Ornatus-Mundi
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The Tourbillons
The last part of this post shall deal with the 'crown of (watchmaking) creation', the Tourbillon. With Habring2, you have the choice of two entirely different versions:
On the left you see the traditional Tourbillon with a centrally mounted balance, on the right the modern one with a straight escapement layout like is a standard mechanical watch. Why two, and what are the difference?
The rationale for offering two different version lies in their specific objectives: The traditional one is the one for the aesthete, focussing on the 3D effects and the mesmerising movement of such a construction. The modern one is the performance-optimised racing engine in Habring2's stable.
We'll look at each of it separately!
1.) the Traditional Tourbillon:
Obviously, a flying construction based upon the original work of Richard on IWC's and later ETA 6498 movements. It highlights the three dimensions, features a large screw balance and an antimagnetic cage.
It also gives rise to fascinating effects on the dial:
On the back you see how it is integrated into the ETA UNITAS movement:
Wristshot:
2.) the Modern Tourbillon:
This Tourbillon is totally different from the above: performance-oriented, with little consideration to aesthetics. Optimised for low weight and robustness. No flying construction. Thick!
For a Tourbillon the construction comes with very little components (26 vs. 39 servicealbe parts; 41 vs. 99 if all parts are counted, compared to traditional Tourbillon). Almost all of them are made in-house:
Let's revisit the movement we have already seen in the COS part of the article:
First we'll take a closer look at the Tourbillon:
One can clearly see the splendid upper bridge supporting the Tourbillon cage...
... the straight-line escapement layout...
the Tourbillon fourth wheel integrated into the cage...
... the regulator...
... and admire the overall thickness and massiveness of the assembly:
Amazing that all of this massiveness effectively contribute to reduction of moveable mass and thus lower inertia at the escapement!
But how does it perform? No words, just an unregulated movement on the Witschi-counter:
This I think speaks to itself. This is a Formula-1 car on your wrist, nothing less!
This message has been edited by Magnus Bosse on 2012-04-28 09:41:33
A Carinthian Journey - a visit with Maria Kristina and Richard Habring (Part 3b - LAST!)
Dear All: our Carinthian Journey is close to its end. But we will do so with a real treat on some of the most exciting watches created in Völkermarkt. Thus, following Part 1 (location and environment), Part 2 (watchmaking itself, restoration) and Part 3a ...
The Crown-Operation-System (COS) Chronograph
One of the iconic Habring 2 watches, and one of those that really convey the message of the producers. By modifying the Valjoux base movement such that the pushers could be omitted (Chronograph is entirely controlled by the crown), the watch gains eleganc...
i really like the simplicity of the COS without subdials
you do of course lose out on a constant second hand, but you can always use the chrono a la MIH. thanks for all the detailed info Magnus. Graham
The Doppel 2.0
I wrote about this new edition of the legendary split-second mechanism already recently . However, I now have real-life image material and thus decided to repost an amended version of my original text. The IWC Doppelchronograph is one of the iconic classi...
It might sound
too technical but to me its pure poetry and seeing this innovative work landing again at the lap of the creator leaves a wide smile on my face... let alone the seduction of the design, color combination and sure the complication... did i forget to say pri...
The Foudroyante
As one of the rarest complications at all, the Foudroyante à la Habring 2 is additionally unique in that it is an addition to a Chronograph mechanism (e.g. Girard-Perregaux), but it is added as a stand-alone complication (well, together with the jumping s...
The Tourbillons
The last part of this post shall deal with the 'crown of (watchmaking) creation ', the Tourbillon . With Habring 2 , you have the choice of two entirely different versions: On the left you see the traditional Tourbillon with a centrally mounted balance, o...
Some final words!
I think I can spare me a final conclusion or appraisal. I am sure this series of articles shed some light into one of the most likeable contemporary watchmakers. The products speak a clear conceptual language (with in part a bit derivative design, but thi...
Thank you very much indeed, Magnus...
Due entirely to your insightful series, the Habrings now have another customer. Cheers, pplater.
A good choice...
...from a watchmaker with a special connection to the complication. Can't wait to see pix of it on your wrist! Cheers, Daos
Magnificent work, Magnus!
I feel very lucky to have you as a colleague here on PPro, and believe we both have a real connection to the work the Habrings are doing. I really admire where they seem to be heading with their brand. Thanks for all the wonderful insights and photos. It'...
Wonderful report, Magnus!
I have one of those gorgeous brown dials "in the oven" for my wife. It will be our second Habring2 (not that she knows yet ) It won't be our last...
Great visit and insights..
.. Into a young and great watch brand. And as is seems, some great people as well Best Hans
what an oustanding report!
My sincerest thanks Magnus for this wonderful report. It is almost as if we were with you in visting Habring2 at Voelkermarkt. The write up was so personal and at the same time very informative and detailed. I must say that i am seriously tempted by the H...
Super posts Magnus.
Actually, I was expecting a lot this part and I wasn't disappointed. Glad to see "real" pictures of the Doppel. Thanks for this comprehensive view on Maria Kristina and Richard Habring's work. Fx
Informative post.
... I like what they make and actually own one, nice jumping second with my choice of colors in 37mm case. I just wish they make 37mm Doppel 2.0 in 37mm case again in the future. Watches including chronos used to be in 36 or smaller case and why can't the...
Thank you for this marvelous report, Magnus!
What a masterful combination of visual, technical, and emotional content! I learned a great deal about the movements and got a much better sense of the makers. The Habrings are fortunate to have a friend like you who takes the considerable time needed to ...
Excellent report Magnus.............
Thank you. I have learnt so much from your brilliant collection of essays and photos. They look such a perfect couple and their watches are first class. Regards Tony
This series of posts, is one that I will bookmark for continual future reference
Thank you Magnus for the entire series. The quality of your writing and photography is wonderful. But even more so, thank you to Maria and Richard for letting you and us into their lives. I like my jump seconds immensely. I will like it even more now that...
Thanks again!
This series of Introduction to the Habrings is fabulous! Their Doppelgraph 2.0 is just stunning and indeed great value for money for such a high quality complication!
Thanks Magnus.....
What a wonderful series of reports on a wonderful independent. The Habrings have carved out quite a niche within the watchmaking world - I live virtually every timepiece they put out. Darren
Many thanks
Hi Magnus, Many thanks for the reports, especially the techie details (just what the doctor ordered in this world of marketing fluff ). I hope Richard and Maria realise what a great ambassador they have in you. Could they use some of your images on their ...
A terrific series of posts--thank you!
Richard and Maria are wonderful people producing wonderful watches. I am happy to be a patron of their business, and frankly, would buy another of their watches in a heart-beat dead-second if they had another case design option! If I may, there is one thi...