Hello and happy new year, OFers As I was poking around old posts, I noticed one of my favorite independent brands isn't discussed as much here! So naturally I thought I'd make a thread in case there are other enthusiasts. I've long admired them the brand, and the couple behind it. Here's a talk from them at HSNY if you haven't had the chance to see it yet: In my mind their watches aren't really "out there" in designs, but rather just incredibly well executed (and high quality) classical designs. It took me a while to pull the trigger, but seeing their collaboration with William Massena last year was enough to make me go "hell yes". I thought it was modern perfection, clearly inspired by the Patek 96 but upgraded well for modern tastes. It also blew the Lab01 out of the water (the black / copper dial didn't do it for me). I missed out on the batch of 50 when it was announced, but with the help of a fellow OF member, managed to acquire one in the end. All in all, a great start to 2021. The dial is superb, with vertical brushing at the center and concentric rings outside. The step case is 38.5mm (and ~10.5mm thick), and ticking inside is Habring's manual-wind A11s deadbeat seconds movement. I know people compare these to quartz movements, but the deadbeat seconds complication (which came before quartz) is awesome and I think criminally underappreciated. Wears very well on the wrist, too! Do share yours if you've got one! Cheers
I had the privilege to handle some of their watches in the metal at the very HSNY meeting for which you linked the video above. Amazing watches and craftsmanship for sure!! Wear yours in good health.
Hi, Thank you for this thread! I did not know this brand. Would you have closer pics of the movements so as to appreciate the finishing? Cheers, François
Hi François, I can photograph mine later, but in the interim, here is a high res shot from an article in WatchesBySJX in this article. I do think that it could be better decorated, but to be honest at this price point -- for the level of craftsmanship in the dial and case, as well as the fact that it's a proper deadbeat seconds complication -- I'm not complaining =). https://watchesbysjx.com/2020/08/habring2-massena-lab-erwin-lab02.html
I first heard of this brand a few years back and always thought they deserved to do well. I really like the look of their product.
I am sure someone more qualified than me can chime in (and correct me where I am wrong / have gaps), but the way I've generally understood it is that we have integrated and modular movements. Integrated movements use only one mainplate, whereas a modular movement would have a primary mainplate and then additional "modules" that come on their own mainplates. The implication of this is that these "modules" can be added to other base movements to extend their functionality. This is different from integrated movements where, because everything is on one mainplate, you have to design the entire movement (with all functionality) together at once. So for example, with a modular design, it might be easier for a watch manufacturer to offer more customization for customers (I want a power reserve, a chronograph, a date window, etc.), because they can take a simple base movement like a Valjoux 7750 (which from what I know is what Habring does), and extend it with modules (rather than having to design fully integrated movements separately for each combination of options). I think there are implications for relative ease of service (maybe? depends?), and also for the overall thickness of the movement, and so on. Habring does a decent job keeping it compact, but admittedly I don't fully understand yet how he accomplished it. At least that's what I know, but I am not a watchmaker (paging @Archer ). (Sorry if I butchered something)
Maybe a naive question. But would watches like these from independent brand and in-house movement make it harder to service in the future if the company close down?
Probably, but likely depends on the independent brand. Habring has the very practical and modular approach to his designs that were originally based on Valjoux movements, so I bet a well trained watchmaker could perform a service.
Habring2 watches are pretty awesome! Used to own an Erwin Scientific, sold it, regretted it... Then a Habring2 TZ21 came along, and I grabbed it, and still own it I love their jumping seconds complication, their size, and their wonderful customer service. Maria is warm and engaging, and makes you feel like a special member of their Habring2 family. Certainly a style of customer service that many big brands cannot match!
Habring makes really great watches and is open to small numbers of special orders like this one i had, crown operated chronograph and really cool but just alittle to big for me in the end. The Scientific shown above is now very tempting to me !
i love habring. have owned 3 but they have been too big/thick to keep. literally DYING to find that monochrome habring collaboration piece though. . just missed it and the one that sold recently at S. Song watches. the coolest piece i think they have ever made great independent brand and great to see them getting more press