Independents

Recently I started giving thought to buying another Habring2, perhaps a chronograph or a tourbillon model.  And then I heard the announcement of the Habring2 Doppel 2.0 chronograph.  This watch instantly attracted me.  It has a movement first developed by Richard Habring under the leadership of Kurt Klaus during his time at IWC 20 years ago.  A movement he has since further refined and now reclaimed as his own under the Habring2 name.  Re-presented in characteristic Habring2 style and form. 




And so discussions were commenced and wheels set in motion. Over the years processes had changed and a particular coloured dial was not so easy to reproduce.  Maria and Richard had to go back through old records to work out how they managed to first produce their burgundy dial.  Naturally, its not exactly the same but this is very close.

As I have found with my Jumping Seconds, the Habring2 coloured dials are quite vibrant and lively.  The type of light, the intensity of the light and the angle at which the light strikes the dial all combine to create differing hues and depth of colour.  You can appreciate how the dial changes...

My 2 Habring2 side by side in the morning sun...

But that what is the real meaning of "2 Habring 2"???

Well, Limited Editions abound in the Horology world.  Working with an Independent  means you may be able to uniquely customise to the smallest detail that only you will appreciate on a day-to-day basis.  What if there were two?

In fact, I am only a part of this tale. This venture actually started by chance during a series of email exchanges with (as it would turn out) a like minded fellow Purist. Two Purists who happened to desire the same watch but in a dial variant that was not generally available. We approached Maria and Richard and they gladly agreed to make this "special edition" for us. 

To me, this watch is more significant than an individually customised watch.  More important because it is a customised watch for 2 friends.  It is a mark of respect and friendship. This will not be forgotten.

I once heard Max Busser explain part of the appeal of an independently made watch.  "When you buy from an independent , you are buying a part of that person".  And so it is with this Habring2.  I have never met Maria or Richard but they are like friends to me now. As is Purist no. 1 of 2. My watch forever reminds me of this.