Founded by husband-and-wife duo Richard and Maria Habring in the small town of Völkermarkt, Austria, seasoned enthusiasts and collectors will know that Habring² is well known for producing some of the most creative, understated, and technically impressive timepieces on the market at relatively affordable price points, with a primary focus on chronographs and dead-beat seconds.
Among the myriad of watches produced over the years, this particular piece right here is quite a special one. At first glance, one would assume that this is the Japan edition that was originally produced and retailed exclusively through a well-known Tokyo-based retailer – Shellman, to which only a total of 20 pieces were estimated to have been made in 36mm. However, this particular example we see here today is actually a customised contemporary Chrono-Felix in 38.5mm, and it has been fitted with a custom silver-white dial with thermally-blued leaf hands. Because of its extremely low production numbers, it is a watch you rarely see available in the secondary market.
Similar to the Shellman edition, this Chrono-Felix is also a monopusher. The monopusher chronograph is a complication long-revered among horological enthusiasts and collectors alike. With all of the chronograph functions being controlled via a single pusher, this would usually mean that a more complex mechanism is required in order to operate a watch with such functionality.
As mentioned above, this Chrono-Felix is housed in an aptly sized 38.5mm stainless steel case and features a stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. Looking at the custom-fitted dial, you will find key design cues from vintage chronographs of the 1940s (e.g. Longines, Patek Phillipe), such as the polished leaf hands and the beautiful Breguet numerals. It also features two sub-dials on the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, a telemeter scale on the outer perimeter of the dial, and a snail-shaped tachymeter scale at the centre.
The watch is powered by the proprietary hand-wound Cal. A11C-H1, which derives from the robust and reliable Valjoux Cal. 7750. But crucially, Habring² had modified the movement’s construction and design to a significant degree, which greatly improved its serviceability, technical qualities as well as its overall aesthetics. Ultimately, it was constructed by Habring² to be far superior to the Cal. 7750 on several levels. Amongst other technical features, the 25-jeweled Cal. A11C-H1 also boasts a respectable power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound, a shock protection mechanism, and an anti-magnetic escapement with a Carl Haas hairspring that is of chronometer quality.
Overall, this Chrono-Felix is an absolutely stunning watch from Habring² featuring a great balance of complication, visual appeal, aesthetics, technical prowess, and collectability. The fact that it is fitted with a dial from one of the most sought-after Habring² models makes it so much more compelling to own and wear.
