Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
Two excellent but different choices...
as the owner (or ex-owner) of both watches I can say that they both represent the 'germanophone' independent watchmaking scene.
First the commonalities: They offer both a reduced design, high-quality steel cases and an 'in-house' movement derived from an ETA ancestor. This is combined with great horological value for your money, particularly if you are interested in small complications. But here is where I think the watches start to diverge.
Now to the differences, Nomos first:
Nomos' Tangente is famous for its implementation of the Bauhaus-inspired reduced design. Very clear, very sober - 'germanic' if you like. The hands a finely heat-blued and give a sensual contrast to the matte silver dial. I like how the date is symmetrically integrated.
The case is quite flat and slim and sits very comfortable on the wrist. Accuracy is excellent thanks to a movement based upon the Peseux 7001 (but now hugely revised and built in-house). Automatic as well as manual wind versions are available.
The Habring2 watches are more playful/lively and come in much more (dial, design and complication) variations.
The Habring2 duo constructs its watches such that they can easily be tailored to the customer's wishes in terms and even can be modified/upgraded at a later time point. For example, you can have a tourbillon fitted after a couple of years. Here one real added-value play its strength: you always deal with Maria Kristina and/or Richard Habring, and not with a customer service department. Its a decidedly rewarding process to through with them as I have experienced myself and many others can attest to as well.
The Habring2 movement originally came from the ETA Valgranges automatic movement but is now (except for 20-something parts) entirely produced in Völkermarkt. Its quite thick and generally large but chronometrically excellent, robust and powerful enough to drive a wide range of complications. The signature complication of any Habring2 is the jumping seconds hand, which necessitates only a small surcharge and is incredibly precise in its alignment with the minute indications (quite revealing if you compare the watch with ones costing 10x (or more) the price!).
The cases once only came in one case size - 42mm. Since a few years also a 36mm case is available. Compared to the Nomos cases they are substantially thicker, particularly with the automatic movement.
Bottom-line: you can't get wrong with either of these. Set your priorities right and you will end up with a very enjoyable choice. I said I owned/own both: The Nomos is gone but the Habring2 stays. Reason: The Nomos would be great if I could own only now good watch. It would fit to business, formal and casual attires. The HH however moves me more emotionally speaking and has an unusual complication. It can easily be upgraded or modified. Also, it appears more vivid and thereby represents well the spirit of its creators.
I hope this helps a bit in your decision!
Cheers,
Magnus
More posts:
Habring2 or Nomos?
I am contemplating getting an independent brand and have, I think, narrowed it down to the these two brands. The only requirement for the watch is that it has the date. In the past i was privileged to own and wear an FP Journe Black Label Calendrier, look...
I can't warm up to Habring's date designs
but I have always liked how the Tangente w date looks. If I HAD to have a date, i could never choose Habring--they make cool watches, but when they add the date... it looks forced. Good luck
Thank you Mostel.........
For your kind input. I have to admit that I am slightly surprised by the lack of responses. Perhaps, my choices are two wide apart, for comparison?
It's the weekend, TC...
...traditionally quieter on the boards (counter-intuitively). Is Nomos really 'Independent' in the sense that you mean it? Does it matter? The watches are certainly very attractive on many dimensions. Habring2: certainly 'Independent'. Great people to dea...
respectfully disagree
I think Nomos' date is extremely cohesive! The font matches the dial-font, and as a whole, it blends beautifully, and I think even adds something special. I prefer the Nomos WITH date compared to Nomos without date, if that is any evidence. Habring's date...
here is a picture of the Tangomat Date for you
a nice watch and good value, these days appropriated by my son on whose wrist it looks good I think. Not in the same league as the Calendrier of course. Since I bought it, I have developed an aversion against dates and if I would buy this watch again it w...
I just met Maria and Richard Friday
They brought a very wide array of their work. Plus the AD had a nice stock too. I had nit seen their work in the metal before Friday. I walked out wanting two. It could have been three! But, I just bought a triple calendar Toledo from VC I fell in love wi...
Two excellent but different choices...
as the owner (or ex-owner) of both watches I can say that they both represent the 'germanophone' independent watchmaking scene. First the commonalities : They offer both a reduced design, high-quality steel cases and an 'in-house' movement derived from an...
It depends on the price bracket
I current own both brands. At the most entry level, Nomos beats Habring2 hands down. A Tangomat has a more interesting movement than the basic Habring2, which is almost stock ETA. But go further up the value chain, Habring2 offers dead seconds, rattrapant...
Gents, I thank you very much for your views.......
Magnus, your reply was particularly indepth and very helpful. I have just found out that we now have a small AD in the UK that deals with both brands. So I am planning on paying him a visit early next month to view both of them side by side. But, please d...
Own Nomos Zurich and Habring^2 Chronograph
Hi! I think Nomos and Habring^2 both make excellent watches. Both also provide great value, in my opinion. I love my Nomos Zurich--the quality is very high; the design is fairly distinctive; a real stunner in its price range. The date is large and well-in...
The "ultimate "affordable" watch-insider watch"
I like that! It sums it up very well! Magnus
Thank you for answering my question :)
I shall now have to wait until, I go to see them both in a couple of weeks time :)
I am now looking...........
At several of the Habring models, including the chrono & Foudroyante
