Hanhart AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade

German watch manufacturer Hanhart has introduced a new model to its professional diving watch collection, the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade. This timepiece extends the brand's legacy of creating robust, functional instruments by incorporating a distinctive new aesthetic inspired by the profound depths of the ocean. The watch is not merely a new colorway but a thoughtfully designed piece that aims to capture a specific experience, blending high-performance specifications with a visually compelling narrative. It represents a continuation of the brand’s commitment to precision engineering, a tradition that has been cultivated in the heart of Germany's Black Forest for over a century.

The history of Hanhart is deeply rooted in the production of precision timing instruments. Founded in 1882 in Diessenhofen, Switzerland, by Johann A. Hanhart, the company later relocated to Gütenbach, Germany, a region renowned for its watchmaking and mechanical expertise. Hanhart quickly became a pioneer in the development of stopwatches and wrist chronographs, establishing a reputation for unparalleled reliability and accuracy. Their instruments were trusted in critical applications, from sporting events to aviation, where split-second precision was not a luxury but a necessity. This historical focus on functionality continues to be the guiding principle for the brand. The maxim, "Others show the time, Hanhart measures it," encapsulates a philosophy centered on performance, legibility, and unwavering robustness. Every timepiece that leaves the Gütenbach manufactory is a product of this enduring heritage.



At the very heart of the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade's identity is its unique dial. The watch features a captivating color gradient that transitions smoothly from a deep, abyssal black at the top to a vibrant, clear blue at the bottom. This design choice is a direct homage to the oceanic environment it is built to explore. It artistically represents the journey of a diver, particularly the ascent from the dark, silent pressures of the deep sea back towards the life-giving light filtering through the water's surface. This visual metaphor is intended to resonate with those who have experienced the profound solitude of the underwater world.

This concept is further enriched by its connection to the experience of extreme freedivers. The gradient from black to blue symbolizes more than just changing light conditions; it represents a critical psychological moment. For a diver ascending from a deep dive, this shift in color marks the transition from the oppressive darkness of the ocean floor to the promise of breathable air and the world above. It is a visual representation of moving from a state of intense concentration and physical challenge towards relief and a renewed sense of life. The Ocean Fade dial, therefore, attempts to capture this deeply personal and intense emotional journey, making it a powerful and symbolic element of the watch's design.

The case of the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade is engineered for professional use, balancing substantial construction with wearable dimensions. It measures 42 mm in diameter with a height of 12.95 mm, creating a modern and assertive presence on the wrist without being overly cumbersome. The lug-to-lug distance of 49 mm ensures that the watch sits comfortably and securely on a range of wrist sizes. The case is crafted from stainless steel, featuring a combination of brushed and polished surfaces that provide a dynamic interplay of light and texture, highlighting its precise machining and robust form.



A key functional and aesthetic component is the fluted rotating bezel, which is offered in two distinct color options: a rich blue or a classic black. This bezel is fitted with a durable ceramic inlay, known for its exceptional scratch resistance and color fastness, ensuring it retains its appearance even after rigorous use. The bezel operates unidirectionally, turning counter-clockwise with 60 firm and audible clicks, a critical safety feature for divers to prevent accidental extension of dive times. A prominent red marking provides a clear point of reference, while the triangle marker, numerals, and indices are all coated with Super-LumiNova® C1 GL X2 for outstanding legibility in low-light underwater conditions.

Further reinforcing its tool-watch credentials are the protective elements built into the case. The watch features a substantial screw-down crown, emblazoned with Hanhart’s modern "h" logo, which is shielded by integrated crown guards to prevent damage from impacts. The case back is also of the screw-down variety, contributing significantly to the watch's impressive water resistance. This solid case back is not merely a functional component; it is also a canvas for detailed artistry, featuring a beautifully embossed scene of an underwater world that adds a touch of bespoke craftsmanship. Each case back is also individually engraved with a consecutive serial number, underscoring the unique identity of every timepiece.

The AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade is rated for water resistance up to 30 bar, equivalent to 300 meters or 30 ATM, in accordance with the German DIN 8310 standard. This level of water resistance makes it suitable for serious and professional diving activities, including saturation diving. To support this capability, the watch is equipped with a helium escape valve, a specialized feature that allows trapped helium atoms to be released from the watch case during decompression in a diving bell, preventing the watch crystal from being dislodged by the pressure differential.

Protecting the intricate dial is a convex sapphire crystal. The use of sapphire is standard for high-quality watches due to its hardness, which is second only to diamond, making it virtually scratch-proof. The crystal is also treated with an internal anti-reflective coating. This coating minimizes glare and reflections, ensuring that the dial remains perfectly legible from any angle and in various lighting conditions, whether under the bright sun or deep beneath the waves. This focus on clarity is paramount for a watch designed for time-critical underwater navigation.



The dial and hands of the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade are designed with an unwavering focus on readability. The background for the hands and markers is the aforementioned black-to-blue gradient, which provides a striking and dynamic backdrop. The applied numerals and hands are generously coated with Super-LumiNova® C1 GL X2, a high-performance phosphorescent material that glows brightly in the dark after being charged by a light source. This ensures that the time can be read at a glance, a critical requirement for any dive watch. The layout is clean and uncluttered, featuring Hanhart's modern logo and avoiding a date window, which preserves the dial's symmetry and singular focus on time indication.

