Hanhart Pioneer Monocontrol Chronograph

Chronographs didn’t always feature dual pushers — one for start, and the other for stop/reset.

In fact, it wasn’t until 1934 that Willy Breitling invented the first one. Before that, a single pusher started, stopped, and reset the chronograph. Though this single-pusher system has long been considered inferior to the contemporary dual-button arrangement, there are certain exceptions we’re willing to make in order to honor horological history…

Hanhart, the famous German watchmaker, made various notable chronographs during the 20th century — including one, the Reference 417ES, that was famously worn by Steve McQueen during the 1950s. However, perhaps none are more notable than the monopusher models made as early as 1938 for German naval officers and flight crews, which were based upon the manufacture’s Calibre 40 movement. 

These days, Hanhart still produced a selection of monopusher models, including this one, the Pioneer MonoControl. This particular example, dating to the late 2010s, is housed in a 42mm brushed stainless steel case with an oversized, signed crown, a red monopusher, and a bidirectional, fluted stainless steel bezel with a red 12 o’clock marker. It features a luminous, opaline silver dial with recessed subsidiary registers, Arabic indices, a matching cathedral handset, an outer minute track, and a date window at 6 o’clock.

Powered by a modified ETA 7750 movement with a La Joux-Perret module, it’s paired to a riveted, black leather strap with a signed, stainless steel pin buckle. What’s more, it includes its factory goodies — including a NATO-style nylon strap — and remains in excellent condition.

After a chronograph with some historical cachet? Look no further!

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 one-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.