In 2021, Hanhart launched the first Flieger Friday edition in royal blue dial encased in 42mm DLC case. The watch was very sought after, and sold out in matter of hours. How does one top such success? Well, Hanhart designed something even more bold and outrageous that makes the new Flieger Friday edition even more desirable.
From radium to tritium to Super-LumiNova, luminescent elements in pilot’s watches have been used since the early 20th century to ensure good readability even under difficult light and visibility conditions. The historical navigation pilot’s watches, “Beobachtungsuhren” or “B-Uhren” had a strong radium (226Ra) paint that was used for its for luminescence properties in reading the dial in darkness. The luminous material was applied on large Arabic numerals and minute and second indicators. The hour, minute and second hands were also coated with the radioactive paint.
It was only appropriate that the second Flieger Friday “Night Pilot” edition feature a full lume dial covered with Super-LumiNova C3 that gives the chronograph a unique look, especially in the dark. The soft white dial color in daylight changes into a strong green color at night. Another noticeable difference between the last year’s Flieger Friday edition is that the Night Pilot is based on the 42mm Pioneer MonoControl model rather than the TwinControl model from previous year.
A little history about the MonoControl model – In 1938, Hanhart designed a mono-pusher precision chronograph for naval officers which featured Hanhart’s own “Calibre 40”. The technical design with a single pusher is also the trademark feature of the Pioneer MonoControl. This meant that the automatic calibre used had to be redesigned slightly in Hanhart’s own workshops. Hanhart uses Sellita SW500 movement, but modifies it with a La Joux-Perret module for the asymmetrical chronograph pusher with red ceramic cap between 1 and 2. The stop function is operated by just one pusher. Start, stop and reset functions are performed with one pusher instead of the usual two.
The 42mm black DLC-coated case with the red pusher completes the – so far – unique design of this FliegerFriday timepiece with a striking contrast of lumed dial. The skeletonized black hands provide an optimal contrast to the bright dial and zero obstructions with the bi-compax sub-dials. The water-resistance is rated up to 100m, making the chronograph suitable for use in the Seaplane cockpit as well. To complete the look, Night Pilot is fitted with a black cowhide strap with amazing luminescent stitching that appears white during the day but also glows in the dark.
Overall the coolness factor of this Flieger Friday edition is off the charts! A pair of Rayban Aviator sunglasses are mandatory for this all lumed watch. The new FliegerFriday Night Pilot, limited to 100 pieces, can be ordered now for €2490 including 19% VAT and will be delivered from mid-September.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
CASE
Stainless steel with black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating, Red HyCeram pusher, diameter 42 mm, height 15 mm, crown with Hanhart “h“-logo, screwed case back with black DLC coating, limitation number xxx/100, water resistant 100m (DIN 8310)
CRYSTAL
Domed sapphire crystal, AR-coating only inside
DIAL AND HANDS
White with black numerals, Super-LumiNova C3 coated dial
Skeletonized hour and minute hands
STRAP
Black cowhide leather with white stitching that glows in the dark
Black DLC coated stainless steel pin buckle, Lug width 21 mm
MOVEMENT
Automatic chronograph movement HAN3911
Hanhart monopusher modification, SW500 with modifications by Manufacture LaJoux-Perret, 28.800 A/h, 4 Hz, 28 jewels, power reserve min. 42h (fully wound)