It was barely more than a month ago when we took a trip down memory lane to look at the history and impact of the Hanhart 417 ES and one of the topics that was discussed is the fact that the 417 ES was one of the favoured watches of Steve McQueen. By sheer coincidence, Hanhart is now celebrating that very fact with the introduction of the new 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1. A tribute to both the legendary actor and one of the most underrated tool watches of the 20th century.
Let’s start with the Steve McQueen connection. McQueen owned a 417 ES and wore it regularly, being photographed wearing it on multiple occasions including with his motorbike, family and on his couch with his gun. For the new special edition, Hanhart has partnered with McQueen’s grandchildren, Chase and Madison McQueen (whose signatures are found on the limited edition card included with the watch) to make this an official collaboration.
In watch design terms, the 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1 is a modern reinterpretation of the watch that McQueen used to wear with the addition of his signature on the dial at 6 o’clock. It measures a period accurate 39mm and includes details such as a cuff strap like the one that McQueen wore it on (though it’s also compatible with any of Hanhart’s 417 ES 39mm straps/bracelets for 20mm lugs). It also uses old radium style lume to give it a retro, vintage feel as if it came from the 20th century instead of being brand new. As part of its modernisation the water resistance is boosted to 100m, making it better suited to daily wear.
In addition to the McQueen aspects of the watch there are some elements of the design that are built on anecdotes from other sources. The red chronograph pusher at 4 o’clock is believed to stem from a pilot’s wife who coated the pusher in red nail polish so that he would always think of her while using it. Though perhaps a more plausible explanation is that it was a safety feature to stop pilots accidentally resetting their flyback chronographs unintentionally. Still, the original story is romantic and in tribute to it, the limited edition set comes with a bottle of red nail polish alongside the McQueen elements.
Beneath the surface of the watch is the Sellita AMT5100 M manual winding movement with 58-hour power reserve. It’s tested and regulated at the Hanhart manufacture across six positions to ensure accuracy and reliability. The movement is also visible through the exhibition caseback where you can see its Côtes de Genève finishing, plus as it’s manual there is no rotor getting in the way of your view of the calibre’s inner workings such as the balance wheel. Around the edge of the caseback is an engraving that reads “Steve McQueen King of Cool” along with an inscription marking it as a limited edition.
Speaking of which, the Hanhart 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1 is limited to just 300 pieces worldwide. It’s priced at €2,890 including VAT (approx. £2,450) which is roughly £600 higher than a standard 417 ES 39mm on cuff strap. That increase makes sense given the exclusivity of the watch and the additional features such as the accompanying red nail polish and the limited edition card that’s based on McQueen’s racing license. A fitting tribute to both the watch and the man.
Price and Specs:
More details at Hanhart.
