# Habring² Foudrayante‑Felix – A Flash of Art‑Deco Drama in a Dress‑Watch Package *By Vivir Senior Watch Editor* --- The Habring² Foudrayante‑Felix lands in a crowded segment of independent dress watches, yet it manages to pull a dramatic trick out of the hat: a “foudroyante” – a flashing‑second sub‑dial that ticks eight times per second – paired with a dead‑beat centre seconds hand. The result is a watch that looks like a miniature kinetic sculpture while staying comfortably wearable on a weekday suit. In this review we unpack where the Felix sits in Habring²’s line‑up, how its design and mechanics deliver (or fall short of) the promise of “every second counts,” and whether the price tag matches the experience. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Habring², the Swiss micro‑brand founded by brothers Philippe and Laurent Habring, has built a reputation for taking classic complications and giving them a contemporary twist. The “Foudrayante” family – French for “lightning‑fast” – debuted with a larger, more overtly sporty version a few years ago, showcasing the same flashing‑second sub‑dial that has become the family’s hallmark. The Felix, catalogued under reference **HAB1035**, is positioned as a **Tier 2** offering in Habring²’s hierarchy, sitting squarely in the **dress** category. While the exact launch year is not disclosed in the available sources, the model appears in the brand’s current collection alongside other Art‑Deco‑inspired pieces, suggesting it was introduced as a refinement of the original concept rather than a brand‑new invention. In the broader context, Habring²’s strategy has been to marry in‑house movement development (the A11 series) with visually striking dials that reference the 1920s‑30s aesthetic. The Felix continues that narrative, offering a more restrained case size – 38.5 mm – that aligns with contemporary taste for “sweet‑spot” dimensions, while retaining the kinetic drama that made the original Foudrayante a conversation starter. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial ### Size and construction The Felix is housed in a **38.5 mm stainless‑steel case**. This diameter is repeatedly praised by reviewers as hitting the “sweet spot” for wrist wear, providing enough presence without overwhelming smaller wrists. The case is sealed with a sapphire crystal, granting a scratch‑resistant window to the dial while maintaining a classic, clear look. Water resistance is rated at **30 m**, enough for everyday splashes but not for swimming or diving. ### Dial layout The dial is a nod to the Art‑Deco era, rendered in either a **rose‑gold** or **silver** finish. The main hour markers are applied, and the hands are slender, finished in a complementary tone to the dial. The centre seconds hand operates on a **dead‑beat** mechanism, jumping once per second rather than sweeping. At the 9 o’clock position sits the **foudrayante sub‑dial**. Its hand flashes at **1/8‑second intervals** (eight flashes per second), creating a staccato “tick” that is both audible and visual. The sub‑dial itself is minimal – a simple circle with a single hand – allowing the rapid motion to dominate the visual narrative. ### Finishing notes The case is finished in a polished stainless‑steel aesthetic, though the sources do not detail whether the whole case is polished or if brushed surfaces are present. The back of the case is not described in the available material, so we cannot confirm the material or any engravings. Likewise, the official strap or bracelet options are not enumerated in the sources; the watch is typically presented on a leather strap in promotional images, but no definitive statement about availability can be made. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy At the heart of the Felix lies Habring²’s **A11F manual‑wind movement**. This in‑house calibre is a development of the brand’s earlier A11 platform, engineered specifically to host the dual‑complication layout. ### Architecture - **Manual winding** – the wearer must wind the watch daily, a nod to traditional watchmaking and a way to keep the power reserve at its peak. - **Dead‑beat centre seconds** – the seconds hand jumps once per second, providing a crisp, precise visual cue. - **Foudroyante sub‑dial** – the flashing‑second hand is driven by a lightweight wheel train that incorporates **silicon components** produced by **Sigatech**. By using silicon, Habring² reduces inertia, allowing the hand to flash at the required 1/8‑second rate without taxing the mainspring. ### Power reserve The movement delivers a **45‑hour power reserve**, which the brand notes is “the entire power reserve of the watch” for the foudroyante function. In practice, this means the flashing hand continues to operate for the full duration the mainspring can sustain, a technical feat that ensures the complication never lapses before the watch stops. ### Finishing & reliability Reviewers describe the movement finishing as “typical Habring²”: competent and functional, but lacking the high‑end decorative treatments (Côtes de Genève, perlage, engraving) often seen on haute‑horlogerie pieces. This is consistent with the brand’s positioning as a value‑driven independent manufacturer. No specific accuracy data (e.g., COSC certification or daily deviation) is supplied, so we must assume performance aligns with standard manual‑wind expectations – generally within **±10–15 seconds per day** for a well‑regulated piece. