Nestled deep within the Hanhart Pioneer collection of Flieger chronographs and sport watches is an altogether more refined timepiece: the Pioneer Silva, more often just referred to as the Silva. It takes the historic pilot’s watch design elements and strips them back until you’re left with a watch that has more in common with a dress watch than a tool. Now the German brand has expanded this tiny subcollection with two new references, the Silva Rosé and Silva Pistachio.
Silva here is a reference not to silver despite how the word sounds, but the Latin word for forest – referring to the Black Forest which Hanhart calls home. Though with the polished finish across the 38.5mm steel case and smooth bezel, silver wouldn’t be an inappropriate description in comparison to the more utilitarian, matte finishes seen on the pilot Pioneer models.
There are still some aspects of the Silva’s design that pay tribute to its pilot heritage, such as the oversize, knurled crown. Previously the Silva was only available with black or white dials, which also leans into the notion of a pilot watch’s ultra-legibility. However, the Silva Rosé and Silva Pistachio add some pastel colours to the collection, which pushes them further in the delicate, dressy aesthetic direction. Unsurprisingly the Rosé is a pale pink while the Pistachio is green, both managing to sit in nicely unisex tones.
For the display, the layout feels more like a design you’d expect to see from fellow German brands Junghans or Nomos. It’s very minimalist with straight, black hands, a peripheral minute track and alternating Arabic numeral and steel dot hour markers. Even the style of the Arabic numerals feels minimalist in their clean lines and clarity. It sits slightly at odds with the cursive Hanhart logo at 12 o’clock, emphasising the difference.
Below the dial is the Soprod P024 automatic with 38-hour power reserve. It’s based on the ETA 2824-2, which used to be one of the most common movements across the industry until it was superseded by the likes of Sellita and other clones. The Soprod P024 is known for its better accuracy of around +/- 12 seconds per day.
The Hanhart Silva Rosé and Pistachio are available on leather straps or Milanese steel bracelets, leaning even more into the dressy vibe. Regardless of the strap, bracelet or colour options the watch is priced at £726.30. Personally I quite like the Rosé on Milanese bracelet, it reminds me somewhat of the Paulin Modul.
Price and Specs:
More details at Hanhart.
