Those well initiated in the world of timekeeping probably know the fact that Hanhart were very close to the racing world back in the ‘60s and the ‘70s, through their mechanical stopwatches. They have recently resurrected the respective relationship through their latest Pioneer collection, which includes the Racemaster GT, the Racemaster GTM and the Racemaster GTF.
All three timepieces boast a superb sporty design, followed by state of the art manufacture technology. They are also a premiere for Hanhart, as they are the first wristwatches manufactured by the Swiss-German brand to incorporate HDS Prosteel watch cases, 100 times more resistant to scratches and damage than regular stainless steel.
Decked with sporty red lining, these timepieces are truly superb. Their dials resemble old speedometers, mixing this idea with luminous arrow-shaped hands, simple Arabic numerals and colored subdivisions. The signature Hanhart asymmetrical button arrangement and reset button have also been used.
The Pioneer Racemaster GTM, a single button chronograph, intricately follows the ideas behind Hanhart. Its functions, start, stop and reset can be used via one button, following one after the other in exactly this order. The seconds’ hand of this particular model cannot be resumed after it has been stopped, as it jumps back to its initial position as the button is pressed again, unlike its two-button siblings.
Therefore, Hanhart has undergone a different path in terms of movement: the area under the button at 4 o’clock would house a lever in the two-button version, which normally has no function on the single-button version, therefore this one boasts a large shift lever, responsible for the third strike on the chronograph cam. This respective cam was redesigned by Hanhart, now comprising an additional tooth on its lowest level and enabling the shift lever to control three different positions.
The Pioneer Racemaster GTM is available with a HAN4212 modified automatic chronograph movement, bicompax with exclusive module working at 28,800 vibes per hour, 31 jewels, racing designed calfskin strap, power reserve for 42 hours and 100 meter water resistance.
The Pioneer Racemaster GT chronograph stands out with a small dial at the 9 o’clock position which not only shows the seconds, but also a 12 hour counter. This is one of the main features that define a bicompax format, but it works as a tricompax chronograph at the same time.
Asymmetrically positioned to the lug, the upper chronograph button is another feature that separated Hanhart manufacture from the rest. They accomplished this via a specially designed lever which had to be introduced into the case, redirecting the push of the button located at 2 o’clock.
Unlike the GTM, the GT comprises a HAN4011 modified automatic chronograph movement with exclusive module working at 28,800 vibrations per hour, 35 jewels, racing design calfskin strap, 42 hour power reserve and 100 meter water resistance.
The last of the series, the Pioneer Racemaster GTF comes with a flyback function which allows the user to simultaneously stop, reset and restart the chronograph through the single pressing of one button. This way, the chronograph hand returns to its initial position and resumes time measurements. This eliminates the need to restart the watch after a reset.
Technically, the Racemaster GTF features a HAN 4312 modified automatic chronograph movement, with the same exclusive module, working at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with 34 jewels, the same racing design calfskin strapping, 42 hour power reserve and 100 meter water resistance.
All the three watches boast with Super-LumiNova coated dials, luminous hands and numerals, and racing color designs. The circular minutes scale is distinctively colored on each of the timepieces – light blue on the GTM, orange on the GTF and white on the GT. The case backs are engraved with designs that resemble chequered starter flags.
[Timezone]
