Just like its legendary predecessors produced by Hanhart, the Pioneer MonoScope watch features a single button for controlling the entire range of chronograph functions.
In the first half of the 20th century, Hanhart was a key pioneer in developing highly-functional precision chronographs. As early as 1938, the Swiss-German watch brand designed a mono-pusher model for naval officers, featuring its own “Calibre 40” movement. All of the chronograph functions on this unconventional wristwatch – start, stop and reset – are performed by the same button and always follow strictly one after the other. Unlike its two-button equivalent, the seconds hand on this chronograph cannot be restarted after it is stopped. The next time the button is pressed, the seconds hand invariably jumps back to its initial position. This is the perfect technology for navigating safely and measuring distances at sea as it rules out any possibility of faulty navigation by dispensing with an addition stopping function.
Extraordinary technology and aesthetics The technical design with a single button is also the trademark feature of the Hanhart Pioneer MonoScope watch. The automatic movement enclosed in the generously-sized stainless steel case, which measures 45 millimetres in diameter, has had to be re-engineered slightly to suit this mono-pusher arrangement. The lever which sits directly beneath the point where the button at 4 o’clock would normally be has no function. A large shift lever is therefore responsible for the third strike on the chronograph cam. This cam has also been modified so that it has an additional tooth on its lowest level, enabling the shift lever to control not two, but three positions.
The typical Hanhart features In addition to the unmistakable bicompax display format, the new MonoScope – like the other models in the Pioneer collection – is distinguished by the typical characteristics of a Hanhart chronograph: the upper chronograph button, positioned at a greater distance from the lug for more ease of use, is especially striking and is a feature unique to this watch manufacturer. In order to achieve this arrangement, Hanhart integrates a specially designed lever into the case in its own workshops. This redirects the force from pressing the button located at 2 o’clock by the required number of millimetres. No less eye-catching is the striking red button, which has been a hallmark of Hanhart watches since 1939 and, right from the start, it has helped to deter wearers from inadvertently resetting the stopped time during navigation. The large, easy-to-handle crown with a deep bevelled edge guarantees safe and simple use. The bezel is available either in a thin design which can be rotated in either direction and which comes with a fluted, slip-proof finish and red marking or in an elegant and plain design with a flat surface. Elegantly contrasting satin-finished and polished surfaces give the case distinctive character. To guarantee maximum water-resistance and robustness, the Hanhart Pioneer MonoScope watch is, like the archetypal models on which it is based, fitted with a sealed, screwed-down case back which includes three indentations for the case key. The rivetted strap made from firm, hard-wearing calfskin and a high-quality pin buckle offer a secure fit on the wrist. The Pioneer MonoScope is also optionally available with a stainless steel bracelet and an adjustable folding clasp.
Hanhart Pioneer Monoscope watch Technical Specifications:
Movement: HAN4212 modified automatic chronograph movement (bicompax) with exclusive module, increased crown-to-button spacing and single-button conversion; 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz; 31 jewels; rotor with a skeletonised Hanhart logo; power reserve of min. 42 hours
Functions: Small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Case: Stainless steel; red button; flat or fluted, bidirectional rotating bezel with red marking; convex sapphire glass, anti-reflective on both sides; screweddown case back; diameter 45 mm; height 16 mm; water-resistant to 10 bar/100 m
Dial: Silver-coloured or black; luminous numerals and hands coated with Super-LumiNova®
Strap/bracelet: Calfskin with riveting and stainless steel pin buckle or stainless steel with adjustable folding clasp