Habring2 Dead Seconds, Foudroyante, Felix, Erwin

KMII · 2016-11-29T03:18:54Z

KMII reviews Habring2 Dead Seconds, Foudroyante, Felix, and Erwin models, detailing modularity, complications, and his journey to acquire partner watches.

KMII

WPS member · Independents forum

22 replies3869 views4 photos

KMII shares his evolving impressions of Habring2 watches after several hands-on experiences, detailing his journey toward selecting a piece from the independent Austrian brand. His post highlights the brand's unique complications and modular design philosophy, offering valuable insights for potential collectors. KMII's personal quest culminates in a plan for partner watches, underscoring the brand's appeal.

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In the last month I have had several opportunities to try on Habring2 watches and I have to say every single one got me closer to the decision on where the first purchase from the brand may lie.

First Magnus let me try his (Dead Seconds) at the infamous Vienna GTG and I was smitten by the combination of simplicity, elegance and a cool complication

The execution - namely that the seconds hand always without fail stops exactly at the seconds marker - is wonderful, too. Something Grand Seiko prides itself on with their quartz models but which is much more difficult for a small company with limited resources to achieve.

Staying with the case and complication, I have seen a combination of the dead seconds and foudroyante at Vienna Time, which was simply spectacular. Definitely a watch to confuse novices, who could well mistake it for a quartz with an iffy battery

The beauty of Habring is the modularity of most models, where you can add or change complications in a watch, as you see fit (within reason, and not for the Erwin and Felix lines). So you can have a hand wound or an automatic, can retroactively add or subtract dates, small seconds, etc. It certainly binds one to the brand, I guess. This model perhaps did not possess the stark elegance of Magnus' watch but the combination of complications is very cool and one can order it in any combination of dial colours one pleases, so I am sure that the right mix simply needs to be determined. Something tells me this could well be the winner.

I also had the opportunity to try the 38mm model, which surprisingly looked too small. I never have that feeling with the 37-38mm Grand Seikos but here it just did not look right on my wrist. Go figure. At the same time, it looked very good to my wife. A deal was struck - the journey to Carinthia will be done together and we are to get partner watches

Finally, I also managed to try the Erwin - the new, small case dead seconds model. It looks very nice but somehow neither captured the spirit of the Felix for me, nor did it fully compete with the big brother.

In any case, it was wonderful seeing and trying on some more models of this really cool brand and while the next 'incoming' will empty the watch budget for a while, 2 Habrings (for my wife and me) are now definitely towards the top of the list of next acquisitions.

Thanks for viewing!

Key Points from the Discussion

Habring2 watches are designed for long-term serviceability, with movements that can be maintained by any competent watchmaker, and the brand even provides spare parts with the watch.
The Erwin model, while comfortable and featuring the signature dead seconds complication, is not as thin as the Felix, which measures under 7mm.
The Erwin with a white dial and baton hands is particularly appealing, but detailed owner photos are scarce online, making it difficult to assess fully.
Habring2 watches are understated, well-made, and designed to last a lifetime without requiring significant ongoing maintenance costs.
Habring2 watches often become anniversary gifts, with owners expressing pride and receiving compliments on their pieces.

The Discussion

rnaden

Nov 29, 2016

Haring is really amazing value for money

Understated, well made watches designed to last a lifetime and won't require a mortgage to keep going. Looking forward to what you eventually settle on for your partner watches! This is one of those things that once you see it and try it on, there's no way we can say no for long.

KMII

Nov 29, 2016

You are absolutely right :)

And there is an anniversary approaching, for which it may be the appropriate gift You raise an additional very valid point. They are designed in such a way, that a watchmaker of modest skill will be able to service them, even if Habring should ever decide to stop the production. They do have in-house movements these days but are not at all difficult to handle by non-affiliated service points, apparently. Been a while since you have shown us yours...

rnaden

Nov 30, 2016

It is almost due for rotation

...in just a couple of weeks. It has to contend with the Black Bay for now, but I'll show it again soon enough

KMII

Nov 30, 2016

Looking forward to it! :)

You chose a great combination, I have to say...

rnaden

Dec 5, 2016

Just had some time today to get to the bank to get my Habring2 out...

And to the Habring's note that any competent watchmaker will be able to service the watch down the road, they even provide spare parts in the box...gaskets, hands, crown etc...

KMII

Dec 5, 2016

+1 :)

I might have heard of that but forgot it in the meantime. But really like the approach!

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