Made for the 10th anniversary of its retailer in the city, the Habring² Doppel 38 Hong Kong Edition is a split-seconds chronograph sporting the brand’s signature “bullhead” pusher layout. With only 10 made for A Watch Company, the Hong Kong edition is essentially a standard Doppel 38 but with a dial almost identical to that on the Chrono-Felix Shellman 50th Anniversary. 

Initial thoughts

The basic Doppel 38 is probably the best value rattrapante on the market. It’s a manual-wind split-seconds chronograph with a smartly constructed movement for about US$12,000.

Functionality aside, the Hong Kong Edition is even more appealing, thanks to the refined dial design. Admittedly, it is not an original design since it’s clearly vintage inspired – and the “sector” layout has been done by many brands – but it is still a good look.

Priced at HK$89,800, or about US$11,500, the Doppel 38 is arguably an even better value proposition than the regular production model thanks to the styling.

A value proposition rattrapante

Highly regarded for value-minded timepieces, Habring² is Austrian brand run by husband and wife team Richard and Maria Habring.

Featuring the “bullhead” pushers at two and ten, the Doppel 38 has compact, elegant dimensions considering the complication, with the steel case measuring 38 mm by 11.5 mm. The case is mirror-polished on the bezel and tops of the lugs with satin brushing on the sides. 

The blued chronograph minutes hand has a retro, pointer-style tip

Borrowing from the limited edition made for Japanese retailer Shellman, the dial features gold-plated baton indices along with twin Breguet-style numerals at six and twelve. The chapter ring and seconds scale are finished with concentric brushing, while the centre sector is vertically brushed.

The leaf-shaped hands for the time, as well as the chronograph and running seconds, are gold plated to match. The split-seconds and minute register hands are in blued steel for contrast.

The A11R-H1 calibre is visible through the sapphire case back. It is a manual-wind, split seconds chronograph movement developed in-house by Habring².

Mr Habring formerly worked at IWC, where he invented a cost-effective split-seconds chronograph module intended for the Valjoux 7750. The A11R-H1 draws on his past work and is based on the A11, the Habring² workhorse that borrows from the architecture of the 7750 but is so thoroughly reworked that none of its components are interchangeable with those from a stock 7750. From the winding click to the Triovis regulator, the movement has been refined and improved in such a way that’s instantly recognisable as a Habring² calibre. 

The movement is decorated with perlage on the bridges and flame-blued steel parts, including the cam and split seconds bridge. All of the chronograph levers are straight-grained on top and bevelled along their edges.

Key facts and price

Habring² Doppel 38 Hong Kong Edition

Diameter: 38.5 mm (bezel 41 mm)
Height: 13 mm including crystal; 11.5 mm excluding crystal
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. A11R-H1
Functions: Hours, minutes, and split-seconds chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz)
Winding: Manual-wind
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Leather with pin buckle

Limited edition: 10 pieces
Availability: Direct from A Watch Company Limited
Price: HK$89,800

For more information, visit Habring2.com