true to its heritage. Small changes to the design have a significant visual impact, resulting in a chronograph that is both historical and contemporary.
Priced at €3,180, the Hanhart Red X Blue is an interesting option for fans of fine mechanical chronographs. Its modernized design and dynamic color make it a piece that will appeal to a wider audience than the brand’s vintage models.
It remains to be seen whether Hanhart will dare to decline these developments on other models in its range or whether the Red X Blue will remain a bold parenthesis in the history of the German house. One thing is certain: this limited edition should not remain available for long at retailers.
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