Powering the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade is a robust and reliable automatic movement, the Soprod SOP P024. This Swiss-made caliber is presented in its TOP version, indicating a higher grade of finishing and regulation. It is a true three-hand movement, designed from the ground up without a date complication, which speaks to a purist's approach to watchmaking. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour (4 Hz), which allows for a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and contributes to its overall accuracy. It is built with 25 jewels to reduce friction on critical components and offers a power reserve of at least 38 hours.

The movement features a Glucydur balance wheel, an alloy known for its stability across temperature variations and its anti-magnetic properties, which enhances the watch's timekeeping consistency. For durability and shock resistance, it is equipped with the Incabloc® double cone shock protection system, a proven technology that safeguards the delicate balance staff from damage due to impacts. The winding rotor, visible through a potential exhibition back on other models but concealed here behind the solid case back, is customized with the Hanhart logo. The inclusion of a hacking seconds function allows the user to stop the seconds hand by pulling out the crown, enabling precise time-setting.

What truly sets the mechanical performance of the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade apart is Hanhart’s meticulous in-house regulation process. Reflecting what the brand calls "The German Virtue of Punctuality," each movement is individually tested and adjusted by skilled watchmakers at the Gütenbach manufactory. Hanhart adheres to a stringent accuracy specification of 0 to +8 seconds per day, averaged across six positions. This standard is notable because it does not permit any minus deviation in the main positions, ensuring the wearer will never be late due to their watch's timekeeping. Furthermore, a maximum delta of only 10 seconds is permitted between the fastest and slowest positions, demonstrating a high level of isochronism and consistency.



One of the most significant updates with the introduction of the Ocean Fade model is the expansion of strap and bracelet options, which greatly enhances the watch's versatility. The model is available with a total of four distinct choices, allowing owners to tailor the watch to their specific needs and aesthetic preferences. These options cater to a wide range of activities, from formal occasions to extreme sports.

The collection includes a classic three-link stainless steel bracelet. This option features the same high-quality brushed and polished finish as the case, creating a seamless and integrated look. The steel bracelet offers a sense of substance and durability, making it suitable for both professional environments and daily wear. It is a traditional choice that imbues the dive watch with a more formal character.

For a more casual and sporty feel, Hanhart offers a blue Hook Strap. This type of strap, often made from a durable textile material similar to that used for marine applications, provides a secure and comfortable fit. Its design is inherently functional, easy to adjust, and quick-drying, making it an excellent companion for water-based activities and outdoor adventures. The blue color perfectly complements the dial and the blue bezel option.

Introducing a new level of functionality and comfort, the Ocean Fade is also available with a newly designed rubber strap, offered in either blue or black. This strap has been specifically developed for aquatic use, crafted from a robust, waterproof material that is resistant to saltwater and UV radiation. It is also exceptionally easy to clean. The strap is designed for superior comfort and is fitted with a high-quality stainless steel folding clasp, which makes putting on and taking off the watch a simple and secure process. A subtle yet refined detail is the modern Hanhart logo, which is discreetly embossed into the rubber.



The availability of these four strap options, combined with the two bezel color choices (blue or black), results in eight distinct configurations for the AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade. This variety allows a customer to create a combination that perfectly aligns with their personal style. Whether paired with the black bezel and steel bracelet for a classic look, or the blue bezel and blue rubber strap for a vibrant, dive-ready setup, the watch can be adapted to suit any occasion or use case. This focus on personalization underscores Hanhart's understanding of the modern watch enthusiast.

The Hanhart AQUASPHERE Ocean Fade is positioned as a premium tool watch with competitive pricing for its level of specification and German engineering. The price varies depending on the chosen strap or bracelet configuration. The model on a blue Hook Strap™ is priced at $2,019. When configured with the new rubber strap in either black or blue, the price is $2,154. The version on the full stainless steel bracelet is available for $2,290. The watch is available for purchase through Hanhart's network of authorized dealers and directly from the company's official website, making it accessible to a global audience of watch collectors and diving enthusiasts.

Case: Brushed/polished stainless steel; Diameter 42 mm, Height 12.95 mm, Lug to Lug 49 mm. Unidirectional 60-click bezel with blue or black ceramic inlay and Super-LumiNova® C1 GL X2 markings. Screw-down crown and case back. Convex sapphire crystal with internal AR coating. Water resistant to 30 bar/30 ATM, features a helium escape valve.

Movement: Automatic Soprod SOP P024 (TOP version). 25 jewels, 28,800 A/h (4 Hz), min. 38h power reserve. Features Glucydur balance, Incabloc® shock protection, and hacking seconds. Regulated by Hanhart to 0 to +8 seconds per day.

Dial: Black-to-blue gradient ("Ocean Fade") with modern Hanhart logo. Numerals and hands coated with Super-LumiNova® C1 GL X2.

Strap: 20 mm lug width. Options include a stainless steel bracelet, a blue Hook Strap™, or a rubber strap (blue or black) with a stainless steel folding clasp.

Price: $2,019 (Hook Strap), $2,154 (Rubber Strap), $2,290 (Steel Bracelet).

Reference Number: 772.271-xxxx (Blue Bezel), 777.271-xxxx (Black Bezel).

Notes: The watch is a professional dive watch featuring a unique "Ocean Fade" dial inspired by a diver's ascent. The case back is uniquely decorated with an embossed underwater world. Hanhart's stringent accuracy regulation does not allow the movement to run slow in main positions.