October 10, 2026
The Watch McQueen Wore Off Screen
Few actors are as closely tied to watches as Steve McQueen, and several brands have honored the timepieces he wore on film. Yet during the 1960s, when the cameras stopped rolling, McQueen chose Hanhart for himself. His Hanhart 417 ES chronograph went with him everywhere, from motorcycle races entered under an assumed name to relaxed days at home with his wife and children. The German marque now celebrates that personal bond with the 417 ES Steve McQueen Limited Edition No. 1. It is a faithful recreation of the actor’s favorite watch, finished with subtle tributes to his legacy.
Classic Case, Modern Upgrades
The stainless steel case measures 39mm across and features sloping chamfered lugs alongside Hanhart’s signature coin-edge bezel with its red 12 o’clock marker. Despite a tall, vintage-style domed sapphire crystal, overall height stays at a modest 13.3mm. Familiar details return, including the signed “H” crown, piston pushers and the iconic red 4 o’clock pusher made from Hanhart’s proprietary HyCeram ceramic. Breaking from the standard 417 ES formula, a sapphire display caseback replaces the solid back. It is framed by a “Steve McQueen King of Cool” engraving and an individual serial number. Water resistance reaches a robust 100 meters, far exceeding the vintage original.
A Dial and Movement Built to Impress
The matte black dial evokes a well-traveled companion. Its broad Arabic numerals and syringe hands are filled with “Light Old Radium” Super-LumiNova, which pairs warm vintage tones with modern brightness. Beneath the “Shockproof” text at 6 o’clock sits a finely printed McQueen autograph. Inside ticks the hand-wound Sellita AMT5100M flyback chronograph, offering column-wheel actuation, hacking seconds and a 58-hour power reserve at 28,800 bph. Hanhart regulates each movement to -0/+8 seconds per day, so the watch never loses time and the wearer is never made late. Wide striping on the bridges, blued screws and a blued column wheel decorate the movement.
Strap, Memorabilia and Availability
Echoing McQueen’s own watch, this edition comes on a deep brown Shell Cordovan cuff-style strap from the Italian tannery Comipel, with a removable cuff. Buyers also receive several extras:
– an individually numbered plaque
– a warranty card modeled on McQueen’s 1964 FIM motorcycle racing license, signed by his grandchildren and by the watchmaker who assembled the piece
– a bottle of red nail polish, honoring the painted pusher that inspired Hanhart’s signature red button
The edition is limited to 300 pieces at €2,890. It is officially sold out at Hanhart, though some dealers may still have stock.
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