The parts are designed to be backward-compatible with Habring2’s older movements. He created his own version of the movement, sourcing parts from a network of small businesses (many private, family-owned) throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland. However, he saw the “writing on the wall” when ETA decided to sell parts for service to his company, but discontinued selling complete movements. When they started their company in 2004, the 7750 was an easy choice as the basis for Richard’s own creations. Richard is the technical “creator” who worked extensively with the 7750 movement when he was on the project to develop a split-second timing module for IWC in 1991.

My only experience with one is with Habring2.Ī very small company, Habring2 in Austria are run by Maria Kristina and Richard Habring, who recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

I used to be way more of a fanboy of the aforementioned brands, now less so.Ĭreations by independent watchmakers frequently have very interesting designs. Reasons for my disappointment include: poorer decoration, poorer overall finishing, too many cost-cutting measures (Panerai, IWC Mark XVIII mvmt), focus on creating a product for sale as opposed to an artist's product (after all, it seems like watchmaking today is more about artistry than functionality!), etc.ĭo you lean any particular way of late? I'm not trying to stamp my foot down and declare independents supreme, just making some observations about how my opinions have shifted. To be clear, I recognize their merits: easy servicing, good spare part availability, warranty, robust build quality (though independents have this too).but I remain more unimpressed by an Aqua Terra than I would be by a Nomos Club Sport. It just feels stale to rotate between Tudor, IWC, Omega, Rolex, etc. However, when it comes to thinking about watches that I'd like to purchase, I keep finding myself disappointed by most brands.Ī lot of artistry and sowing of wonder I've seen in watchmaking comes from the independents: Tutima, Sinn, Mühle, Nomos, Moser, MG, Grönefeld, MB&F, etc. I've got some mainstream brands in my collection myself, and they are special family pieces.

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