Hanhart, a brand renowned for its robust chronographs and instrument watches, often associated with bold, pilot-inspired designs, has unveiled a concept that significantly diverges from its established aesthetic. The "Square by Square" collection, a collaboration with Munich-based designer Marcus Wiedemann of Studio Supercreative, marks a deliberate exploration into the brand’s historical archives, specifically focusing on shaped timepieces. This innovative project, conceived for the prestigious 2025 Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition, presents a modern interpretation of Hanhart’s legacy, challenging conventional perceptions of the brand. Currently, the Square by Square exists as a design concept, with only six exclusive prototypes planned for production.
A Departure from Tradition: The Genesis of Square by Square
For decades, Hanhart has cultivated a strong identity centered around legible, functional timepieces built for demanding environments. Their chronographs, particularly those with aviation-inspired features like the distinctive red pusher, and their sturdy instrument watches have cemented their reputation. The introduction of the Square by Square represents a strategic, albeit conceptual, pivot towards a more design-forward and historically rooted avenue. This initiative underscores Hanhart’s willingness to experiment and engage with contemporary design trends while drawing inspiration from its rich heritage. The collaboration with Marcus Wiedemann, who previously partnered with Hanhart on the CXD NFT Watch, highlights a commitment to innovative partnerships that push creative boundaries.
The Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition serves as a vital platform for horological innovation, encouraging designers and brands to explore new frontiers in watchmaking. By participating in this esteemed event, Hanhart positions the Square by Square not merely as a new product but as a statement of intent, showcasing its capacity for creative evolution and its deep respect for its own history. The competition’s focus on design excellence provides an ideal arena for a concept like the Square by Square to gain traction and spark dialogue within the watch community.
Design Philosophy: Merging Past and Present
The Square by Square is not a simple vintage re-creation; rather, it is a sophisticated reimagining of historical rectangular Hanhart models. The design masterfully blends sharp geometric surfaces with subtly curved lines, creating a dynamic and visually engaging form. The stainless steel case measures 40mm from lug to lug (12 to 6 o’clock) and 38mm across its width, with a slender profile of 10.9mm in thickness. A remarkably compact lug-to-lug distance of 32.8mm ensures that the watch will sit comfortably on a wide array of wrist sizes, prioritizing wearability.
The case’s architecture is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The profile tapers elegantly towards the integrated lugs, a design choice that enhances its ergonomic appeal. What truly sets the Square by Square apart is its interplay of light and shadow. Alternating planes and rounded flanks are engineered to create constantly shifting reflections, giving the watch a lively and three-dimensional character from every viewing angle. This attention to detail extends to the finishing options, with potential buyers able to choose between a lustrous polished finish and a more understated sandblasted matte execution. Three prototypes will be produced for each of these finishes, totaling the six planned units.
The Challenge of the Crystal
A defining element of the Square by Square’s aesthetic is its highly domed sapphire crystal. This expansive crystal stretches to the very edges of the case, contributing significantly to the watch’s vintage-inspired yet modern appearance. According to Hanhart, the development of this unique crystal presented one of the most significant technical hurdles during the design and prototyping phase. Multiple prototypes reportedly fractured during the manufacturing process before the final, perfected production method was established. This technical triumph underscores the brand’s commitment to achieving its design vision, even in the face of considerable engineering challenges.
The recessed hexagonal crown is another subtle yet impactful design feature. It integrates seamlessly into the side of the case, maintaining the clean lines of the watch’s silhouette. Despite its elegant form, the Square by Square is engineered for practicality, boasting a water resistance of 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and light aquatic activities.
Dial and Hands: A Symphony of Depth and Detail
The dial of the Square by Square offers two distinct yet equally captivating options: a deep blue sunburst finish and a shimmering mother-of-pearl. Both options are designed to maximize visual appeal and legibility. A wide, stepped flange encircling the dial adds a considerable sense of depth and dimension, drawing the eye inward.
The numerals and indices are rendered in a steel color and have been custom-designed specifically for this collection. This bespoke approach ensures a cohesive and unique look, avoiding any reliance on existing Hanhart design elements. This meticulous attention to detail further elevates the Square by Square as a distinct horological creation.
Equally distinctive are the fully polished, skeletonized hands. Their faceted design allows them to catch the light beautifully, enhancing legibility against both dial options. A particularly elegant detail is observed when the hour and minute hands are aligned at 12 o’clock; they form an elongated diamond shape, a subtle yet striking design flourish that speaks to the watch’s sophisticated character.
The Heart of the Watch: A Slim and Precise Movement
Powering the Hanhart Square by Square is the no-date Sellita SW1000-1 b. This slim, automatic movement measures just 3.9mm in height, making it an ideal choice for the shaped case design. Derived from the well-regarded SW100 family, the SW1000-1 b is described by Sellita as "the ideal movement for the upper price segment and to create elegant ladies’ or shaped watches." Its suitability for this project underscores Hanhart’s strategic selection of components that align with both the aesthetic and functional requirements of the Square by Square.
The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 46 hours. Hanhart further enhances the movement’s performance by regulating it to the company’s stringent in-house standard. This meticulous regulation ensures an accuracy of between 0 and +8 seconds per day, averaged across six positions, a level of precision that rivals chronometer-certified movements and demonstrates Hanhart’s commitment to quality control and performance.
A Glimpse into the Future: Prototypes and Potential
At present, the Square by Square is positioned as a design exercise brought to life through a limited series of prototypes. A total of six prototypes will be produced: three featuring the deep blue sunburst dial and three with the captivating mother-of-pearl dial. This limited production run makes each prototype an exceptionally rare collector’s item.
Hanhart has not yet confirmed whether this conceptual project will evolve into a regular production collection. The brand is actively gauging interest from collectors and enthusiasts. Those who wish to express their interest in potentially acquiring one of these unique prototypes are invited to register directly with the brand. Each prototype is priced at EUR 1,890. This pricing positions the Square by Square as an accessible entry point into a potentially groundbreaking new direction for Hanhart, offering a unique blend of historical inspiration and modern design.
Technical Specifications
Case:
- Dimensions: 40mm (length) x 38mm (width) x 10.9mm (thickness) x 32.8mm (lug-to-lug)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Finishes: Polished or sandblasted matte
- Crystal: Edge-spanning domed sapphire crystal
- Crown: Recessed hexagonal crown
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Dial:
- Options: Deep blue sunburst or mother-of-pearl
- Features: Stepped flange, applied steel-colored numerals and indices, skeletonized polished faceted hands.
Movement:
- Caliber: Sellita SW1000-1 b
- Type: Automatic
- Jewels: 18
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Regulation: Hanhart in-house standard (0/+8 seconds per day)
Strap:
- Options: Multiple strap options available
- Lug Width: 16mm
References:
- 751P.270-4810 (Deep Blue)
- 751P.470-4810 (Mother-of-Pearl)
Availability:
- Limited to six prototypes (three blue, three mother-of-pearl).
The introduction of the Square by Square signifies a compelling chapter in Hanhart’s ongoing narrative. It demonstrates the brand’s commitment to innovation, its deep respect for its historical roots, and its willingness to explore new design territories. While the future of the collection remains unwritten, the prototypes have already captured the attention of the watch world, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what Hanhart can achieve when it ventures beyond its established paradigms. For further details and to register interest, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the official Hanhart website at hanhart.com.
