The Iconic Hanhart 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1: An Homage to the 'King of Cool'

Amongst the notable list of timepieces associated with the celebrated actor Steve McQueen is the Hanhart 417 ES; a chronograph he held in high favor and sported regularly in his private life and during his motorcycle racing endeavors. Contrary to the popular perception of McQueen’s horological preferences limited to the Heuer Monaco and the Rolex Submariner, the actor was in fact, significantly passionate about an expansive range of choice watches. The unveiling of the Hanhart 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1 serves as an authentic commemoration of McQueen’s profuse association with Hanhart watches.
This limited-edition release is the first time that Hanhart has officially recognized McQueen’s connection to their iconic chronograph model, a sign of approval from McQueen’s family who have sanctioned the use of his name in conjunction with the brand’s watch. A timepiece that was originally introduced in the mid-1950s, the Hanhart 417 functioned as a pilot’s chronograph for the German Bundeswehr. Characterized by its robustness, legibility, and practicable operation, the 417 was equipped with a fluted crown, a black dial with a bi-compax layout, a fluted rotating bezel, but surprisingly lacked a red pusher.
The 417 ES model or ‘Edelstahl’, translated as stainless steel, was introduced as a durable variant of the original 417 model and is considered a rarity amongst watch aficionados. The 417 ES holds the merit of being worn by McQueen during his participation for the US team at the International Six Days Trial in East Germany in 1964, equating the notoriety of the 417 ES equally with the enigmatic image of the star actor.
Bearing a close resemblance to the dimensions of the historic 417 ES, the new chronograph model boasts a 39mm stainless-steel case with a thickness of 13.3mm. The compact proportions of the case preserve much of the charm of the modern 417 ES introduced in 2020. A vital inclusion in the watch’s design scheme is the signature fluted bidirectional bezel along with a red HyCeram chronograph pusher positioned at 4 o’clock. The watch’s domed sapphire crystal and screw-down caseback allow for a glimpse into the exquisite internals of the Hanhart 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1. This elegant, no-nonsense chronograph is a worthy tribute to a legendary actor and his unacclaimed relationship with Hanhart wristwatches.