Introducing the Hanhart Pioneer Valjoux 23 Flyback Featuring NOS Movements

When WatchBuys found out that Hanhart had a batch of NOS Valjoux 23 column wheel chronograph movements on hand, they knew that they needed to do something awesome with them. And so the teams over at WatchBuys and Hanhart got together to create a new model utilizing this important historical caliber. But they didn’t stop there. To make the project really special, they decided to go one step further and add a flyback complication on top of the chronograph—introducing the Hanhart Pioneer Valjoux 23 Flyback.

The case measures 42 millimeters across, 12.5 millimeters thick, and has a lug width of 22 millimeters. The stainless steel case is satinized and coated in gray/gunmental DLC, giving it a cool, tool-watch vibe. There’s a sapphire on both ends of the case, so around back is an aperture showcasing the beautiful caliber numbered x/90 (more on this later). A coin-edge bezel with a red pip frames the dial, and on the right side of the case you have the large crown and pushers with the one at 4 capped in red to indicate the flyback function.

The dial is black with a two-register layout: thirty-minute counter at 3 and sweep seconds at 9. Below 12, Hanhart opted to use the historical Hanhart logo, which looks awesome. The red from the bezel and pusher is carried over to the dial, accenting the hand at 3. Overall, the watch has a great vintage vibe without looking too much like it was yanked right from the archives.

A bit about the movement. The Valjoux 23 was produced from 1916 until 1974. It’s a manual-wind caliber that was used by many of the big houses at one point, and it’s often regarded as one of the best chronograph movements of its era. There was a version of the movement with a flyback complication dubbed the 230. There was also the Valjoux 235, which featured a flyback complication and a beat rate of 21,600 vph, versus the 18,000 vph of the 230.

Though the movements are number x/90, it’s unlikely that that Hanhart will produce all 90 units. Each watch takes about a week to put together, and Hanhart will hang one to some of the movements for future servicing needs.

If you’re interested in the watch, then head over to WatchBuys and put yourself on the waiting list. Because WatchBuys is allotted only a handful of movements per month, you’ll want to do that sooner rather than later. Hanhart