Introducing: The Hanhart Aquasphere Ocean Fade

April 01, 2020

Today, we ll take a look at the latest release from Hanhart. The German brand may be best known for its aviation chronographs, but there s a rather comprehensive catalog on offer. One example of this diversity is the company s dive watch, the Aquasphere. Until now, the sub-collection consisted of one watch. Now, there are two with the new Ocean Fade.Hanhart offers some of the best value in mechanical watches today. In fact, the pieces often receive near-universal praise in our comments section - that s no mean feat! Well-built watches, adjusted movements, and competitive prices make for a great combination. With all of that in mind, let s see how the new Aquasphere Ocean Fade fares.The Hanhart Aquasphere Ocean FadeHanhart s latest diver is a 42mm by 49mm stainless steel watch with a 12.5mm thickness. It features polished and brushed surfaces with uniquely hollowed lugs. As a professional-grade diver, the watch has a depth rating of 30 bar and is equipped with a helium valve at 10 o clock. Also, for those who enjoy a choice, the watch is available with a three-row stainless steel bracelet, fabric Hook strap, or a black or blue rubber strap with a folding clasp.A new gradient dialThe big news with the new Aquasphere is its dial. It transitions from blue at the top to black toward the bottom. Otherwise, it features applied indexes with Super-LumiNova C1 GL X2. For those who enjoy a simple, symmetrical design, the watch does not have a date function.In support of legibility, the hour and minute hands are suitably large and also filled with luminous material. The seconds hand has a red tip, providing subtle contrast. Finally, the watches are available with a blue or black rotating ceramic dive bezel.A top-grade Soprod automatic movement adjusted in six positionsHanhart equips the Aquasphere Ocean Fade with a top-grade version of the automatic Soprod P024. The movement has a frequency of 28,800vph and approximately 38 hours of power reserve. While the power reserve might not be on the cutting edge, Hanhart regulates the movement to 0/+8 seconds per day across six positions. Not allowing any minus tolerance in the primary positions ensures that someone will never be late - this is important in Germany, where punctuality is key!Overall thoughts on the Aquasphere Ocean FadeHanhart has created a good-looking, traditional diver with nice touches. The lug design from the side is unique, and the movement accuracy is a big plus. Plus, the gradient effect on the dial is clean instead of overwrought. All told, for $1,490 on the Hook strap, $1,590 on rubber, or $1,690 on the stainless steel bracelet, the watch is quite competitive with several pieces from the likes of Seiko, Tissot, and others. Let us know your thoughts on this newest Hanhart release and how you feel it fares when compared to other watches in this price range.This is a partnership post.?Read about our transparency here.Watch specifications Brand Hanhart Model Aquasphere Ocean Fade Dial Black-to-blue gradient with applied indexes filled with Super-LumiNova C1 GL X2Case Material Stainless steel with ceramic bezel insert and helium valveCase Dimensions 42mm (diameter) 49mm (lug-to-lug) 12.5mm (thickness)Crystal Convex sapphire with antireflective coating on undersideCase Back Stainless steel, fixed with seven screws Movement Soprod P024 (top-grade): automatic with manual winding and hacking, 28,800vph frequency, 38-hour power reserve, 25 jewelsWater Resistance 30 bar (30 ATM)Strap Stainless steel three-row bracelet / Blue Hook strap / Black or blue rubber strap (20mm width) with folding claspFunctions Time (hours, minutes, seconds), 60-minute dive bezelPrice $1,490 (Hook strap) / $1,590 (Rubber strap) / $1,690 (Bracelet) Warranty Two years