AHCI - I Heart Habring

I Heart Habring

Sep 15, 2017,14:45 PM

Little over eight years ago, I had the good fortune of meeting some amazing people at a PuristsPro dinner being held in Venice, CA. Now very good fiends of mine, Tim and Janna were two of the most gracious people one could hope to know, and they are pretty much single-handedly responsible for my love of the Habring brand. In fact, it was Janna who was wearing her “Lady Habring Foidroyante” that really got me into the Independents in the first place. If memory serves, the very next day I contacted Tim at their exclusive Solana Beach jewelry store to place my order.

Tim informed me that purchasing a watch from an Independent Watchmaker was a little bit different than buying a Rolex at some retail store. In fact, I was a bit taken aback when Tim asked for a 50% deposit on the watch. “How long will it take to get?” I asked incredulously. “About six months,” Tim answered confidently. I suppose through the silence on the phone he picked up on my discomfort, but with a soothing and still slightly British accent Tim explained why it is this way with the Independents. “They only make about 30 to 50 watches a year,” he said, “And are only making 12 examples of the one you want. They make them one-at-a-time.”

Habring2 Foidroyante On The Left, And A Habring2 TimeZone 20th Anniversary Special Edition Chrono COS On The Right

That was all I needed to hear because I realized I was purchasing something far more exclusive than I had ever purchased before. About four months later (and two months ahead of the estimated time of arrival), Tim called me to tell me the watch had arrived. Without hesitation, I jumped in my car and made the almost two-hour drive South to pick up my first independently manufactured timepiece, thus joining the Habring Family.

Maria and Richard, the dynamic duo of organic farmer watchmaking, are superb people who I am proud to call friends. When my Foidroyante needed a slight tune-up, I actually handed it directly to Richard while attending the Salon QP in Knightsbridge, UK. Remembering that I wanted blue’d steel hands that were not available at the time the watch was originally ordered, Richard not only serviced the timepiece, he installed the blue’d hands at no charge.

About a week ago, a very good friend of mine purchased a Habring Special Edition, created for TimeZone’s 20^th Anniversary. With a crown that operates the chronograph (just a small part of Richard’s genius), this watch has only 19 siblings and like all things Habring, this timepiece is a standout. Obviously my friend scored big time.

Of course, now I’ve got to figure out how to keep Max out of my watchbox. Sheesh.

HAGWE

- Scott

Superb brand, people and two great watches ! Thanks for sharing and my Doppel3 says hi :) I have also ahve had the pleasure in discussing independents with Tim who I have found most

By: templetowers : September 15th, 2017-14:58

knowledgeable and helpful - Enjoy and HAGWE. ...

Hey Tempetowers, That Piece Is...

By: elliot55 : September 15th, 2017-15:22

... Awesome. - Scott

Your love of Habring comes through in the podcasts!

By: Bounce781 : September 15th, 2017-15:24

Great pieces and great people running the brand!

Thanks, Bounce. You Da'...

By: elliot55 : September 15th, 2017-15:24

... Man. Have a great weekend. - Scott

I only have one and love it -20th anniversary TZ Cos [nt]

By: watch-guy.com : September 15th, 2017-19:25

Well Then, You My Friend...

By: elliot55 : September 15th, 2017-22:12

... Have a treasure. - Scott

Great story and of course two wonderful watches :)

By: KMII : September 15th, 2017-22:53

My watch budget is sadly depleted for now but this is definitely on my to get list for next year. Actually on 'our' list - since my wife wants one, too

Hey KMI, Save Those Pennies...

By: elliot55 : September 16th, 2017-13:05

... For Habring-Day. Cheers! - Scott

Will do that :) [nt]

By: KMII : September 16th, 2017-13:26

Really great article & lovely pics !.. Couldn't find a better glimpse into this Independent brand & the way they conduct business !

By: hs111 : September 16th, 2017-01:02

And I fully agree, Richard & Maria are the lovely heart & soul of this remarkable Micro - manufacture . At my recent visit, they spent a lot o ftime with my wife and me & got to appreciate their art of watchmaking. What shall I say ? - My own Habring will...

Hey HS, I Completely Agree That...

By: elliot55 : September 16th, 2017-13:06

... Maria and Richard are fantastic hosts. Nothing wrong with Volkermarkt, if you ask me. Have a great Saturday. - Scott

Thanks for this great post...

By: wootwoot : September 27th, 2017-07:30

And good to have you as part of the family. Love their stuff. A (bad!) pic of my LE Doppel 3 chrono is attached, but the beauty shines through. When I contacted them they told me their English wasn't too good, so they had a friend handle the sale with me....

Woot, That Is One Fine Looking...

By: elliot55 : September 27th, 2017-10:26

... Timepiece you've got there. The blue'ing is sensational. Are you talking about Max Busser of MB&F? If so, he's a great guy and I'm glad he could help. Believe me, my German ain't so good either. - Scott

Two Years ago I sat down and rethought

By: asonstuf : October 3rd, 2017-12:43

What I wanted to get out of this hobby. After about 5 years of moving through the mainstream luxury brands, I decided if i'm going to be part of this hobby/community, I should try to support the people moving it forward. Thus, my journey began and I found...

Asonstuf, All I Can Say Is...

By: elliot55 : October 3rd, 2017-15:44

... You are exactly correct. A beautiful watch at unparalleled value. I don't have to tell you, you scored. - Scott