Designed with German Firefighters, Hanhart Launches the Thermosphere

The history of watchmaking is filled with timepieces created for specific tasks and real-life challenges. Pilot's watches, dive watches, military timepieces, and stopwatches were never merely accessories—they were instruments designed to provide critical information in demanding situations. Hanhart is among the brands that embody that philosophy. Since 1882, the Black Forest-based manufacturer has built its reputation on precision timing instruments, from stopwatches used in sports and industry to pilot's chronographs relied upon by professionals. 

With the new Thermosphere Limited Edition, Hanhart turns its attention to another group whose work is defined by time: firefighters. Developed in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg State Firefighters Association, the watch draws inspiration from breathing-apparatus operations, where remaining air supply and elapsed time are among the most important parameters guiding every decision.

Limited to 112 pieces—a reference to Europe's emergency number for fire and rescue services—the Thermosphere is based on the brand's Aquasphere dive watch. Yet its concept demonstrates that the qualities that make a dive watch effective underwater—robustness, exceptional legibility, and reliability under extreme conditions—are equally valuable in other challenging environments. In this case, those environments include intense heat, dense smoke, and severely restricted visibility.

A Bezel Designed Around Operational Timing

At the heart of the Thermosphere is a specially configured unidirectional rotating bezel. Its distinctive triangular markers are based on the timing checkpoints used during breathing-apparatus operations and allow firefighters to track elapsed and remaining operational time at a glance. At the beginning of an assignment, the luminous triangle is aligned with the minute hand. The bezel then serves as a simple visual reference for monitoring the limited duration of an air supply, typically around 30 minutes for a single cylinder or up to 60 minutes for a twin-cylinder setup. Different bezel markings distinguish between total duration and intermediate checkpoints, while extensive Superluminova on the bezel, skeletonized hands, and dial ensures readability in low-light conditions.

Firefighter-Inspired Details

The dark blue dial incorporates several elements inspired by the visual language of the fire service. Yellow, blue, and red accents create strong contrasts while enhancing orientation. The most distinctive detail appears at 12 o'clock, where the numeral "112" is integrated into the design. The first "1" is highlighted to make the emergency number immediately recognizable. The emblem of the Baden-Württemberg State Firefighters Association appears on both the dial and the case back, underscoring the watch's close connection to the organization that helped shape its concept.

Dive-Watch Toughness

The Thermosphere's stainless-steel case measures 42mm in diameter and 12.95mm in height. A screw-down crown, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and water resistance to 300 meters reinforce its tool- and dive-watch credentials. Power comes from either a Sellita SW200-1 or Soprod P024 automatic movement, regulated according to Hanhart's in-house standards. The company specifies an average daily rate deviation of between 0 and +8 seconds across six positions, reflecting the brand's longstanding emphasis on precision and reliability.

The watch is delivered on a blue Hook Strap designed for quick adjustment and capable of being worn over protective clothing. Stainless-steel and rubber strap options are also available.

The Thermosphere is limited to 112 pieces and priced at approximately $1764 (approximately €1,540).

To learn more, visit Hanhart, here.