Following the anniversary edition with a silvered “sector” dial, Tokyo retailer Shellman announces another small-run limited edition with the Habring² Shellman 50th Anniversary “Black”. Available as a chronograph or time-only, the new edition is limited to just 15 watches each. It retains the dial design of the earlier edition, but now in a black “gilt” finish and matched with a stepped bezel.

Initial thoughts

Vintage-inspired “sector” dials aren’t novel at all, but the new Shellman duo, like the original edition, stand out for their details. At the same time, the fact that they are Habring² means the price-performance ratio is excellent.

Amongst the details that make this appealing are the applied markers, gold-powder print, as well as the matched silvered hands for the chronograph. These reveal an attention to detail in the design – unsurprising since Shellman is a respected seller of vintage watches – proving the whole here is greater than the sum of the parts.

Though these are slightly more expensive than the first edition – the price is up about 10% – both models now include a steel bracelet. Add to that the weak Japanese yen, and these are a greater value buy than the original pair.

Vintage-inspired

Created to mark Shellman’s 50th anniversary, the original silver dial model was a nod to the retailer’s 2017 Habring² limited edition – which was launched well before “sector” dials became a fad. The new pair continue with the same aesthetic, but executed in a more striking black-and-gold livery.

Modelled on vintage “gilt” dials, the new edition has a glossy black dial with gold print and applied markers. It is matched with the standard Habring² case that’s a compact 38.5 mm in diameter. But unlike the original edition that had a sloped bezel, the new edition has a stepped bezel that adds to the vintage feel.

Like the original, the 50th Anniversary Black edition is offered in two guises. One is the Chrono-Felix that’s a single-button chronograph powered by the A11C-H1, a manual-wind movement that’s part of the A11 family of movements.

The second model is the Felix, a three-hander that’s the same diameter but slightly thinner. It’s powered by the A11B, which is essentially the same movement as in the chronograph but minus the chronograph mechanism.

Key facts and price

Habring2 Shellman 50th Anniversary Felix and Chrono-Felix Model Black

Diameter: 38.5 mm
Height: 8.3 mm (Felix); 12 mm (Chrono-Felix)
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: A11B (Felix); A11C-H1 (Chrono-Felix)
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds (Felix); addition of mono-pusher chronograph function (Chrono-Felix)
Winding: Manual wind
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet and additional leather strap with pin buckle

Limited edition: 15 pieces (Felix) and 15 pieces (Chrono-Felix)
Availability: Only at Shellman, with delivery in fall 2023
Price: JPY1.1 million (Felix) and JPY1.54 million (Chrono-Felix)

Prices include Japanese consumption tax 

For more, visit Shellman-dearwatchlover.com.