What's the story behind the A11?

Starting 2007, all Habring² models have been based on the wheelwork of the ETA/Valjoux 7750/7760 (auto/manual wind). Due to the widely-publicised withdrawal by ETA in 2011 – and to safeguard their own production – it seemed only logical to us to create an equivalent replacement under own steam. 

This task also included the escapement, balance wheel and hairspring in addition to the entire wheelwork, winding mechanism and hand adjustment mechanism. Whilst our competitors attempt to close the gap to the previous ETA prices – with the help of industrialised processes and large, generous investments in machine pools – we have struck a different path: We are making use of our small business structure and focus on adding even more manual value to our watches.

All components of the A11-family are produced with the help of skilled specialists in the DACH-region, most of them small family owned businesses. The produced lots varying between 100 and 500 parts/year with a cost structure which ranks inbetween 3 and 8 times of the prices formerly witnessed by ETA. All components of the A11B (base) are produced under direction and following production drawings issued by Habring Uhrentechnik OG.



Thanks to the A11 all owners of Habring²-watches from the era between 2007 and 2017 can be assured that their watches will remain maintainable in the future though ETA discontinued to provide spare-parts to a wide range of brands including Habring². Due to the mentioned constructive near either the entire parts can be switched, or the respective tooling used for reproduction. Every single part necessary will make the elder calibres A07, A08 and A09 even more Habring² then before.

What/who is Habring²?

Habring² is purely the name of a product, rather than a brand. This is the reason, why our logo "Habring²" - unlike many other watch manufacturers do - can be found only twice on our watches. Firstly on the dial and secondly - if there is enough space - on the movement. This used to be the historical way to sign a manufactured product.

At a Habring² watch there are no further engravings besides the serial number except the owner wishes that.

For us this is a way to respect the privacy of our customers. We do of course higly appreciate when our customers share their appreciation for our products - their watches - with others. But it is on their own.

However, Habring² simply stands for the two of us: Maria Kristina and Richard Habring - the probably smallest watch manufacture in the world.

What are the basic values of a Habring²?

Habring² stands first and foremost for reliability. Attributes such as precision, water-tightness and shock resistance in accordance with current standards are a matter of course.

How many Habring² watches are made?

We are only able to produce around 200 watches a year. Due to limited capacity and the demand we place on ourselves to be responsible for each timepiece from start to finish. Each watch is manufactured by commission only. Furthermore, most models are limited to a maximum of 12 pieces per year (except Doppel: 20 PCs. per year; Felix and Erwin)

How accurate is a Habring²?

We base final adjustment on the inspections for chronometers and their respective requirements. A watch adapted perfectly to its wearer's wrist - and wearing habits - should have a slight advancement of between 0 and 5 seconds maximum per day.

Of course, one must take into consideration that this performance is only possible under ideal conditions. For instance, when the oils are still fresh and the watch is not subject to external influences such as magnetic fields or water penetration.

Regular inspections by a watchmaker usually rule out the latter.

How often should a Habring² be serviced?

We recommend having an expert check the water-tightness of every Habring² once per year. The test usually only takes a few seconds and can provides information on the condition of the seals. It also gives the watchmaker an opportunity to check internal components for any signs of wear. Indications of wear signal the need for a general inspection, which is usually due every five years.

The rubber seals (bezel, base and crown/button seals) that protect the movement against water penetration may need to be replaced more frequently to guarantee water-tightness.

What happens during a general inspection?

Similar to common aviation practice, each functional unit of a mechanical watch - in our case the movement in particular - should be completely dismantled and checked for any signs of wear every five years. The forces within the movement are transferred via many axles, with each axle pin running in mainly low-friction ruby bearings and lubricated with the finest oils. Despite ongoing technological advances, lubricating oils still have a limited lifetime - bearing friction increases when the oil's lubricating effect starts to deteriorate, resulting in the hazard of possible damage to the bearing pin.

If no signs of wear are detected, each component is cleaned in special media and then reassembled with fresh oils and the necessary care.

Worn parts are replaced before greater damage is sustained.

How does one recognise the necessity for a general inspection?

This can prove somewhat difficult for non-watchmakers. The most reliable indicator is the amplitude of the balance wheel. However, this is basically only detectable using measuring equipment and is thus an important role played by the watchmaker. A reduction in amplitude is sometimes accompanied by a change in the movement's speed. The watch speed can start to vary, making it either too fast or too slow. This is a sure sign for non-watchmakers that something in the movement has changed.

It is not unusual for movements to keep reliable time for much more than five years. Personal wearing habits, environmental influences and many other factors each have an impact on the movement. We may advise against a premature service under certain conditions if it is deemed unnecessary. Our intention is to draw attention to the possibility of wear. A watch movement bears a basic similarity to a combustion engine: insufficient oil lubrication over an extended period can bear the risk of engine damage whose repair would cost disproportionately more than a small inspection and regular oil changes. The main concern is to prevent secondary damage.

What is the lifetime of a high-quality mechanical watch?

Experience has shown that the lifetime of a high-quality wristwatch with a high-quality movement can be virtually unlimited. The only prerequisites are the regular inspections by the manufacturer mentioned previously. Renowned manufacturers guarantee the availability of replacement parts for around 30 years - they can then become difficult to source - which makes regular inspections all the more important.

Where can I purchase a Habring²?

They are always available from our studio in Völkermarkt. Of course, we cooperate with partners abroad who take care of international sales and are contact points for technical matters such as service issues. In some regions we also cooperate with accredited specialists - service watchmakers in whom we trust - to help avoid long transportation routes. Please see our website for specific addresses.

What do I get for my money when I purchase a Habring²?

First and foremost: no mass product, in spite of the most discerning demands on quality! Limited capacity and a variety of possible variations mean that many of our watches are unique timepieces. Despite their exclusivity every Habring² is a reliable companion for every day and comes with a three-year guarantee on possible manufacturing defects conditional on an annual inspection for water-tightness.

Each Habring² is a timeless, high-quality, reticent and highly individual product at an attractive price. Its purchasers benefit from a total absence of advertising measures and a direct sales routes. We benefit from customer proximity by accumulating interesting ideas and feeding them into the development of other Habring² models.

What about the environment?

Every owner of a Habring² can be certain to own a durable and sustainable product in times of mass consumerism. High-quality mechanical watches in particular fulfil to a high degree the ecological demands of today that many other products have yet to achieve. Given certain preconditions, a high-quality mechanical watch can virtually last forever.  Even if it were returned to the material cycle, there is not one component that would require special disposal.

Every metal used in the watch is recyclable - the sapphire glass and ruby bearings consist simply of aluminium oxide. And all this is supplemented by an appropriate Habring² environment. Its packaging is made from renewable and untreated wood. Environmentally friendly tanning methods are used to make the leather for the straps. Each watch is delivered with a set of replacement parts to guarantee its independence in any event and helps avoid unnecessary transportation.