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This is a good friend’s Vixa /Hanhart Type XX (or type 20) pilot chronograph from the mid 1950s. These watches were produced by Hanhart in Germany although these are French watches which were made for the French airforce. When you look closely at this watch, you see that it is a close cousin to the Hanhart reference 417ES which is also known as the Steve McQueen Hanhart.
The Vixa Flyback chronograph has holes in the lugs for the strap. This eases the changing of straps as opposed to the Hanhaert which does not have such holes.
What makes the Vixa so special is the fact that all services of the watch are documented on the caseback as can be seen above. The documentation is done by the French Airforce Center. The last service on this watch was done on March 16th, 1974 as you can see. The engraved letter “P” indicates that that service was done in the service center in Pechoin in the Rue Cemin Gridaine in Paris. This service center had a contract with the French army and was specialized on repairing pilot watches.
These vintage Flyback chronographs are quite rare. They are lovely watches to wear while they carry a lot of history.
Most important details:
- VIXA Type 20 Flyback chronograph with turning bezel
- Produced in Germany in 1954
- Movement: Hanhart caliber 41, column wheel, movement number 6526
- Dial: signed black dial with beautiful patina, hands and indices with radium.
- Case: Stainless steel case with screwback caseback, plexy glas, original crown, original pushers
- Casesize without crown: 39 mm, lug width: 20 mm