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Gorgeous, I had the KM re-issue, great looking things. Get it overhauled and then man up and wear it. There's nothing you are going to do on a day to day basis that is harsher than a U Boat Captain on patrol.
Posted this on the Military Watch Forum but I thought people here would enjoy too.
On my travels recently I was fortunate enough to acquire a Hanhart "KM" Kriegsmarine Cal. 40 chronograph.
The "KM" logo stands for Kriegsmarine, the German Navy during WWII. Engraved on the case back is military insignia, "M" (for Marine I think), serial# and "Bodenedelstahl". Based on what I have read I believe these KM's were issued to senior officers in the German Navy during the 1940's.
The dial is in fantastic condition, the telemeter a deep red and the KM and Hanhart logos crispy. The red marker on the coin edge bezel is still bright and the patina on the hands has turned a pleasant ocre color. The chrome/brass case could use a clean but is in excellent condition, with very little discoloration/flaking. Per the experts on MWR it is all-original except maybe the domed crystal, which is virtually scratch-free so probably a replacement.
The movement is a Hanhart Cal. 40 manual wind mono pusher chronograph, with Breguet hairspring and 2 metal balance. Its fairly clean but will probably need an overhaul.
Size is roughly 40mm across with 20mm fixed lugs, but feels bigger, probably due to the large crown and pusher, typical of military watches of the era (for ease of use with thick gloves on).
Per the experts on MWR even the oiled brown leather strap is most probably original! It has a time-warp WWII feel and matches perfectly with my Filson's duffel bag :)
I can't put my finger on it but there is something very beautiful and German about this watch...perhaps its the combination of the wonderful red telemeter and the large, rugged and sturdy case.
I'm too scared to wear it but it is a stunner in the metal.
Anyways enough writing, onto the (iPhone) pics...
Best,
G
Last edited by ghwatch; 27th June 2014 at 08:25.
Gorgeous, I had the KM re-issue, great looking things. Get it overhauled and then man up and wear it. There's nothing you are going to do on a day to day basis that is harsher than a U Boat Captain on patrol.
That's a great looking example and the wear on the case suits the watch perfectly.
What a great looking watch even without the history behind it! Congrats
That is gorgeous... Congrats.
Oh dear!!, a new object of desire. onwards with searching the web to learn more. congrats on finding this gem.
Absolutely adore Hanharts.
On the "list" after I scratch the Rolex itch a little more!
Just posted this in chronograph thread, one of my fav's
Originally Posted by delays
Very special... Like it
A beautiful watch. Well found.
The 'KM' preceded WWII by four years and the back, 'Boden', is 'noble', i.e. stainless, steel, as you no doubt know.
By the look of it, the watch needs skilled & sympathetic cleaning & oiling. Who are you going to ask to do the work?
Last edited by Tinker; 27th June 2014 at 23:08.
The Hanhart case design seems to have had strong post-war influence, not least on companies like Chronoswiss.
Did it contribute to the general popularity of the 'tuna can', too, I wonder?
Wow, love the dial and hands! Looks like it is from a time capsule. :)
As do I, they are wonderful watches.
That's a great piece! Congrats.
It seems to be in a wonderful condition. Well done.
I recently found a cal 41 from the Luftwaffe and since it's not been of my wrist.
Enjoy!
Best! Glenn
Thank you Tinker! Very interesting that KM preceded WWII, I have more reading/studying to do.
I know a very skilled (and expensive) watchmaker here in Tokyo, however its in such fantastic shape I doubt I will wear it much.
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Fantastic!!!That's a great piece! Congrats.
It seems to be in a wonderful condition. Well done.
I recently found a cal 41 from the Luftwaffe and since it's not been of my wrist.
Enjoy!
Best! Glenn
That's lovely.
Something about historical stuff like that that cannot be replicated on modern stuff.
The Luftwaffe version is very nice too.
Cheers,
Neil.
Excellent, well done
Truly great Hanharts gents (yours too Glenn)! I love the KM-specimens, really highly desirable. Do you know how the chrono/scale was used? FYI, here's some info:
Personally, I don't understand it one bit. But it might be fun for you to study it!
Here's my Hanhart, a Vixa:
Nice old Hanharts. I would like to see the back case of the KM. The Kriegsmarine watches were the only ones, which were signed with a swastika.
Here is my '43 Flyback.
The re-issue and the original.
Killer watch. Really very nice and HIGH on my wish list.
Stunning watch.
Very very nice indeed!!!!!!
beauty!!!
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