Swiss Military Hanowa Airborne World Timer Ref. 06-4226
Pilot / Travel Watch with World Time Bezel · Swiss Military Hanowa (Hanowa Aktiengesellschaft). A premium entry-level Swiss brand known for rugged, military-styled sport watches.
Period: Modern Tool Watch (2010s-present). Design cues include a sunburst dial and a functional city-ring bezel common in contemporary aviation-inspired timepieces.
Type
Pilot / Travel Watch with World Time Bezel
Brand
Swiss Military Hanowa (Hanowa Aktiengesellschaft). A premium entry-level Swiss brand known for rugged, military-styled sport watches.
Movement
Swiss Quartz Movement (likely Ronda 515 or 715 caliber). Precise, low maintenance, featuring a date complication and approximately 3-5 year battery life.
Dimensions
43mm case diameter; 11mm thickness; 51mm lug-to-lug; 22mm lug width. Wears true to size with a significant wrist presence due to the dark PVD coating.
Description
The Swiss Military Hanowa Airborne is a robust, aviation-inspired timepiece designed for global travelers. Its dark PVD aesthetic gives it a stealthy 'tactical' look, while the sunburst dial adds a touch of refinement. The world-time bezel allows the wearer to quickly calculate the time in different cities by rotating the city name to the current hour, making it a functional instrument for frequent flyers.
Key Features
Signature red Swiss cross at 12 o'clock; unique world-city bezel; red date aperture; and the 'Airborne' winged logo above the 6 o'clock marker.
Dial Description
Grey sunburst dial with applied Arabic numerals at 6 and 9; wedge-shaped indices. Sword-style hands with luminous fill. Red date window at 3 o'clock. Red seconds hand with a Swiss cross counterweight.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a black Ion-Plating (PVD) finish; features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, flat profile. Generally offers high clarity and excellent durability against scratches.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional rotating world timer bezel. Features a black aluminum insert with major world cities (London, Moscow, Dubai, etc.) for tracking time across time zones.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with textured grip and the Hanowa Swiss cross logo; protected by subtle integrated crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated three-link Oyster-style bracelet in black PVD-coated stainless steel. Features a folding clasp with a safety catch and push-button release.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback. Typically engraved with the brand logo, reference number, and water resistance rating.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz Movement (likely Ronda 515 or 715 caliber). Precise, low maintenance, featuring a date complication and approximately 3-5 year battery life.
Water Resistance
100 Meters (10 ATM). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not recommended for high-impact water sports or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in Switzerland. Uses Swiss movements and undergoes quality control in the Solothurn region.
Age Estimate
Circa 2014-2018. This model was a staple of the Hanowa 'Air' collection during this production window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'accessible Swiss luxury' movement of the 21st century, providing military-grade aesthetics and Swiss manufacturing to a broader consumer market.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The PVD coating appears intact on the lugs and bracelet. The dial is clean with no signs of moisture or fading. Crystal appears scratch-free.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD on the secondary market. Retail was originally approximately $400 - $550 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 3 years. Gasket inspection every 2 years if used for swimming. Clean PVD coating with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners that can strip the plating.
Similar Watches
Hamilton Khaki Aviation, Citizen Promaster Nighthawk, or Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss. The Hanowa offers a similar 'tool' aesthetic at a more accessible price point.
Interesting Facts
The brand Hanowa was founded by Hans Noll in 1963; 'Hanowa' is a portmanteau of Hans Noll Watches. The brand is officially licensed by the Swiss Confederation for the use of 'Swiss Military'.