My Grail Watch Arrives! - 6 Years Of Waiting For My Dream Chronograph

After 6 years of waiting, one of my dream German-made grail watches has finally arrived! But is it a Sinn, an A. Lange & Sohne, a Glashutte, a Junghans, or something else?

If you've been following The Urban Gentry channel for some time, you'll know that in the early days I lusted after an extremely rare watch made famous by actor Steve McQueen. We are of course talking about the legendary Hanhart 417 ES from the 1950s, affectionately known as the "Bundeswehr Chronograph" amongst aficionados and collectors. Not only was this watch the choice of the king of cool, it was also a movie icon, and the first purpose-built chronograph specifically for the German Air Force. After hearing of my great admiration for this German-made legendary timepiece, Hanhart reached out to me to collaborate on bringing it back as a limited-edition in the original 39mm size, with the same modern specifications as the 2020 reissue—premiering today as the 417 ES Red Lion. Join me for a first look at this superb chronograph!

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[alexm]

Should have known it was a Hanhart! Absolutely amazing watch, TGV. Congratulations and enjoy it in good health. Also thank you for posting a video on my birthday. Such a treat to get to watch a new TGV video today!

[LukeBeAJedi]

Man, I remember you mentioning this way back when. I'll be honest, I didn't think you'd ever get it! Congratulations! A momentous occasion. Now don't let it go in a year!

[Podcastage]

I had to stop editing my video for tomorrow to come see you getting your grail. Congratulations on the massive achievement TGV.

[bradgansberg]

TGB, I just had to shout out that my Red Lion just arrived, and I could not be any happier. You took a nice watch (the 41mm model) and made it perfect with the changes (size, lume, red pusher, text). Thanks so much for helping to bring such an amazing watch for life. It is definitely in the permanent part of my collection.

[ExpeditedProductions]

I am so glad you got one of your grails, TGV. Haven't seen you so over the moon for a watch in quite a while. I also just picked up one of my grails. It is always extra special when it is one of those really personally meaningful pieces. Truly happy for you. Wear it in the best of health. Onward and upward, my friend!

[THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

This is SUPERB!!!! Very tempted……… very

[EEE_MMM]

The end result of your collaboration is absolutely something to be proud of, well done. And there's no shame in being emotional 😉

[jpgr]

So happy for you, TGV. Your channel has inspired me tremendously. I'm a new enthusiast but I love watches! I have only 4, 2 Casio and 2 Timex (which snobs may point their noses up at but I love them) and am awaiting my new Citizen. Thank you for your work!

[StandardTime]

Congrats Tristano! 6 years is a a proper grail wait, I'm sure it makes the watch all the more meaningful. Following you for about 6 years now as well, I've got a hunch Lange will still happen :) But for now - enjoy the Hanhart in good health. Cheers!

[ryan_bitzer]

I'm usually not a fan of chronographs because of the busy dials but this one is definitely an exception! Such great style, size, and design!

[intotheLIMELIGHT]

I'm absolutely chuffed to bits for you, amico mio. Very well conceived and designed, 39mm with that lug-to-lug look must be perfect on the wrist, and the red pushed just adds immeasurable class. Congratulazioni!

[TheGrenadier]

Beautiful and congratulations on this take. Really a very elegant piece!

[brianreardon]

The 'Red Lion' sounds like an English pub. I wish you joy. The expression on your face is Priceless.

[jb]

Your collaboration with Hanhart is a stunning achievement. Congratulations!

[moritzhummel]

Congratulations :-)
As children in sports lessons, sports teacher hung us Hanhart stopwatches around the neck with red, green and black buttons.
I still have one of these from the 70s. Two older ones from the 50s came to it plus a Junghans with rattrapante.
No Flieger background at all, but a happy childhood in Black Forest :-)

[sebastianu.]

Congratulations!! This is amazing! Such an honour to be asked to help recreate this special piece!

[vince]

Congrats on your grail watch. I am starting my first watch collection with a vintage invicta automatic from 1967. Have a good day chaps

[gervers]

Congratulations TGV!!! Fantastic watch. I wish you well to wear it! I love the subtle revisions! Enjoy it!

[rightuppercut]

Congratulations, TGV. A truly beautiful watch. Enjoy it.

[philipbanner]

Fabulous watch. Love your enthusiasm. Your videos are outstanding - best on Youtube!