When the name Steve McQueen comes up in watch circles, most people immediately picture the Heuer Monaco from Le Mans, his Rolex Submariner 5512, or the misattributed Rolex Explorer II 1655, whose “McQueen” nickname refuses to fade. Those pieces are well documented, endlessly photographed, and permanently woven into horological lore.

But McQueen also had a soft spot for something far more elusive: the Hanhart 417ES, a compact German flyback chronograph that he wore both on- and off-screen—including in The War Lover. Only about 500 examples were ever produced in solid stainless steel; the rest were chrome-plated brass military pieces that saw hard use and seldom survived in strong condition.

This example is a plated brass case but still has all the essential elements of the reference worn by the King of Cool. At 39mm, this piece was decidedly bold for the 1950s, paired with a matte black dual-register dial, luminous Arabic numerals, and cathedral hands. Oversized barrel pushers and a bi-directional coin-edge bezel give it that purposeful, almost tactical charm. The example offered here has developed a rich, honest patina that underscores its tool-watch origins without dulling its charisma.

A rare watch with a cinematic pedigree and real historical substance—this is the kind of piece that rewards the collector who appreciates character over cliché.

Strong examples of the 417 turn up seldomly and we couldn't be more excited to offer this piece.

We guarantee you will be, too!