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes ### Proportions The **38.5 mm** case diameter is repeatedly highlighted by owners as “perfectly sized” and “just right.” For a dress watch, this size sits comfortably between the traditional 36 mm and the modern 40 mm trend, offering a balanced silhouette on most wrist sizes. The lack of an explicit lug‑to‑lug measurement in the sources prevents a precise assessment of how the watch sits across the hand, but the overall case dimensions suggest a modest overhang that should not interfere with shirt cuffs. ### Comfort Because the watch is constructed from stainless steel with a relatively slim profile (the sources do not provide exact thickness), it is expected to sit comfortably under a shirt collar. The dead‑beat seconds and foudroyante hand create a subtle kinetic motion that is noticeable without being distracting, a point praised by reviewers who enjoy the “flashing hand” in office settings. ### Practicality With a **30 m water resistance** rating, the Felix is safe for everyday wear – rain, hand‑washing, and brief exposure to water – but it should be removed for swimming, showering, or any activity involving submersion. The manual winding requirement means the wearer must remember to wind daily; for those accustomed to automatic watches, this could be a minor inconvenience. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The Felix is classified as a **dress** watch, and its aesthetic confirms that role. The vintage‑inspired dial, polished stainless‑steel case, and modest size make it an excellent companion for business attire, formal events, and smart‑casual gatherings. - **Office & meetings** – The foudroyante hand’s “flashing” motion offers a subtle visual interest that can serve as a conversation starter without breaking the professional tone. Several reviewers note the hand as a “pleasurable distraction” during otherwise dull meetings. - **Evening affairs** – The rose‑gold dial version adds a touch of warmth that pairs well with tuxedo or dinner‑jackets, while the silver version offers a cooler, more understated look. - **Weekend smart‑casual** – Paired with a blazer and chinos, the watch feels appropriate, though the 30 m water resistance means it should stay off the beach or poolside. Because the watch does not feature a highly luminous coating or a rugged case, it is best reserved for settings where a refined appearance is valued over sportiness or extreme durability. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take Pricing information is limited in the source material, but a **review excerpt cites a price of €7,350** (approximately **US $8,000** at current exchange rates). For a manually‑wound, in‑house movement that incorporates a rare flashing‑second complication, this price is competitive within the independent sector. **Strengths** - **Unique complication** – The foudroyante hand is rare outside of high‑end marques, delivering a kinetic experience that few dress watches can match. - **Balanced size** – At 38.5 mm, the watch appeals to a broad audience without feeling oversized. - **In‑house engineering** – The A11F movement, with silicon components, showcases Habring²’s technical capabilities. - **Reasonable price** – Compared with other independent brands offering comparable complications, the Felix’s price point feels justified. **Weaknesses** - **Movement finishing** – While reliable, the finishing lacks the decorative flourishes that collectors of haute‑horlogerie may expect. - **Utility of the foudroyante** – Some critics question whether a flashing‑second hand offers practical benefit beyond visual novelty. - **Limited water resistance** – 30 m is modest, restricting the watch to dry‑land activities. - **Unspecified strap options** – The lack of clear information on official bracelet or leather strap offerings may require owners to source their own. **Verdict** The Habring² Foudrayante‑Felix is a compelling blend of vintage aesthetics and kinetic innovation. It delivers a distinctive visual experience without sacrificing the understated elegance expected of a dress watch. While the movement’s finishing is modest and the flashing‑second hand may not be essential for time‑keeping, the overall package offers a refreshing alternative to the sea of conventional three‑hand dress watches. For enthusiasts who appreciate a mechanical novelty and are comfortable with manual winding, the Felix represents solid value at its price tier. *Score: 8.5 / 10* – **Highly recommended for collectors seeking a unique complication in a dress‑watch format, and for professionals who enjoy a subtle kinetic flourish on the wrist.**