Hanhart Racemaster GTM | Hands-On Review

Hanhart Racemaster GTM

It is no secret that I have a soft spot for Hanhart Watches. This Hanhart Racemaster GTM is no different. I have long been saying that Hahhart makes not only amazing watches but the value is incredible and this latest model I am reviewing only reaffirms that. This model is more expensive than most Hanhart watches but that does not mean you are not getting any less, if anything, you are getting more than you pay for. I have wanted to get this watch in my hands for quite some time and as you can probably already guess, I was not disappointed. While this watch is not the typical dive watch and a little larger than I normally wear at 45mm, it is easily one of my favorite watches and one of my favorite Hanhart pieces as well.

Hanhart Racemaster GTM Specifications:

• 45mm HDSPro Hardened Case
• 16mm Thick
• 24mm Lug Width
• 53mm Lug to Lug
• Modified 7750 Automatic Movenent-(Hanhart 4212)
• 42 Hour Power Reserve
• Convex Sapphire Crystal
• 100 Meters Water Resistant
• Racing Calfskin Leather Strap with Red Backing

Price at Watchbuys $3,260

https://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/Hanhart-Racemaster-GTM-Single-Button-Chronograph-p2143.htm

Hanhart Website:

https://www.hanhart.com/en/

There are 3 versions of the Hanhart Racemaster but the GTM is a little different as it is the only monopusher, meaning only one chronograph button, and of course, it is the famous anodized aluminum button that Hanhart is known for. All versions are made of HDSPro Hardened Steel, which makes this model much more scratch resistant than regular stainless steel. It is also 3 times harder than 316L Stainless Steel and Nickel free. Being 45mm and 16mm thick, it is easy to knock this watch around, so it is good to know it can take more abuse than others. As usual, the machining and finishing are impeccable, and I would expect nothing less. Everywhere you look and this watch is just absolutely beautiful. $3,000 (or more in this case) is not chump change and a lot of money for many to spend on a watch but this is one of those watches that you really can see where your money went and it feels like more of a $5,000 watch in every way.

Obviously, at this price tag, most expect a better than average movement and that is what you will find in the Racemaster GTM. Each version of the Racemaster has its own unique movement and in this case is the Hanhart 4212, a Valjoux 7750 specifically modified to accommodate the single pusher chronograph. Unlike a lot of watches that choose to show off their movement with an exhibition case back but Hanhart decided to go with a gorgeous solid case back that shows off their racing heritage with the crossed checkered flags.

The dial of the Racemasters is unique in that the subdial registers are pushed all the ways to the edge of the dial and it is a different look than most chronograph watches I have come across. All variants in the Racemaster series have a red hour and minute hand, despite having different color minute scales. The blue minute scale on the GTM is without a doubt my favorite. Normally a black dial, blue ring, and red hands would not be my first choice, but with this watch, it just works. The dial is clean, crisp and easy to read, and of course, the single pusher Chrono button makes it easy to use as well.

Comfort is important for me when it comes to wristwatches and these days I really like maximum comfort. If a watch looks great but after an hour I find it to be cumbersome or just plain uncomfortable, it negates everything else. That is not the case with this watch at all. Despite it being larger than I wear these days, I find the GTM to be fantastic on the wrist. The racing style leather strap is made of premium leather, wraps around the wrist like butter and for a nice little touch, has a red leather backing; a great subtle detail. Another nice touch is the custom stainless buckle. It isn’t anything outlandish or crazy but is not a standard thumbnail buckle either.

While the lume on this model is not going to compete with any dive watch, I was surprised it had any lume at all. As you can see below, if you need to tell the time in the dark with the Hanhart Racemaster GTM, it shouldn’t be an issue.

This really is one of those watches I can go on and on about. There is just so much detail to look at an admire and while it is a little flashy and not a pilot or field watch, the Racemaster pays tribute to the motor racing Hanhart was associated with in the 60s and 70s. For me though, while this is a racing-inspired watch, it is not over the top or gimmicky in its design, which allows it to be worn for many different occasions, including just every day casual wear. This is flat out a striking watch that should be worn and not left in the watch box.

I have another Hanhart in hand for review as well, a Pioneer TwinControl Chronograph with a gorgeous cream dial that will be published in the coming months, but for me, this Racemaster GTM is where it is at. This model and the Pioneer One are definitely my favorites from the Hanhart lineup, at least currently. This watch has it all, a unique modified movement, hardened steel, great colors, superb finishing, a fantastic strap, convex sapphire crystal and much more. This is a watch to not only be worn but to be appreciated and passed down to someone as a family heirloom.

