Battle of the Post-War Pilots Chronos!
Thanks to TGV, I recently I found myself looking at the upcoming Airain Type 20 (39.5mm by 15mm, $2.9k USD) and the Hanhart 417 ES Flyback (39mm or 42mm by 13.6, $2.4k USD). Obviously these two watches share a lot of historical and modern DNA. Hanhart's WWII chronographs seem to have influenced the development of the French Type 20 pattern. And in the current era both pieces are using the same (or very similar) Sellita movements. I have never been able to get hands on with either, and the Airain still seems to be in the prototype phase.
Going strictly from photos, I think I like the proportions of the sub-dials on the Airain better, as well as the 12 hour bezel. On the other hand, Hanhart has amazing fonts and a more complex case with nicely polished lug bevels. And as long as we are in this category it only seems right to include the Longines Big Eye which appears to share much of the same post-war DNA. And it is always a fan favorite. What it lacks in flyback functionality it makes up for in a 12 hour counter, and its price is in the same ball park as the two others.
Who wins this battle? I would be interested in hearing what Hanart owners think of their reissue chrono lines. Same for owners of the Longines and the previous generation of Airains.
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Benjamin Judkins
A student of time and space with a watch on his wrist.
Western NY
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
Of the three, I think that the Airain looks the best and has the most functionality.
My choice here. Definitely worth the money case finishing quality is great. Mouvement is up to the mission. Plus you give your money to a small historic company working almost like they used to do back in the day if something like that count for you.
My choice here. Definitely worth the money case finishing quality is great. Mouvement is up to the mission. Plus you give your money to a small historic company working almost like they used to do back in the day if something like that count for you.
Thanks for your feedback on the case finishing. The photos look good but you never know until you see it!
The Airain looks phenomenal. I hope the bezel has a 12 or 24 click, versus friction fit. I still don’t understand a countdown bezel on a count up Chrono. But if the 3? I have to pull the brand card and go Longines.
The reason some French Type XX watches look Hanhart influenced is because Hanhart was forced to produce the watches, to be white labeled by French companies as a part of German reparations to France after WWII.
Vixa type 20 were build by hanhart. And for the others french military paperworks stipulated they needed for donation high quality chronograph just like the company hanhart were currently producing. 👍
Hanhart, more history, incredibly well made and tested, rugged and NOT Swiss 👍
Oh! And Steve McQueen owned one. Nuff said.