Habring2 Doppel 3 Split-Seconds Monopusher Chronograph

Ornatus-Mundi · 2013-05-20T07:21:01Z

Discover the Habring2 Doppel 3, a split-seconds monopusher chronograph from Baselworld 2013. Ornatus-Mundi reviews this independent horology piece.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Independents forum

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Ornatus-Mundi introduces the Habring2 Doppel 3, a split-seconds monopusher chronograph unveiled at Baselworld 2013. This article highlights the watch's evolution from the Doppel 2.0, emphasizing its technical ingenuity derived from Richard Habring's work on IWC's Doppelchronograph. It offers a detailed look at the aesthetic and functional aspects of this independent horology piece, celebrating its unique position in the market.

Maria Kristina and Richard Habring (aka Habring² ) did not officially exhibit in Basel but they were of course there - to seize the opportunity to meet with some suppliers and - of course - chat with the watch aficionados who visited the show.

Well, wouldn't it be a case of severe neglect not to ask what was on their wrist?

I did and was rewarded with an exceptionally beautiful new watch just released by the creative couple: The Habring² Doppel 3:

The watch itself is a further development based on the Doppel 2.0, a watch widely acclaimed by enthusiasts and fittingly recognised by the watch industry with the 'sports watch' prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie 2012.

With this information its already clear what to expect: a split-second chronograph with manual winding. Based upon the calibre Valjoux 7750 an equally cam/lever-driven rattrapante mechanism has been added. This one is derived from IWC's famous Doppelchronograph originally developed by Richard Habring. More on that in my article here .

Now with the Doppel 3 you actually get less: one push-bottom is missing due to the fact that this watch is a split-seconds monopusher chrono:

The watch is thus closer - this was the intention - to historical stop watches and shares a pusher-layout (at 2 and 10 o'clock, respectively) everybody knows from his/her sports lessons at school:

Nothing else has changed. The dial shows exactly the same attention to the detail as the predecessor already demonstrated. Its immensely beautiful and captivating, particularly in the anthracite/silver/red colour version shown here:

A small criticism from my side would concern the shape of the hands. Here both permanent as well as rattrapante seconds have overhanging hands whereas time hour and minute as well as chronograph minute hands have not. This is acceptable as the respective assignment of shapes is consistent (overhangs with small, no overhangs with longer time intervals) but I would prefer a clear distinction according to time and chronograph hands. A simple swap of permanent seconds and chrono minute hands would do ;-)

A real eye-catcher (rightly so and consistent with the historical role models) is the painting of the chrono seconds hands: red for the split-seconds, white for the normal seconds counter:

The movement looks identical to the one of the Doppel 2.0, and except for the modification to the chromo cam/lever system there is no reason for differences. The parts count is identical as well (101).

In the following I juxtapose the original movement of the Doppelchronograph with the new Doppel movement. Note the differences in the shape of the rattrapante mechanism parts:

Central part is the heat-blued (and thus hardened) rattrapante control plate:

Here you can well see the small tube spring on the rattrapante wheel that is responsible for the catching up of the rattrapante hand with the normal chronograph seconds counter:

The pusher feel can of course not compete with the finest column-wheel controlled chronographs, but it is nevertheless precise, reasonably smooth and with sufficient feedback.

Overall, a very tempting, reasonably priced watch with a fascinating high-end complication. I have to say that I am really in love with the anthracite/silver/red colour scheme that reflects so well the sporty and playful nature of the watch.

Even on the wrist:

There are other colour versions as well, a black one (left) and a silver one (right). Both have totally different personalities:

To sum up: My nitpicking notwithstanding I think that Habring² have come up with a real winner with the Doppel series. A package that combines an elite complication with a fresh yet classic style and allows for a very affordable price - what is not to like? That you can deal with arguably some of the nicest people in the industry and get involved with the very creators of your watch is just the icing of the cake.

If I were in the watch industry I would be concerned, very concerned!

Thanks for reading,

Magnus

Key Points from the Discussion

Investing in an independent watchmaker like Habring2 means supporting individuals who bring genius and a unique spirit to their complications, marrying simplicity with functionality, unlike the more business-case-optimized watches from larger brands.
The post effectively captures the inventiveness and quality that Habring2 consistently delivers, making their watches highly valued by true collectors who appreciate direct engagement with the creators.
There is a growing interest in acquiring independent watch brands, with the Doppel 3's color combination being particularly appealing, though some collectors might seek a dead-beat seconds complication for their first independent piece.
While larger groups like Swatch Group (Omega, Longines) are technically capable and competitive on price, the value proposition of independent horology lies in its unique spirit and individual craftsmanship.
The Habring2 Doppel 3 is praised for its appealing color combination and matching strap, contributing to its overall attractive presentation.

The Discussion

Goldenlutin

May 20, 2013

Nice watch indeed. Regarding your last comment: In the industry I would (and I think everybody should) be more concerned of what Omega, Longines and the Swatch Group in general are capable of doing (both technically and price-wise), don't you think ?

Ornatus-Mundi

May 20, 2013

but I am not so sure about the other Swatch Group brands (I am not doubting their technical capabilities but I think that the value equation is not as easily set as with the two mentioned). Perhaps I was not clear enough: for the money you have to spend for the Doppel you get a piece of independent horology in contrast to a business case-optimised watch (from the big brands, and here I include of course Longines and Omega). Best, Magnus

DonCorson

May 20, 2013

Yes Longines and Omega make good watches and have well known names. But with an independent one is investing in individuals. Yes each watchmaker (and even the brands, I admit) has their own spirit. The spirit of a Habring is in the touch of genius that Richard so often brings to light with his complications, marrying simplicity with functionality. That touch is very special. Thank you for showing this to us Magnus, I missed the Habrings in Basel unfortuately. Don

timerider

May 20, 2013

pictures of the Doppel 3 and its character. I think you caught both the inventiveness and the quality that Habring2 is now quite famous for providing to the true watch collector. I have had few greater watch experiences than sitting in the atelier and discussing watch design with the creator, owners and staff of such an open and talented watch group that is Habring2. The view across the river and into the Alps is the "snowy" icing on the cake. Keep up the great work, Best to all, Tim

KIH

May 20, 2013

... I really like what Habring2 offers. I also like the color combo as well as the matching strap on this one :-) Thanks! Ken

Topcat30093

May 26, 2013

Though, I have been following the brand, through the various threads for a while now. It has been recently that I have become a lot more interested in acquiring one. As I would like to add an Independent watch brand to my small collection. I very much like the Doppel that you have shown us and with that colour combination. But for my first and possibly only piece I am looking to purchase a dead second with an added complication. Regards Tony

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Habring2 Doppel 3 Split-Seconds Monopusher Chronograph

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