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Vero Watches SW | Hands-on Review

Vero Watches SW

American watchmaking used to be very prominent but as many things do, that changed and for the most part, was a thing of the past, that is up until the past 8 years or so. Many brands, especially start-up or microbrands are assembling their watches in the USA, including brands like Nodus and Lum-tec. A few brands are actually machining the cases and even making movements in the US, most notably Weiss and RGM. Somewhere in the middle is the Vero Watches SW, one of 3 models made by the Portland, Oregon brand. The watch cases are machined in Portland, as well as the dials and hands. The crystal, movement, and strap are outsourced, but all assembly takes place in Oregon as well. While not fully made in the USA, it is a step in the right direction and a path to a full American-made watch.

Vero Watches SW Specifications:

• 41mm Machined in USA Case
• 22mm Lug  Width
• 11.5mm thick
• 46mm Lug to Lug
• Sapphire Crystal
• Sellita SW200 Automatic Movement
• 200 Meters WR
• Silicone Fitted Strap

Price $1650 USD 

https://vero-watch.com/collections/sw

At first glance, the Vero Watches SW looks like a standard sports watch, and for the most part, it is. As you turn the watch though, that is where you see its sleek curved profile. The curved case not only adds to the aesthetic but allows the watch to wrap around your wrist. The SW is thin and coming in at 41mm can be worn by most anyone, even those with small wrists. It also allows for it to be worn easily under any shirt or jacket cuff and because of the silicone strap, the entire watch is very lightweight, to the point you will forget you wearing it, much like a classic square G-Shock.

The intent behind the Vero Watches SW I believe is to be an all-around sports watch, one that could act as a field watch, your weekend watch and your casual watch all in one. While the fitted silicone strap looks good, a nice leather strap would probably look even better. More on the strap in a bit. The case machining is beautiful, especially the satin finishing on the sides, and to give a little contrast, a high polish on the top. For me, I would prefer an all brushed case or even a bead blasted case, not only would it reduce fingerprints but would also give it a more “tool” like appearance.

The dial is familiar and not very distinctive, but the is made completely in Vero’s workshop. Nickel plated brass, coated in black ceramic with a nice subtle texture. Keeping things clean and simple, the hands are white and black and a dark orange second hand gives some much-needed contrast. The website states the numbers and markers are printed 6 times, unfortunately, they are only printed in white and do not have any lume. The hour and minute hand are lumed and glow decently well, but I feel it was a missed opportunity to not at least lume the larger Arabic numerals.

Powering the Vero is the Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement, a movement we have seen in many upstart and microbrands all the way to watches brands such as Oris, Christopher Ward, and many others. This watch does not show off the movement but rather highlights their matching capabilities with a really sleek case back that reminds me of something you would see on a military airplane. Notice it is held down with screws. This is interesting to me if for nothing else than this watch is also 200 meters water resistant and it is achieving that without a screw down case back or crown. Speaking of the crown, while it does not screw into the case, it does sit mostly flush until you pop it out and the aggressive knurling allows for easy time setting.

As I stated earlier, this Vero Watches SW feels great on the wrist and has a nice comfortable profile. There is an issue with the strap though, beyond it just showing all the lint or dirt it catches. It is a pain in the ass to put back on. There is just no other way to say it. Drilled lugs or even quick change pins would have made this a lot easier, but I will caution everyone and say, if you like the silicone straps, just leave it on, or if you must switch it out to something else, do not plan on putting the silicone back on for a considerable time. You just do not want the constant aggravation.

As many know if you read or watch my reviews, I do not mince words. This is a review after all. The biggest selling point to this Vero Watch is the fact that a good portion of the watch is being made right here in the good ol’ USA. Not just a strap or a small part, but the case and dial. That is a pretty big deal in my book. Now, for some, it may not mean that much, but bringing any kind of manufacturing back to the USA is a good thing and while Vero is still a small company, who knows where this can lead to. This particular watch is not really my style and as such, not something I would regularly wear. I can tell a lot of time and money went into producing this watch and for that I commend them. That is no small feat to actually bring this to market. It is just not my style, but they all cant be and I would be lying to you if I said they were. That said, it is a cool looking watch and yes, I think some improvements can be made going forward but I appreciate what they have done and look forward to seeing many more models from them in the future.

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