Habring² Doppel-Felix

Introduction

In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, the rattrapante—or split-seconds chronograph—remains a pinnacle of mechanical complexity. For decades, this complication was the exclusive domain of a handful of Swiss giants, with prices to match. Enter Habring², a small Austrian manufacture that has democratized the rattrapante without compromising on technical integrity. The Doppel-Felix is their flagship, a watch that pairs the split-seconds function with a jumping seconds display, creating a horological double act that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually captivating.

Founded by Richard and Maria Habring, the brand has carved a niche for itself by offering complications that are traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy at a fraction of the cost. The Doppel-Felix, introduced in the mid-2010s, is a testament to their philosophy: take a robust base movement, re-engineer it with in-house modifications, and deliver a watch that punches far above its weight. This review delves into the nuances of this remarkable timepiece, examining its movement, wearability, and place in the modern collector's arsenal.

For the young collector seeking substance over status, the Doppel-Felix offers a compelling proposition. It is a watch that rewards close inspection, with a movement that reveals its secrets only to those who look beyond the dial. In an era of mass-produced homogeneity, Habring² stands as a beacon of independent watchmaking—and the Doppel-Felix is its brightest star.

Manufacture History

Habring² was established in 2004 in the small Austrian town of Völkermarkt. Richard Habring, a former watchmaker at IWC, and his wife Maria, who also trained in the Swiss industry, set out to create a brand that would focus on complications often deemed too complex for small workshops. Their breakthrough came with the development of a rattrapante mechanism based on a Valjoux 7750, which they modified to be hand-wound and enhanced with a column wheel. This innovation allowed them to offer a true split-seconds chronograph at a price point that undercut the Swiss establishment by a significant margin.

The Doppel-Felix, introduced around 2015, added a jumping seconds complication to the rattrapante, creating a watch that displays time in a unique, one-second tick while also offering the ability to time multiple events simultaneously. The name 'Doppel' refers to the double chronograph function, while 'Felix' is a nod to the jumping seconds, which is sometimes called 'deadbeat seconds' in English. The brand has since expanded its lineup, but the Doppel-Felix remains its most iconic model, celebrated for its technical prowess and accessible price.

Movement

At the heart of the Doppel-Felix lies the Caliber A06R, a manual-winding movement based on the ubiquitous Valjoux 7750. However, to call it a mere modification would be an understatement. Habring² strips the automatic winding system, converting it to hand-winding, and then adds a column wheel for the chronograph—a significant upgrade over the 7750's cam-based system. The split-seconds mechanism is a complex addition, with a second chronograph hand that can be stopped independently while the main chronograph continues to run. The jumping seconds, meanwhile, is a separate module that drives the central seconds hand in one-second increments, giving the watch its distinctive 'tick' rather than a smooth sweep.

The finishing is utilitarian yet competent: perlage on the main plate, Côtes de Genève on the bridges, and blued screws. The movement is not decorated to haute horlogerie standards, but it is clean and precise. The power reserve is 48 hours, and the frequency is 28,800 vph, ensuring a smooth chronograph operation. The date is displayed at 6 o'clock, a practical addition that does not disrupt the dial's symmetry. While not COSC-certified, the movement is regulated in-house to within acceptable tolerances.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 38.5mm
• Case Thickness: 12.5mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire, domed with anti-reflective coating
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Lume: None
• Strap: Leather (crocodile or calf) with pin buckle

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the Doppel-Felix wears smaller than its 38.5mm diameter suggests, thanks to a compact lug-to-lug of 48mm. The case is modestly proportioned, with a slight cushion shape that hugs the wrist comfortably. The leather strap is supple out of the box, and the pin buckle keeps the watch secure without adding bulk. At 12.5mm thick, it slides under a shirt cuff with ease, making it a versatile companion for both business and leisure.

The weight is balanced—neither featherlight nor ponderous—and the crown, though not screw-down, offers a satisfying grip for winding. The pushers for the chronograph and split-seconds are ergonomically placed, falling naturally under the thumb and forefinger. This is a watch that disappears on the wrist, allowing the wearer to focus on the intricate dance of the hands rather than the case itself.

Accuracy

In real-world testing, the Doppel-Felix performs admirably, with an average deviation of +3 to +5 seconds per day. The jumping seconds mechanism, which ticks once per second, is a joy to observe, and the chronograph's split-seconds function operates with a crisp, positive action. While not COSC-certified, the movement's regulation is consistent, and the power reserve of 48 hours is reliable, though it drops slightly when the chronograph is running.

Occasions

The Doppel-Felix is a chameleon. Its classic proportions and restrained dial make it suitable for formal events, while the chronograph functionality adds a sporty edge for daily wear. It is not a diver, but its 50m water resistance is sufficient for hand-washing and light rain. The watch excels in dressy settings, where its intricate dial can be appreciated up close. It is also a natural conversation starter at watch gatherings, where enthusiasts will recognize the rarity of the complication.

Wrist Presence

4/5 - The Doppel-Felix commands attention not through size or flash, but through its intricate dial and the mesmerizing jumping seconds. It's a conversation starter for those in the know, yet understated enough to pass as a simple dress watch to the uninitiated.

Reference Variants

The Doppel-Felix is available in several dial configurations. The most common is the black dial with silver subdials (ref. 2.1), which offers high contrast and legibility. A silver opaline dial with blued hands (ref. 2.2) provides a more vintage aesthetic. Both are offered on a variety of leather straps, and the brand also offers custom options through its 'Atelier' program.

Family and Other Models

The Doppel-Felix sits alongside the Doppel 3.0, which is a pure rattrapante without the jumping seconds, and the Chrono Felix, which adds a date and a more conventional chronograph. The brand also produces the Erwin, a time-only watch with a jumping seconds, and the Jumping Second, which is a simpler take on the complication. These models share the same philosophy of accessible complexity.

Similar Watches

In the realm of rattrapante chronographs, the Doppel-Felix has few peers at its price point. The Patek Philippe 5370 and the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split are the gold standards, but they cost 20 to 30 times more. For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the Seagull 1963 offers a chronograph but not a rattrapante. The Doppel-Felix stands alone in its segment.

Homages

While there are no direct homages to the Doppel-Felix, some Chinese brands like Sugess have produced split-seconds chronographs at very low prices. However, these lack the finishing, reliability, and brand heritage of the Habring². They are not true homages but rather budget imitations.

Investment Value

The Doppel-Felix has an MSRP of $8,500, and the pre-owned market sees prices ranging from $6,500 to $9,000, depending on condition and dial variant. The trend is stable, with no significant depreciation or appreciation. For a collector, this is a watch to hold for the long term, as the brand's reputation continues to grow. Auction history is sparse, but private sales indicate steady demand.

Service and Maintenance

Habring² recommends a service every 5 years, with an approximate cost of $800. The service must be performed by the brand's workshop in Austria, as the movement is not widely serviced elsewhere. Turnaround is typically 4-6 weeks. While this may be inconvenient for some, it ensures that the movement is handled by experts who know its intricacies.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Unique combination of rattrapante and jumping seconds; exceptional value; in-house modified movement with column wheel; comfortable case size.
• Cons: Not COSC-certified; limited service network; no lume.

Final Verdict

The Habring² Doppel-Felix is a masterclass in independent watchmaking, offering a level of horological sophistication that belies its price. It is a watch for the purist who values mechanical ingenuity over brand prestige. If you seek a rattrapante that is both accessible and technically profound, the Doppel-Felix is an unequivocal choice.