Behind the design: The Hanoverian
When I was a younger man following dreams of being the next Sorkin, Coppola, or Tarantino and was taking screen writing classes and dedicating all my reading bandwidth to books like Save The Cat and the Coffee Break Screenwriter I was hit with a revelation: every story has already been told, you just need to put your spin on it. I struggled with this, if everything has been told, if nothing new can be developed why try. Gerald Genta, “If you are not copied, you are incompetent”.
What exactly does Genta mean by this? Does he mean every watch should be a homage or a copy, does he mean that we need to quit developing new ideas and new brands? What I believe that Genta is pointing to regarding watch design is that you must be aware of what is going on in the industry, be it within the luxury watch industry to within the microbrand watch industry. To know what is being produced and has been produced (and either celebrated or lauded) allowed for you to have a pulse on the industry and borrow trends and elements that bring the design from your heart and mind to someone’s wrist.
Neither Genta or myself (not that I belong even in the same hemisphere as he) are advocating for homage watches, but to borrow from things you love and are inspired by and bring them into your own. This is something that we did during the design of the Hanoverian integrated sport watch. My brother and myself held a love for the timeless tool watches of the past, we both love a nice stainless-steel watch that can be worn with either a suit or shorts, versatility without sacrificing style.
We scoured the memories of watches we had seen and loved (and hated) when contemplating a new model. I often asked myself “how can I make a watch that is familiar yet differ?”. We knew that it would be a stainless-steel watch and that it would have an automatic watch movement. A mechanical hand wind movement was not an option after the launch of the Munchner. We had heard our dad talk too much about why we did not make a self-winding watch as our first model, so we went with old school values and did what our dad said!
Since the Hanoverian Automatic Watch is one of our favorite watches that we assemble in Indiana we wanted to take a deeper dive into the journey from idea to concept to finished product. If you do not mind spoilers and want to jump ahead and see the American Made (well assembled at least) Hanoverian go ahead and check out the product page here.
Understanding the Vision for the Hanoverian Automatic Watch
The Hanoverian watch represents the pinnacle of our mission to craft attainable luxury timepieces that capture both elegance and precision.
At Fleddermann von Rieste, we set out to prove that a men’s automatic wristwatch can transcend its role as a mere timekeeping device. It reflects your personal style, a boost to your self-image, and a mark of your appreciation for refined quality without extravagance.
Featuring a high-beat automatic movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and robust water resistance, The Hanoverian embodies our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to our dedication to fine watchmaking and the pursuit of perfection, all while maintaining affordability to ensure its appeal to a diverse audience.
At Fleddermann von Rieste we strongly value both our German Heritage and our family’s ling standing roots as Hoosiers within the state of Indiana. Our brand is rooted deeply in both German and Indiana heritage as well as family values.
The Hanoverian is a modern men’s wristwatch featuring a 41mm polished 316 stainless steel case that showcases its refined design and exceptional craftsmanship. Equipped with an automatic movement and a date display at six o’clock, this timepiece harmoniously blends style, functionality, and durability, ensuring it remains a timeless accessory.
Crafted from high-quality materials and designed with meticulous attention to detail, The Hanoverian is not merely a watch but a symbol of sophistication and elegance. Its brushed metal textured dial and Swiss Super-LumiNova® lume further enhance its distinguished character.
The Hanoverian is a contemporary automatic men’s wristwatch that seamlessly combines elegance and practicality. Made from premium stainless steel, it radiates a classic charm.
Its stainless-steel bracelet not only adds a sophisticated flair but also ensures comfort and enhances the watch’s overall design.
Available in several classic dial colors, including a limited-edition version for those seeking something distinctive, each Hanoverian watch is crafted with exceptional quality and style, making every piece unique.
A Deeper Dive into the Hanoverian Design
he Case
When design the case of the Fleddermann von Rieste Hanoverian Automatic Watch we knew wanted it to be different. We have always drew inspiration from the designs of Gerald Genta, his iconic designs of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Natualis have always been favorites of ours. We love designs that are slightly nontraditional with some mid-century charm. We wanted to bring unconventional yet comfortable geometry into the case of the Hanoverian.
