Hanhart Pilot Flyback Chronograph 'McQueen'

When the name Steve McQueen comes up in watch circles, most people immediately picture the Heuer Monaco from Le Mans, his Rolex Submariner 5512, or the misattributed Rolex Explorer II 1655, whose “McQueen” nickname refuses to fade. Those pieces are well documented, endlessly photographed, and permanently woven into horological lore.

But McQueen also had a soft spot for something far more elusive: the Hanhart 417ES, a compact German flyback chronograph that he wore both on- and off-screen—including in The War Lover. Only about 500 examples were ever produced in solid stainless steel; the rest were chrome-plated brass military pieces that saw hard use and seldom survived in strong condition.

This example is a plated brass case but still has all the essential elements of the reference worn by the King of Cool. At 39mm, this piece was decidedly bold for the 1950s, paired with a matte black dual-register dial, luminous Arabic numerals, and cathedral hands. Oversized barrel pushers and a bi-directional coin-edge bezel give it that purposeful, almost tactical charm. The example offered here has developed a rich, honest patina that underscores its tool-watch origins without dulling its charisma.

A rare watch with a cinematic pedigree and real historical substance—this is the kind of piece that rewards the collector who appreciates character over cliché.

Strong examples of the 417 turn up seldomly and we couldn't be more excited to offer this piece.

We guarantee you will be, too!

Established in 2017 in Malaysia by Ming Thein and a close group of watch enthusiast friends and investors, Ming has quickly climbed to the top of the “high-end independent” heap for its inspired designs, minimalist aesthetics and wildly cool dials. Small details such as a bracelet that fits universally on all models, a unique 12 o’clock marker, and flared lugs make for a notable product line that nevertheless flies well under the radar in a world obsessed with steel sports watches from a handful of well-known brands.

Produced in Switzerland and QC’d in Kuala Lumpur, Ming watches use either Sellita and ETA movements in their entry-level pieces, or higher-end calibers from the likes of Schwartz-Etienne and others on some of its pricer wares. Their products sell out quickly, and Ming often rewards repeat customers with offers of allocations on new models. The watch industry has also taken note, awarding the 17.06 Copper model the Horological Revelation price at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

From simple, time-only models to GMTs and moon phases, Ming’s timepieces represent some of the best in modern boutique watchmaking, drawing on a collective 80 years of experience in the watch space to push the horological envelope.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.