Habring2 x SJX Collaboration Watch

Jay (Eire) shares his journey to acquiring the Habring² x SJX Erwin, a collaboration that sparked debate among collectors regarding its commercial nature versus enthusiast appeal. His post delves into the challenges of custom ordering from independent watchmakers and how this limited edition piece perfectly met his long-standing desire for a specific Habring² reference. This article explores the nuances of limited collaborations and the personal connection collectors form with their timepieces.

Perhaps interesting timing given the debate going on in another thread this week about collaborative efforts between watchmakers / brands and other interested parties.  Does this one fit under the enthusiast groups which seem to be OK or is this a commercial effort with the sole intention of making money and is therefore “no so OK”?  

For me I couldn’t care less.  If you like it, and can buy it, then do so.  It shouldn’t be much more complicated than that. 

For me this one was interesting timing.  I had been looking at and thinking about this specific Habring reference, the Erwin or jumping seconds as they prefer to call it, for maybe two years.  But I didn’t want (or wasn’t drawn to) any of the production dials.  

Knowing several friends here whom have customized their Habring watches this was therefore the line I was going to peruse.

Of course, by the time I got my act together to email Maria this was no longer possible on individual orders.  10 watches or more then it made sense for them to customize, but no longer did it make sense for an individual order.  I can appreciate this, they like many others are busier than ever and have order books going out several months. 

I thought about trying to rally 9 others to put something together that would be interesting for all and at the same time a little (or a lot) different from what was available.  But then SJX dropped this watch and that was enough for me.

Per his own copy the watch was inspired by a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual of the 1950s, specifically taking the concept of the “star” hour markers.  The stars on this watch are made from gilded brass, lightly polished and are applied.

There are a couple of other details such as the seconds hand being a touch longer than the standard Erwin and of course the blue dial which you will see in the pictures below. The dial does present in a couple of different shades of blue depending on the light, something that works very well.  

Some have commented that the dial looks like the EU flag, and no question it does.  That’s not an issue for me, as it is my flag. 

I think JX did a very good job in putting this one together with the Habrings.  I still have another Habring itch to scratch so there may be another one in my future.

And now some pictures.  I’m looking to change out the strap to something that will offer contrast with the dial, will post some more photos once I find the right strap.