When designing the case of the Hanoverian it stated with the movement. We originally consider some Swiss Automatic Watch Movements from familiar sources such as Eta and Selitta, while these are great movements with high reliability and durability, we eventually opted for the Miyota 9 series of automatic watch movements made by the Citizen Watch division. We opted for the Mioyta 9015 with the date complication located at six.
Why did we opt for the Japanese automatic movement rather than a Swiss watch movement? Size and performance were the end factors for us. The performance of the high-beat Miyota 9015 allows fort what we believe is the best performance with the lowest long-term cost of maintenance and servicing of the Hanoverian integrated sport watch.
A high-beat watch movement, also referred to as a Hi-Beat movement, is a type of automatic watch mechanism known for its rapid ticking rate and exceptional precision. The term “Hi-Beat” means “fast-ticking,” reflecting the movement’s ability to enhance timekeeping accuracy. Developed in the 1960s by innovative watchmakers aiming to improve precision, the original Hi-Beat frequency was 18,000 beats per hour (bph). Today, advanced Hi-Beat movements can achieve frequencies of up to 28,800 bph.
The second reason why we selected the Miyota as the self-winding watch movement for the Hanoverian is the thin profile height that allows for optimum wearability of the watch. The Miyota 9 series of Japanese automatic watch movement comes in at a height of 3.9mm compared to the Seiko NH35 at 5.3 and the Selitta Sw-200 series of 4.6mm. This thin height profile allowed for us to deliver the Hanoverian with a total watch thickness of 11.0mm, although some reviewers have provided feedback that they have measured it at under 11mm, coming in at 10.9mm.
We are confident in that using the Miyota 9015 automatic movement allows for us to deliver to you the thinnest automatic watch that we can improve how it wears on your wrist, improving comfortable experience. The Miyota, while more expensive than the Seiko NH35 still provides great value in the movement market, allowing us to bring an affordable automatic watch to our customers.
The Dial
As the case of the Hanoverian is meant to be a bit more eye catching, we opted to key the dial understated. With the dial we focused the main feature on the brushed metal texture of the dial, keeping the key feature understated allowed for us to focus on not only the case but also the dial colors. Currently the Hanoverian is available in six main dial colors and one limited edition color way.
Standard Editions – From Bold to Simple Elegance
Nightfall Black: A model of elegant simplicity, the Nightfall Black features a sleek dial that radiates sophistication.
Charcoal Grey: This variant, with its durable stainless-steel bracelet, adds a polished touch to any ensemble, combining utility with understated elegance.
Sapphire Navy: Inspired by the clear night sky over Hanover, this deep, rich navy-blue version is complemented by a striking stainless-steel bezel.
Harborside Turquoise: Featuring a vibrant turquoise dial, this version reflects the lively spirit of city life and the graceful elegance of the Hanoverian breed.
Legacy Silver: Offering a traditional and timeless look, the Legacy Silver highlights the iconic Hanoverian Stallion on the case back, symbolizing strength and endurance.
The Hanoverian is also available in a Special Edition Cardinal Red and Cornflower Blue to celebrate our Hoosier Heritage.
The Case Back
The caseback of the Hanoverian features the Hanoverian Stalion, the fames horse from the Kingdom of Hanover where the Fleddermann family originated. The Fleddermann family along with being rooted deep in agriculture and metalworking has long been horseman and linked with a passion for equestrian hobbies.
The Hanoverian, or Hannoveraner, is a German breed of warmblood sport horse, known for its versatility and performance. Like other German warmblood breeds, its registration is based on performance rather than lineage.
The breed’s origins trace back to 1735 when George II, the King of England and Elector of Hanover, established the State Stud at Celle. He acquired stallions suited for various purposes, including agriculture, harness work, and cavalry mounts. Local mares were crossbred with Holsteiner, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, Neapolitan, Andalusian, Prussian, and Mecklenburg horses. By the late 18th century, the Hanoverian had evolved into a distinguished coach horse.
