 In-House Movement "Pin It")
A small Austrian manufacturer of timekeepers, Habring2, has launched a new model dubbed Felix. The importance of the watch lies in the fact that it is the first in the novel series titled A11 and, more importantly, that it premiers the first ever movement that was completely developed in Austria. Additionally, the caliber’s escapement is hand-made in the company workshops, while other components are largely made and assembled in the Alpine country and from local materials. The watch with just the basic timekeeping feature is featured in a steel casing which is optionally enriched with the addition of a golden bullion coin. The basic version of the novelty is priced around $6,500.
Habring2 A11 Felix Watch
New Caliber A11B Starts the New Collection A11
Felix, which is the initial model of the new Habring2 A11 collection, represents an important milestone for the Austrian watchmaker. Not just because it marks the tenth anniversary of the existence of the brand, but more importantly because it premiers new A11B movement. This is the first ever Austrian movement which was developed entirely in the country. Behind its development are the Habring spouses, Maria and Richard, who are at the head of the company. The name of the new series is comprised of the letter A which stands for Austria and the number 11 which refers to the year of 2011 when the work on the new caliber began. As for the name of the movement itself it just adds the letter B to the title of the series. As representatives of Habring2 explained, this B stands for “base”.
Habring2 A11 Felix Watch Production
Complications Coming Soon
Up until now, Habring2 used almost entirely Valjoux Eta 7750 calibers as the base for its watches which were subsequently equipped with its modules that provided additional complications. The watches could be upgraded with a new module even after they are sold. Contrary to this, new A11B will not be made in such a manner. However, the manufacturer disclosed that it will present versions with additional complications during 2015. Next year will thus see the launch of new calibers with the brand’s favorite and recognizable complications: A11D (with a date indication), A11S (hacking seconds) and A11DS (both of the previous two complications).
As it has been said, not all of the components of A11B caliber are constructed in Austria. However, the most important of them are. Furthermore, they are made or assembled manually in the spirit of true watchmaking and without the use of automatic tools. Caliber A11B has its anti-magnetic escapement hand-assembled. Its escape wheel and pallet fork and are made in-house. Additionally, Carl Haas hairsping which is used and which guarantees the chronometer accuracy has its terminal curve cut in the Habring2 facilities. Moreover, the 18 featured rubies of the movement are set by hand, while wheels and pinions are joined in the same manner.
Caliber A11B Movement Side
As for the specifications of the first Habring in-house caliber, we should say that it has the diameter of 30 mm and the slim profile of 4.2 mm which was possible since the structure of the caliber is maximally simplified and since it provides just basic indications. The watch that premiers the new movement, Felix, only has two central hands for hours and minutes and an additional small seconds counter. The novel movement oscillates at the rate of 28,800 vph and it its rate is adjustable with the means of the included screw. Caliber A11B is wound by hand and features a power reserve that lasts for about two days. Among its 99 components is also KIF shock-protection system. Finally, it should be said that the movement is likewise decorated by hand. The elaborate ensemble of embellishments includes polished edges, perlage, decorative engraving, etc.
Classy Felix
After a bit more detailed story about the caliber, let us focus on the wristwatch which Habring2 selected to show-off its premier in-house movement. Felix is a classic dress watch made in subdued dimensions and with elegant appearance. It features a round three-part case with the diameter of 38.5 mm and the thickness of just 7 mm, enabled with its slim movement. It has a fixed bezel and some of the common Habring2 traits such as a spherical sapphire crystal, a double sealed crown and includes a serial number engraved between the bottom lugs. The case-back is transparent as it is expected, while its waterproofness measures to 30 meters.
Habring2 A11 Felix Watch Front
Habring2 A11 Felix timekeeper is made with a silvery-white colored granulated dial with printed numerals. There is just a single numeral at the very top and the buyer gets to choose whether it will be a Roman or an Arabic numeral. Moreover, it has a small seconds dial at the nine o’clock which is likewise optional and can be omitted. Two or three featured hands are thread-shaped, polished and black-oxidized. In an effort to be as Austrian as it is possible, the steel used for the case is made from the local smeltery and with ore originating from the Austrian Alps.
Lavish Version with a Collectable Bullion Coin
There is also an option to buy a golden version of Felix. However, this lavish variant is not made from gold. Instead, it includes a golden bullion coin of the Vienna Philharmonics. The highly collectable coin is made of 24 K gold and weighs 31.103 grams. Since the value of the coin gradually increases over time, so will the value of the watch which is a very clever detail. Finally, the strap that comes with the watch is brown and made out of leather.
