It can be tough to get a feel for a new watch release from only one example, so when Fleddermann Von Rieste offered me two pieces from their upcoming Hanoverian release, I jumped at the chance.
The US-based microbrand has been busy, launching three models since its debut in 2022. The Hanoverian is their latest, a dressy sports watch that manages to echo their other pieces while forging its own identity. Fleddermann Von Rieste continues their theme of German inspiration by naming the Hanoverian after a breed of horse known for its athleticism, from cavalry to the Olympics.
While the inspiration may be German, Fledderman von Rieste is doing everything they can to bring their business into the United States, conducting materials inspection, assembly, and quality control in the US under the watchful eye of an American Watchmaker-Clockmaker Institute-trained watchmaker. While it’s a far cry from an in-house movement, I applaud the brand for contributing to the American watchmaking scene in such a meaningful way.
The 41mm faceted case calls to mind Bulova’s recent Jet Star rerelease, although I prefer the execution here. The crisp angles feature aggressive chamfers toward the lugs. Though the Hanoverian feels every bit of its 41mm, it’s easily manageable for smaller wrists due to the short lugs. The design almost gives it the appearance of vintage-style hooded lugs, although they also present a potential drawback: while they work very well with the included bracelet, they might make other strap or bracelet pairings tricky, given how little room there is between springbar and case.
The signed, hexagonal crown nicely matches the angular case. While it doesn’t screw down, the Hanoverian is still rated for 100m of water resistance. Around back, the usual specifications text circumscribes a simple but elegant relief of a rearing Hanoverian horse. Though by no means a small watch, the Hanoverian is a mere 11mm thick, thanks in part to its flat, AR-coated sapphire crystal.
Inside, the Miyota 9015 movement runs the show. Among automatic movements, it’s a workhorse (pun very much intended) featuring hacking, hand-winding, date function, and a 42-hour power reserve. I’m a fan of Miyota movements for their economy and serviceability, and they have become as ubiquitous in the microbrand world as the Seiko NH35. There’s no drama to this movement, but there doesn’t have to be. It’s there to get the job done, and I appreciate that.
The 22mm H-link bracelet feels sturdy, and you certainly won’t forget the Hanoverian is on your wrist. The excellent finishing keeps it from feeling crude, which is a common complaint I have about large bracelets among microbrands. It’s comfortable, too, conforming nicely to my 6.5” wrist. I would have liked to see it taper toward the hidden butterfly clasp.
The Hanoverian is available in blue, black, silver, charcoal gray, and turquoise dials, with contrasting seconds hands. The turquoise with its neon orange seconds hand may be the standout of the bunch, but I really appreciated the more subdued charcoal with electric blue seconds hand. Angular, applied hour markers and generously lumed sword hands round out the look. The brushed finish on the dial is striking in either color, but I think really stands out on the more muted charcoal.
Dial text is legible and manages to pack a lot in without looking too busy. Beneath the applied cross logo is the brand name, and on the bottom of the dial Hanoverian and Automatic. Interestingly, the typeface for the brand is classic and timeless, while they chose a much more modern font for the series. It makes for a bit of an odd contrast, and “Automatic” is small enough to be difficult to make out.
I’m coming to grips with the fact that I’ll never be a date window guy, but if you’ve got to have it, 6 o’clock is the ideal placement. This one is nicely framed and maintains the symmetry of the dial.
I’m not usually one to remark on the packaging of a watch, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the Hanoverian’s wooden box. It features gorgeous grain and a push-button clasp. It’s also small enough to be unobtrusive.
Fleddermann von Rieste is clearly refining its approach with each release, and the Hanoverian is a bold but versatile piece. The Hanoverian ships in December of this year and retails for $799. Our readers can enter the code Timebum10 at checkout for 10% off. It’s available now for purchase at https://vonrieste.com/