In 1844, legislation mandated that only stallions approved by a commission could be used for breeding. By 1867, a breeding society was formed to focus on producing coach and military horses, leading to the publication of the first stud book in 1888. The Hanoverian quickly became one of Europe’s most favored breeds for coaching and military purposes.
Following World War I, the breed’s focus shifted from coaching to farm work while retaining its suitability for riding and carriage. After World War II, the demand for sport horses increased, prompting further refinements. Thoroughbreds were introduced to enhance the breed, and occasionally Anglo-Arabian or Trakehner stallions were used to further refine its qualities.
The Hoosier Heritage limited edition case back features a tribute to the state of Indiana and its history as a agricultural power house, helping feed and power the nation. This caseback not only highlights the farming heritage with a traditional barnyard scene, but also features easter eggs with the states torch, founding, and stat bird. Engraved on the case back is a tribute to Indiana’s place as an epicenter for commercial transportation in our great nation with in emblemized with our ever proud of phrase” The Crossroad of America”
Design and Craftsmanship of The Hanoverian
The Hanoverian watch stands out for its meticulous design and expert craftsmanship. Inspired by the regal charm of Hanover and the storied Hanoverian Stallion, this timepiece is available in six distinguished color variations. From the striking limited-edition Cardinal Red to the refined Nightfall Black & Charcoal Grey, vibrant Sapphire Navy & Harborside Turquoise, and classic Legacy Silver, each version offers a unique blend of style and functionality.
Hoosier Heritage Limited Edition – A Tribute to Tradition
The Hoosier Heritage Limited Edition of The Hanoverian celebrates Indiana’s rich tradition and heritage. With only 50 pieces produced in 2024, this special edition features a Cardinal Red dial—a nod to the Indiana State Bird—and a Cornflower Blue second hand, symbolizing the state’s agricultural legacy.
Key highlights include:
Exclusivity: Limited to just 50 pieces, this edition is a collectible tribute to Indiana.
Cultural Tribute: The design honors Indiana’s history, including its farmers and pioneers.
Craftsmanship: Like all Hanoverian watches, it boasts the same meticulous attention to detail and quality.
The Hoosier Heritage Limited Edition seamlessly blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship, making it a coveted piece for those who appreciate both contemporary style and historical significance.
Why Choose the Hanoverian?
The Hanoverian is more than just a watch; it embodies craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation. Here’s why this timepiece is a superior choice:
A Timepiece Beyond Time
The Hanoverian transcends mere functionality, reflecting the artistry and ingenuity of Fleddermann von Rieste. This watch is not just about telling time; it’s a statement of style and sophistication, embodying meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
Invest in a Legacy
Choosing The Hanoverian means investing in a legacy. Crafted to the highest standards, this watch is designed to endure and become a cherished heirloom for future generations. Its timeless design and superior craftsmanship ensure that it will be valued and passed down through the ages.
The Beginning of a Legacy
By selecting The Hanoverian, you embrace the start of a remarkable legacy. This watch symbolizes heritage and tradition, crafted with exceptional quality to withstand the test of time. It’s more than an accessory—it’s a historical timepiece poised to become a treasured part of your family’s legacy.
Experience Timeless Elegance
The Hanoverian offers a unique blend of classic design and modern precision. Each watch, crafted with longevity in mind, tells the distinct story of its owner while contributing to an ongoing legacy. Whether you opt for the bold Cardinal Red, the elegant Nightfall Black, the refined Charcoal Grey, the traditional Legacy Silver, or the vibrant Sapphire Navy or Harborside Turquoise, The Hanoverian delivers an unparalleled sensation. It’s a feeling reserved for those who truly appreciate the art of watchmaking.
Choosing The Hanoverian is not just about owning a watch; it’s about becoming part of a timeless tradition.