Hanhart Pioneer Monocontrol Chronograph, late 2010s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Chronographs didn’t always feature dual pushers — one for start, and the other for stop/reset. In fact, it wasn’t until 1934 that Willy Breitling invented the first one. Before that, a single pusher started, stopped, and reset the chronograph. Though this single-pusher system has long been considered inferior to the contemporary dual-button arrangement, there are certain exceptions we’re willing to make in order to honor horological history… Hanhart, the famous German watchmaker, made various notable chronographs during the 20th century — including one, the Reference 417ES, that was famously worn by Steve McQueen during the 1950s. However, perhaps none are more notable than the monopusher models made as early as 1938 for German naval officers and flight crews, which were based upon the manufacture’s Calibre 40 movement. These days, Hanhart still produced a selection of monopusher models, including this one, the Pioneer MonoControl. This particular example, dating to the late 2010s, is housed in a 42mm brushed stainless steel case with an oversized, signed crown, a red monopusher, and a bidirectional, fluted stainless steel bezel with a red 12 o’clock marker. It features a luminous, opaline silver dial with recessed subsidiary registers, Arabic indices, a matching cathedral handset, an outer minute track, and a date window at 6 o’clock. Powered by a modified ETA 7750 movement with a La Joux-Perret module, it’s paired to a riveted, black leather strap with a signed, stainless steel pin buckle. What’s more, it includes its factory goodies — including a NATO-style nylon strap — and remains in excellent condition. After a chronograph with some historical cachet? Look no further!