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my thoughts on Hentschel H1 Chronometer & H2 Chronometer...

 

During the Paris GTG few of us saw the Hentschel chronometer in metal and had the pleasure to discuss with the watchmaker himself !

I was lucky to borrow 2 Hentschel timepieces for a while to try them out (thanks to MikeH, Nico, Shortyshome) and here are my thoughts after trying them out for couple of weeks now...

Both H1 & H2 are very classically designed chronometers, with different case and dial designs.

Of course, they do share common movement but entirely different when it comes to the look and feel on the wrist.

Dial : The element that triggers the 'make or break' for most while choosing a watch. Both the Polar White and Anthracite dials are classic even though they’re quite different to each other. Aesthetically consistent, a blued leaf hands for white dial and Rhodium coated silver polished hands for the Anthracite dial.


Case : better I let the pic show to you the difference...personally I prefer the H1 (39mm) than the H2 purely for the sensually drop of the lugs and the stepped case. Both the case are quite thin and sits great on the wrist. H1 chronometer is offered in 2 different case size, 39,5mm and 37mm. H2 chronometer is offered in one size at 38,5mm which I think practically covers every ones need.

Side view of H1 case, polished with Lugs dropping sharply making a good fit on the wrist.




as you might see, H2 case is totally different still manages to keep the fit on the wrist better...partly thanks to the '38,5mm' diameter - very optimal imho


Movement : HUW1130 manufactory the curved bridges with the swans’ neck, looks solid (typically German ?!) and beats at 18000 vph which I enjoy watching through the case back. Needless to say, well finished & i personally like the Ruthenium finish, imho much more interesting as we see very few of such finish in general.

MikeH have captured the movements wonderfully, so better check out his 2 posts  www.watchprosite.com  and  www.watchprosite.com


Something specific I like very much about all the Hentschel timepieces, they've a ‘domed sapphire’ with double side anti-reflective coating…you get a feel that you’re looking at the dial directly & no sapphire in between – absolutely no refraction!







Another feature I find interesting, the leather strap has a short placeholder that keeps it fixed to the position, very useful while strapping on to the wrist – at least I’ve not see this in any other brand.



Pros :

·                  Aesthetically pleasing, restrained, classic dial design

·                   Leather straps have rubber lining, helps basic water resistance

·                   First service recommended after 5 years, not bad.

Cons :

·                  37 hours Power reserve, making it too scarce to leave it over a weekend.

·                 Might feel too restrained & too serious for some – then ‘a touch of red 12’ is an option I guess.


Thanks for your feedbacks, thoughts & have a wonderful week ahead !

Best,

mahesh.,


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