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Hanhart's Innovative Square by Square Watch Prototype
Discover the Future of Shaped Timepieces: Hanhart's Bold New Vision
The Genesis of a Distinctive Design: A New Chapter for Hanhart
Hanhart, a brand with a strong heritage in chronographs and pilot watches, has traditionally been associated with bold, instrument-inspired designs. The Square by Square project, however, marks a departure, representing a visionary collaboration with Marcus Wiedemann of Studio Supercreative. This endeavor aims to reimagine the brand's archives of shaped watches, creating a contemporary concept that blends historical inspiration with modern sensibilities.
Innovative Case Construction: A Harmony of Angles and Curves
Unlike a straightforward vintage re-edition, the Square by Square's case showcases an original design that masterfully integrates geometric facets with gentle, flowing contours. Crafted from stainless steel, its dimensions are carefully calibrated for diverse wrist sizes, measuring 40mm from 12 to 6 o'clock, 38mm across, and a slender 10.9mm in thickness, with a compact 32.8mm lug-to-lug distance. The case profile subtly tapers towards the integrated lugs, and its alternating polished and sandblasted matte surfaces create a dynamic interplay of light. Customers will have the option to choose between a polished or sandblasted finish, with three prototypes for each.
The Technical Challenge of the Domed Sapphire Crystal
A standout feature that significantly defines the watch's visual identity is its extensively domed sapphire crystal, which stretches seamlessly to the edges of the case. Hanhart disclosed that the fabrication of this component presented a considerable technical hurdle during the development phase. Numerous prototypes were unfortunately damaged before a flawless production method was successfully established. Complementing this, the hexagonal crown is cleverly recessed into the side of the case, maintaining the watch's sleek lines and contributing to its impressive 100m water resistance.
Dial Aesthetics: Depth, Detail, and Unique Hands
The watch offers a choice of two distinct dial finishes: a profound blue with a sunburst effect or an iridescent mother-of-pearl. Both options feature a pronounced stepped flange, adding remarkable depth to the dial's appearance. The applied steel-colored numerals and indices are uniquely crafted for this model, distinguishing it from other Hanhart collections. Equally striking are the fully polished, skeletonized hands, which, when perfectly aligned at 12 o'clock, ingeniously form an elongated diamond shape.
Precision Engineering: The Sellita SW1000-1 Movement
Powering the Square by Square is the Sellita SW1000-1 b, a slim automatic movement noted for its suitability in elegant and shaped timepieces. This no-date caliber, a variant of the SW100 series, measures a mere 3.9mm in height. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 46-hour power reserve. Hanhart meticulously regulates each movement to its internal standard of between 0 and +8 seconds per day, assessed across six distinct positions, ensuring exceptional accuracy.
Limited Edition Prototypes and Future Prospects
Presently, the Square by Square is a design study brought to life, with a strictly limited run of only six prototypes. These include three pieces featuring the deep blue dial and three with the mother-of-pearl dial. Hanhart has yet to decide whether this concept will transition into a regular production collection. Enthusiasts interested in acquiring one of these unique timepieces can register their interest directly with the brand. Each prototype is priced at EUR 1,890.
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