Shifting Gears: The New Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT

Many would associate Hanhart with flying and pilots’ chronographs. Today, however, the brand enters new territory. Together with 0260, a Miami-based hub for car and watch enthusiasts led by Lex Borrero, and streetwear store BAIT, with Eric Peng Cheng at the helm, Hanhart is releasing a new watch — the 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT. It will be available exclusively on Chrono24 for the first 24 hours.

This limited-edition project uses Hanhart’s iconic chronograph as a base to create something incredibly cool. The collab is a reinterpretation of the classic 417 ES through the lens of vintage motorsport, something both Borrero and Cheng are passionate about.

Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT

Hanhart is a household name for watch enthusiasts. Established in 1882 in Switzerland (not in Germany), the company became famous for its chronographs among other mechanical timekeepers, such as stopwatches. After the Second World War, Hanhart became the first company to supply watches to the newly established German Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) in 1955. Over time, that model, the 417 ES, reached iconic status among chronograph fans and military-watch enthusiasts alike. Our watch today, the Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT, however, is not a reissue of a vintage model. With slender Art Deco-style numerals and fine scales, it is a reimagining of the classic piece. With a 39mm steel case, the watch has the perfect size and vintage character, hitting the sweet spot for most enthusiasts.

Black or beige?

The Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT limited edition comes in two colorways — black with off-white sub-dials or beige with caramel sub-dials. Note the subtle touch of color on the running-seconds hand; it’s red on the black-dial version and yellow on the beige-dial model. On paper, these tones may not work, but for some reason, both models look great and wear well thanks to their size. At 13.5 mm thick and a hair under 46 mm from tip to tip, the watch offers incredible wrist presence. Each colorway is limited to 88 pieces, keeping production healthy yet exclusive enough that you won’t see them flooding your local watch meetups. Both models share the classic 417 DNA, including the coin-edge bidirectional bezel with a red accent and pump pushers. On the steel case back, you can find the logos of all three brands, as well as the individual LE number (XX/88).

Where watch culture meets the tracks

As mentioned, 0260 is a collective and brand from Miami for people passionate about cars, watches, and coffee. For many, this is a perfect combination. Lex Borrero, the man behind 0260, teamed up with BAIT (and Undefeated) founder Eric Peng Cheng for this collaboration. Consequently, the Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT answers the question: what would a watch look like through the lens of vintage motorsport? Contrary to what some may say, the connection between car and watch cultures is deeper than many people realize. Both celebrate precision, mechanics, and, to a certain degree, nostalgia. These common denominators make such collaborations authentic, which is important for Hanhart, 0260, and BAIT. In the end, the products — in this case, these lovely 417 ES chronographs — feel personal to many, especially enthusiasts in these communities.

A 24-hour exclusive on Chrono24

The collective chose an unorthodox way of releasing the Hanhart 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT. The launch was set for today, October 23rd, at 10:00 CEST. For the first 24 hours, the watches will be exclusively available on Chrono24. After that, orders will open on Hanhart’s website and others. Whether you choose the beige- or black-dial version, the price is the same — US$3,300 plus taxes. In my opinion, it is a fair price for what you are getting. This is an iconic model in a great size, housing the hand-wound Sellita SW510 M chronograph movement. Due to limited production, this collaboration will remain an exclusive timepiece for watch, car, and perhaps streetwear enthusiasts. Each comes on a leather strap with vintage-style stitching. If I got one, though, I’d definitely put it on a Bund strap.

See it in person

If you are in the Miami area and would like to see the watch (and perhaps buy one if stock allows), visit the Time to Drive Fest between November 6th and 8th at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center. There, you’ll find a bunch of car and watch enthusiasts for the first event of its kind. Hanhart will be among the exhibitors and will bring the 417 ES × 0260 & BAIT, so pay the team a visit, check out both models, and let us know in the comments which colorway you prefer. If you can’t make it but want to get one of these beauties, visit Chrono24 today, October 23rd.