Hanhart Breaks The Mould With The Square By Square
Known for its military-inspired chronographs and uncompromising tool watches, Hanhart has taken an unexpected turn with the Square by Square. Created for the Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition, the watch represents one of the boldest design studies in the German brand’s 140-year history and, for now, only six prototypes will ever exist.
Designed in collaboration with Munich-based Marcus Wiedemann of Studio supercreative, the Square by Square was selected as a finalist in the competition’s ‘Most out-of-the-box, innovative yet viable shaped watch design’ category. Whether it eventually reaches production remains undecided.
A New Direction
Rather than revisiting one of its iconic pilot’s chronographs, Hanhart has looked beyond its established design language while remaining rooted in its own heritage.
The project began with extensive research into the company’s archives, where historical catalogues revealed a surprising variety of case shapes and dial layouts dating back decades. Instead of producing a vintage reissue, those references became the starting point for something entirely contemporary. The result is a watch that feels unlike any previous Hanhart.
Neither round, rectangular nor cushion-shaped, the stainless steel case features a distinctive multi-faceted form with flowing surfaces that appear to change depending on the viewing angle. Inspiration came from the geometry of hyperbolic paraboloids and the concept of curved spacetime, creating a silhouette that is both sculptural and surprisingly wearable.
Six Watches. That’s It.
Exclusivity comes as standard. Only six prototypes have been produced, split evenly between two dial variations. Three feature a rich blue sunburst dial, while the remaining three are fitted with shimmering mother-of-pearl dials. The prototypes are further distinguished by their case finishes, with examples produced in both polished and sandblasted stainless steel.
At present, Hanhart has made no commitment to serial production, meaning these six watches remain the only examples of the Square by Square.
Compact by Design
Despite its unconventional appearance, the Square by Square has been designed with everyday wear in mind. The case measures 40mm from 12 to 6 o’clock, 38mm across, and just 10.9mm thick, while an exceptionally short 32.8mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures it sits comfortably on a wide variety of wrist sizes.
One of the watch’s defining features is its dramatically domed sapphire crystal, which extends to the very edge of the case. Achieving the final design proved technically demanding, with multiple prototype crystals failing during development before Hanhart perfected the manufacturing process.
The result is a distinctive visual effect that gives the watch depth and constantly changing reflections. Water resistance is rated at 100 metres (10 ATM), while the recessed hexagonal crown integrates neatly into the case profile.
Fresh Thinking on the Dial
The dial architecture is every bit as distinctive as the case. A stepped rehaut creates impressive visual depth, while faceted applied numerals and markers echo the geometry of the case itself. The typography is modern and technical, deliberately avoiding the familiar design cues normally associated with Hanhart.
Perhaps the biggest talking point are the hands. Fully polished, skeletonised and multi-faceted, the hands catch the light from every angle. When aligned at 12 o’clock, the hour and minute hands combine to form an elongated diamond, a subtle design flourish that perfectly reflects the watch’s unconventional character.
Swiss Mechanics
Power comes from the compact Sellita SW1000-1 b automatic movement. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the calibre offers 18 jewels, hacking seconds and a 46-hour power reserve while allowing the watch to maintain its slim profile.
As with every Hanhart, each movement is individually regulated by the brand’s watchmakers in Gütenbach to an average daily rate of 0 to +8 seconds across six positions.
Key Specifications
- Case: 40mm x 38mm stainless steel
- Thickness: 10.9mm
- Lug-to-lug: 32.8mm
- Crystal: Edge-to-edge domed sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100m (10 ATM)
- Movement: Sellita SW1000-1 b automatic
- Frequency: 28,800vph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Dial Options: Deep blue sunburst or mother-of-pearl
- Production: Six prototypes only
Price
€1,890
For more information please visit Hanhart