FAQ’s:What are the basic values of a Habring²? What does “modular watch” mean? How many Habring² watches are made? On average, how long does it take to make a Habring²? Which components are supplied externally? What is the difference between a Habring² movement and other movements? How often should a Habring² be serviced? What happens during a general inspection? How does one recognise the necessity for a general inspection? What is the lifetime of a high-quality mechanical watch? Where can I purchase a Habring²? What do I get for my money when I purchase a Habring²?
What/who is Habring²?Habring² is actually not a brand it is purely the name of a product. 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. What does “modular watch” mean?A “normal” watch usually is developed with certain functions in mind - some quite simple, others more complicated. The so-called "target specifications" list every requirement the developers need to fulfil with the finished product. However, conventional target specifications are usually quite rigid. How many Habring² watches are made?We are only able to produce around 50 watches a year - or around one per week - 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, each model is limited to a maximum of 12 pieces per year. On average, how long does it take to make a Habring²?Production depends on whether it is a standard model or a unique timepiece. We introduce a new model each year. In 2004 it was the “Time-only”; in 2005 the “Jumping Second”; in 2006 the “Automatic” and in 2007 the “ChronoSport”. These models are usually ready for delivery after four weeks when ordered with an available dial designs. However, the development of a unique timepiece can even take up to two years, depending on its intricacy. Is Habring² a manufactory?That depends on which particular meaning of the word one wishes to apply: Which components are supplied externally?These are principally components requiring a high degree of specialised know-how: housing, dials, hands, and, of course, the straps and locks and the packaging. What is the difference between a Habring² movement and other movements?In contrast to other manufacturers we do not order finished movements and simply put them into a shell. We usually work with so-called “ebauches”, i.e. basic movements with no decoration whatsoever. Whether hand-made engravings as with the “Carinthian” or diversified decorative grinding - these are always applied after the components have passed the receiving inspection. Galvanising treatment such as gold plating or rhodium plating serves to protect the surfaces. We even grind screws by hand. On principle, movements could be installed after these steps; however, we improve each subassembly in detail. This is achieved by replacing individual components with ones of higher quality. One example would be, for instance, the "Triovis" regulation-system which guarantees a far superior accuracy than the standard system. The balance wheel cannot be "studded", i.e. the spiral attached externally, before this component is mounted. Balance wheels and other parts of the escapement do not belong to the ebauche subassembly, neither do anti-shock components nor the winding spring. As a matter of principle, only the best quality of each particular component will find a place in a Habring². For instance, balance wheel, anchor and escapement wheel must be of chronometer quality. 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. 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. 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. 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. What is the lifetime of a high-quality mechanical watch?
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. 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. |
