Comments:
A familiar box after seeing some other unboxings on this forum.
The famous membrane holding the prized package.
Carefully wrapped.
A lovely pine box
Spare parts for basic maintenance
Voila. A Grey Doppel 2.0
If I must say, the mustard hand goes well with the grey dial.
Side view showing horizontal satination
Lovely blueing of the screws. It really brings the movement to life.
A wrist shot showing how the dial can play nicely with the light.
Or it can look really dark, almost black.
The Doppel's first duty - to cut up a celebratory roast!
I considered 2 other Independents, Thomas Prescher and Dornbluth. With Thomas, I wanted to do something similar to the "choose your own movement" adventure. Unfortunately, the costs of such a project was beyond my means. As for Dornbluth, I presented some ideas to customize the Regulator model but he was unwilling to create a grey dial.
Touched for the very first time...
As the title of this thread suggests, I am now only "like" a virgin. Folks, I have just received my very first Independent!
My journey starts sometime in Fall 2012. I was looking for a very special watch to commemorate my 30th Birthday. Ideally, I wanted something that I could customize to be my own and, naturally, I was drawn to the Independents. After many sleepless nights, I decided on a very well-regarded and praised Austrian company - Habring2. I shot them an email and things took off.
I was instantly struck by Maria & Richard's good communication and willingness to hear out my (crazy and nit-picky) ideas. I had initially decided on a Jumping Seconds with a specific colour combination. To ease the process, the Habrings sent me sample indexes, dial and hands as I was curious about the proposed colour combination. Customer service does not get any better than that!
I was very happy with the Jumping Seconds and gave the green light. However, part way through the process, my wife gave me her "blessing" to increase the watch fund. As such, I decided to seize the opportunity and go for a Doppel 2.0. I was very fortunate that there were 2 allocations left in this limited series! Several emails later the process was done; I must really say that Maria and Richard were extremely flexible with all these changes.
My final wish list included several customizations and Maria and Richard were happy to help me out. In particular, I requested: blued screws; middle part of the case to have horizontal satination on the sides and vertical satination between the lugs; and mustard coloured seconds hand. I opted for the less common grey dial.
My final wish list included several customizations and Maria and Richard were happy to help me out. In particular, I requested: blued screws; middle part of the case to have horizontal satination on the sides and vertical satination between the lugs; and mustard coloured seconds hand. I opted for the less common grey dial.
Here is the unboxing:
A familiar box after seeing some other unboxings on this forum.
The famous membrane holding the prized package.
Carefully wrapped.
A lovely pine box
Spare parts for basic maintenance
Voila. A Grey Doppel 2.0
If I must say, the mustard hand goes well with the grey dial.
Side view showing horizontal satination
Lovely blueing of the screws. It really brings the movement to life.
A wrist shot showing how the dial can play nicely with the light.
Or it can look really dark, almost black.
The Doppel's first duty - to cut up a celebratory roast!
Some final comments about the watch and process. First, I cannot say how highly I think of Maria and Richard. For those who are considering a Habring2, do not hesitate as they will treat you well! The process was smooth and, importantly, FUN. Moreover, as so many others have experienced, the opportunity to talk and interact directly with the watchmakers is something that makes the process so memorable and personal. Second, the quality of this watch is fantastic. Pictures that I had seen prior to ownership did not do the watch any justice - you have to experience it in real life to really appreciate it. Frankly, I was surprised when I finally put it on my wrist - It is THAT good. As for the movement, there were some grumblings of it not being up to par with the rest of the watch...that is simply is NOT true. In my humble opinion, the movement finishing is at least equivalent to that of Zenith and other well respected watch manufactures. Finally, I must say that there is a rush to know that almost no one else has a watch quite like yours. While limited editions are abound in this hobby, I really do feel that this is watch was made just for me.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading about my journey.
Cheers
Cholack
I forgot to thank
I forgot to thank all the PuristSPro members who provided me advice on this purchase. Without your advise, I do not think that I would have "jumped". Thank you!
Cholack
What's left but to congratulate you on an excellent decision
Habrngs is increasingly becoming a popular "first" Indie for collectors. Their folksy approach in a fresh air to the staid world of Richemont and Swatch!!
Which other Indie did you consider before deciding on a Habring?
Best,
Horo
Congratulation. I too was in love w the dopple 2. But sadly cant find a source in asia. [nt]
No message body
Iceman....
I would contact Maria and Richard directly. I am sure that they will ship to Asia.
Hi Horo
Hi Horo,
In the end, the Habrings gave me what neither of the two could in combination - that is high "value" to price ratio AND flexibility/customization.
I am still undecided on Dornbuth, but have you thought of Peter Speake Marin?
I think most of us go thru the same thought process and decision making sequencing. And I like your value to price ratio equation!!
Best,
Horo
Oh, indeed, I've thought about owning a PSM, specifically the Spirit series...
My only reservation is the lug design, which is, no doubt, part of the PSM DNA! Let me clarify - while I love the lugs "on paper" and by living vicariously though other people's wrist shots, I have not had the opportunity to try it out for myself. I agree with many others' comments that this element can be quite polarizing; therefore, I would like to see it in the steel before making this purchase.
Cheers,
Cholack
Vorsicht Glas!
Two of the happiest words in any language when seen on an incoming watch shipment -- knew right away what the topic of your story was going to be!
Many congratulations from a fellow Doppel 2.0 owner -- great watch, and I love what you have done with the customizations. Great that you immediately put it to use!
Best,
Gary G
Vorsicht Glas indeed!
Gary, I remember your unboxing pictures very well, and when I saw my box with the red tape I was instantaneously transported back a memory of me reading your post with a smile.
Vorsicht Glas! Haha...it almost seems like a good phase to chant in celebration!
a great post
lovely story and what a beautiful watch that came out of it.
happy birthday
Congratulations....
on a wonderful timepiece for a magnificent team. The Habrings are first rate folks that create first rate watches.
Thanks for posting.
Darren
Congratulations
A fine choice.
Hope I was of some help to you during the process.
Regards,
Richard.
Red tape
When I saw the first photo of the box with the red tape I immediately knew something great is coming up!
Congrats on the Habring! Excellent watch made by excellent people! I'm sure everytime you strap on the watch you'll not only ve reminded by its beauty but also Maria and Richard's friendliness!