Description
Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm
The Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm represents a rare and refined interpretation of one of the most respected chronographs of the 1950s. Distinguished by its white dial and thermally blued hands, this model departs from the darker military instruments typically associated with the 417 ES, instead presenting a clear, highly legible chronograph designed for civil and professional use beyond formal service requirements.
The nickname “Moby Dick” originates from an exceptionally scarce historical execution of the 417 ES, produced in limited numbers with a white dial. Over time, collectors adopted the name as a reference to the white whale of Herman Melville’s novel, symbolising rarity and unmistakable character. While never an official designation during the original production period, the name became firmly established within the collector community and has since been intentionally embraced by Hanhart.
Visually, the Moby Dick 39 mm balances historical authenticity with contemporary refinement. The bi-compax dial layout, vintage typography, and historical Hanhart logo remain faithful to early 417 references. Ivory-coloured Super-LumiNova® Light Old Radium GL is used throughout the dial and hands, offering excellent legibility in daylight and low-light conditions while maintaining a period-correct aesthetic.
The satin-finished and polished stainless steel case features precisely executed transitions and a fluted bezel that rotates smoothly in both directions. Rather than the traditional red bezel marker, this version uses an ivory-coloured luminous insert that complements the dial and hands. A high-domed sapphire crystal, internally anti-reflective coated, echoes the profile of the original acrylic crystals while delivering modern durability.
Inside the anti-magnetic inner case, the hand-wound – High Grade Swiss movement M calibre operates with proven reliability. Regulated to Hanhart’s standards of 0 to +8 seconds per day, the movement offers hacking seconds and a robust power reserve of at least 58 hours. Combined with water resistance to 10 bar and magnetic protection up to 16,000 A/m, the Moby Dick 39 mm is engineered for genuine everyday wear.
The Hanhart 417 ES Moby Dick 39 mm stands as a civil chronograph with deep historical roots, merging functional clarity, mechanical integrity, and a distinctive aesthetic that continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Technical Specifications
- Case Diameter: 39 mm
- Case Height: 13.60 mm (11.55 mm without crystal)
- Lug-to-Lug: 46 mm
- Case Material: Satin-finished and polished stainless steel
- Anti-Magnetic Protection: Inner soft iron case up to 16,000 A/m
- Bezel: Bi-directional fluted stainless steel bezel with ivory Super-LumiNova® insert
- Case Back: Screw-down stainless steel with individual serial number
- Crown: Signed crown with historical Hanhart “h”
- Crystal: High-domed convex sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 10 bar / 100 metres (DIN 8310)
- Dial: White dial with ivory Arabic numerals
- Lume: Super-LumiNova® Light Old Radium GL on numerals and hands
- Movement: Hand-wound – High Grade Swiss movement M
- Functions: Central chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter, small seconds, hacking seconds
- Frequency: 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
- Jewels: 23
- Power Reserve: Minimum 58 hours
- Accuracy: Regulated to 0 to +8 seconds per day (average)
- Strap: Calfskin leather strap with white stitching
- Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
- Lug Width: 20 mm
