A retro-styled chronograph with military roots and modern flair, the new Hanhart ES 415 Panda and Reverse Panda editions deliver functional beauty and authentic vintage spirit. Built on a legacy of German tool watches, these chronographs revisit a design first seen in the late 1960s.
A Brand with a Foot in the Field and the Track
Founded in 1882 in Germany, Hanhart is known for its commitment to rugged functionality and legible timekeeping. The brand rose to prominence in the 1930s and 40s with pilot and military chronographs, favored by German aviators and naval forces. While their modern catalogue balances heritage and technical innovation, Hanhart remains distinctly tool-oriented, often drawing from historical references. The new ES 415 Chronograph revives one of the brand’s lesser-known designs from the late 1960s, a civilian-oriented model, but still very much in line with the brand’s professional ethos. The Panda and Reverse Panda dials feel right at home within this lineage, offering a classic motorsport look with unmistakable Hanhart DNA.
Specs That Matter: A True Mechanical Chronograph
At the heart of both models is a hand-wound chronograph movement, the Sellita SW510, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a solid 58-hour power reserve. Unfortunately, this movement is hidden with a solid caseback, which would have – otherwise – been a rare treat in this category. The case measures 39mm in diameter with a height of 13.5mm, offering compact proportions true to the era it channels. Made of brushed and polished stainless steel, the case has a purposeful look and a dressy feel. Notably, “ES” stands for “Edelstahl”, German for stainless steel, a reference to past Hanhart markings.
The dial layouts are as expected: a bicompax arrangement with small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute totalizer at 3. The Panda version features a white dial with black sub-registers, while the Reverse Panda flips this to a black dial with white counters—both accented with red chronograph hands, a signature Hanhart touch. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating ensures durability and clarity. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making it suitable for daily wear and more.
Everyday Style Meets Vintage Motorsport
These chronographs strike a compelling balance between vintage charm and everyday usability. Their modest proportions make them versatile for a wide range of wrists, while the high-contrast dials offer excellent legibility in both daylight and low light. The minimalist case design, free of external bezel or unnecessary ornamentation, lends itself to both sporty and casual settings. Whether you’re timing laps, sipping espresso, or commuting in style, the ES 415 Chronograph is quietly assertive.
The military and motorsport influences are subtle but unmistakable—think Heuer Camaro or Zenith A277, but with a German twist. The drilled lugs and leather rally straps further root the design in the late 60s, when precision timing met racing elegance. These are not flashy watches, but they exude character for those who appreciate design integrity and horological substance.
Final Thoughts, Price & Availability
The new Hanhart ES 415 Panda and Reverse Panda capture a very specific vintage vibe without resorting to nostalgia. They are precise, thoughtfully built, and deeply rooted in the brand’s own archives. With their hand-wound movement, compact sizing, and clean execution, they offer tremendous value for mechanical chronograph enthusiasts. The price is set at $2,230 USD, and both versions are part of the permanent collection, not limited editions—great news for collectors who hate to miss out.
Available now directly from Hanhart’s website and selected retailers, the ES 415 Chronographs continue the brand’s legacy of affordable, rugged, and characterful timepieces. For those seeking a reliable, good-looking chrono with real historical depth, these might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. If you’re reading this while absentmindedly scrolling through vintage chronos online… maybe this is the sign you needed. And if you’re a chrono fan, check out the untold story of the Omega Speedmaster !
