Hanhart 417 ES Tornado Maiden Flight

Charles d’Ancona

July 25, 2024

Hanhart Unveils Limited Edition Watch for Tornado’s 50th Anniversary

In August 2024, Hanhart, with the support of PANAVIA Aircraft GmbH, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tornado’s maiden flight with a special limited edition watch. This exclusive timepiece, limited to 148 pieces, commemorates the milestone flight on August 14, 1974.

A Special Day in Aviation History

On August 14, 1974, the Tornado took to the skies for the first time as part of a European defense cooperation project. The test flight, conducted at “Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61,” featured a two-tone aircraft flown by British pilot Paul Millett and German test pilot Nils Meister. The flight, which lasted 33 minutes, marked a significant milestone in European defense and led to the widespread adoption of the Tornado by the air forces of Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.

Hanhart, a supplier to the early German Air Force, originally delivered the 417 ES service watch to the Bundeswehr in 1955. This special edition mirrors the appearance, dimensions, and function of the historic 417 ES, making it a coveted vintage chronograph among collectors.

A Journey into the Past

This watch combines historical details with modern materials. The sharp, polished chamfers transition smoothly from the sanitized horns to the flanks. The fluted bezel, rotating continuously in both directions, features red position markings reminiscent of the original 417 ES. The bi-compax layout and vintage-inspired dial details, including reactivated numbers, fonts, and branding, pay homage to the historic model.

Precision and Reliability

The screw-down stainless steel case houses the reliable Swiss Made Sellita AMT 5100 M Flyback movement. This manual-wound chronograph offers a stop-second function and a power reserve of up to 58 hours. Unlike the historic 417, the new 417 ES TORNADO is water-resistant to 10 bar, making it suitable for a range of environments outside the cockpit.

The Cockade – GER/IT/UK

The watch features a cockade in the colors of the partner nations (Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom) on the dial below the running second at 9 o’clock. This design element is a nod to the cockade worn by the Tornado P.01 aircraft. The second hand’s eye is reduced to enhance the visibility of the cockade.

Other Special Features

The lower half of the dial features the TORNADO logo. The case back is engraved with a view of the plane and additional details about the maiden flight, including the date, duration, registration number, and the watch’s serial number (XXX/148). The hour indices, hour, minute, and stop-second hands are coated with luminous Old Radium to enhance the watch’s vintage aesthetic.

Outstanding Comfort

The watch is fitted with a black calfskin strap with padding for comfort and an Alcantara lining for a pleasant feel against the skin. A stainless steel buckle with the historic Hanhart logo ensures a secure fit. An optional high-quality stainless steel bracelet is available for an additional cost.

Hanhart’s Legacy

As a pioneer in wristwatch chronographs and stopwatches, Hanhart has played a significant role in the German watch industry. Known for its technical inventiveness, Hanhart upholds the highest standards of precision, reliability, readability, and robustness. Since 1882, the company has produced timepieces that combine perfection with distinctive design, with all development, production, and distribution located in Gütenbach, Germany.

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