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WATCH REVIEW Habring Foudroyante 2010

Editor's opinion
68 / 100
Do not be mistaken: this is not just another “three-hand” watch. While this Habring² has a classic appearance, the concept of its movement makes it a totally unique and atypical watch. Review.
Straight to the Point

Habring Foudroyante 2010

Ref.: Foudroyante 2010
$4,750.00 US retail price March 14th, 2011
Pros
  • the improbable association of two contradictory complications
  • a general concept allowing for a reasonable price
  • a delight to the eye
Cons
  • the case and its back somewhat under par relative to the rest of the watch
Brand Habring
Model name
Foudroyante 2010
Reference
Foudroyante 2010
Case material
Steel
Case diameter (without crown)
42 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
45.80 mm
Movement type
Automatic
Caliber
A07F
Base Caliber
Valgrange A07F
Functions
Deadbeat seconds
Hour
Jumping seconds
Minute
Crystal
Camberred sapphire crystal
Power reserve
45h
Transparent back
No
Lug width
22.06 mm
Length from lug to lug
52.13 mm
Case thickness
14.54 mm
Strap material
Alligator
Clasp type
Pin buckle
Clasp material
Steel
Total weight
104 grams
Retail price USA at March 14th, 2011
$4,750.00
Comfort (/15) 13
Movement (/20) 11.5
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 3.5
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 5
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 0
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 2
Finishing (/20) 10
Dial finishing (/6) 5
Case finishing (/6) 3
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 0
Crystal quality (/4) 2
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 0
Functionality (/20) 12
Diurnal legibility (/5) 5
Night legibility (/4) 0
Water resistance (/3) 0
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 3
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 4
Additional items (/10) 6.5
Limited edition (/3) 3
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 0.5
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 1
Goodies included (/1) 1
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 15
When to wear it ? When you have plenty of time!
Users opinion
81%
like this watch
Do you like this watch?

Foreword

Habring², a young Austrian company created by watch enthusiasts Richard and Maria-Kristina Habring, has been producing models since 2004 with a very interesting alternative to the more classic production of the major brands.
The production of these watches relies largely on the deep technical knowledge of Richard Habring in the field of movement designs, the same Richard Habring who earned his stripes first at IWC, and then A. Lange & Söhne.

Their small and limited production process gives them the opportunity to work very closely with their clients, who can choose, among other things, the style of finish for the case or the dial of the watch they are ordering.

The Habring² strategy with regards to its movements is also somewhat unusual.
The concept is based on an existing standard caliber, which is then modified to have one or more original complications, and then completed with a classic look.
This strategy translates into the limited production of interesting and unique pieces available to collectors, while still being affordable!

For those who like to look at watches

Since it is at the heart of this model’s concept, let’s begin the review of this Habring² Foudroyante 2010 with its movement.

At its core, we find a Valgranges A07, a modest caliber based on the concept of the Valjoux 7750, with the same robust nature, but slightly larger size.

That base is then customized by Habring² with the addition of two complications, one deadbeat seconds, and one “foudroyante”.

The deadbeat seconds allows the seconds hand to move in one second increments, similar to the tick a quartz watch, while the foudroyante (or jumping seconds) counts in 1/8th of a second intervals on a sub-dial situated at 9 o’clock.

This technical modification is achieved very simply, but very efficiently: the foudroyante is a reflection of the functioning of the escape wheel while a yoke ensures the second-by-second jump of the seconds hand.

The technical attention and focus mixed with the robust nature of the caliber makes it possible to ensure the overall reliability of the watch.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the hidden side of this Foudroyante, let’s put the technical aspect aside for a moment.

These two complications are obviously unnecessary – almost contradictory – but the result is still captivating!

The jumping seconds gives the dial a calm and appeasing appearance, while at the same time, the foudroyante moves frantically and without interruptions!
Our attention is thus focused altenately on one hand, and then on the other…
Very few dials are susceptible to so much contemplation…

This Habring² is undeniably designed for those who like to admire their watch before reading the actual time on it!

A classic case

How does one enhance a rare movement?

Habring², no stranger to contrary action, chose a classic and discreet design.
A simple dial, railtrack-style minute circle, contrasting sub-dial, rhodium-plated hands, and a 42mm diameter polished case with straight flanks.

At a time when innovation in the watchmaking world is usually synonymous with the mixing of technical and often expensive materials, this Austrian brand offers us a watch of great originality - the Foudroyante 2010 is absolutely fascinating!

But this simplicity deserves a closer inspection.

The dial’s perimeter has a railtrack minute circle, rhodium-plated hourmarkers, and a circular brushed finish.

In the center, the brush is vertical, leaving room for three small but elegant appliqué numbers: 12, 3, and 6.

Finally, a white guilloche subdial enhances the foudroyante.

The different finishes give the dial a variety of appearances depending on the angle of the light.
Once again, it a true pleasure to the eye.

The solid back might be the only neglected part of the concept for this Foudroyante 2010.
Given the movement’s unremarkable architecture, one can understand the solid back.
Still, a more meticulous engraving would have been a plus!

With the production of this watch being limited to 12 units a year, with 4 different dials and the possibility of several options of materials for the case, this is truly a remarkable watch which will undoubtedly get the attention of those in search of originality and uniqueness. – or simply those who cannot resist love at first sight!

If you still need to be convinced that this watch and its company operate somewhat outside of the norms, we can add a few words about its packaging. While it is a bit austere with its small wooden box, it does include a few goodies that are rather unusual in the standard watchmaking world: 77 replacement parts allowing one to do a complete overhaul of this Habring² Foudroyante 2010!

To admire the mad race of the foudroyante hand, as well as the jumping of the deadbeat seconds(or go HERE if you cannot play the video):

What to remember

Continuing its tradition of going against the grain, this Habring², with its deadbeat seconds and foudroyante, along with unique complications in a classic case, definitely merits careful a closer look.
At a time when innovation in the watchmaking world is usually synonymous with the mixing of technical and often expensive materials, this Austrian brand offers us a watch of great originality – the Foudroyante 2010 is absolutely fascinating!

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