Habring², a small manufactory in Carinthia influenced the watch market with its introduction of its Jumping Second model back in 2005. This timepiece features a movement that is made entirely in-house, similar movement to the one used in the Felix model.
We are all familiar with the quartz movement; how the seconds hand ticks and moves forward after each passing second, entirely different from a watch with a mechanical movement where the seconds hand sweeps continuously across the dial.
The characteristics of a watch with quartz movement are not commonly found in chronographs with mechanical movements these days due to a lack of demand with regards to having a jumping second. This was different as compared to the past where doctors/physicians preferred to utilise mechanical watches with a Jumping Second (a.k.a Seconde Morte) as it was easier for them to take the pulse of a patient.
This all changed in 2005 when Habring² introduced a new standard for an accurate jumping second and subsequently in 2007, it became the first manufactory to launch, patent and manufacture an entirely new system for the jumping second. This accomplishment was recognised when the Habring² Jumping Second Pilot became the winning entry to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in the category “La Petite Aiguille” in November, 2013.
One of the more interesting thing about this timepiece is the fact that the Habring² Jumping Second Pilot was designed to be as simple and as efficient as possible and in this aspect, the design consists of no more than 4 or 7 components which makes servicing needs hassle-free.
The Habring² Jumping Second Pilot was the winning entry to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in the category “La Petite Aiguille”.
Case, Dial and Hands
The Habring² Jumping Second Pilot comes in a 42 mm stainless steel case with three screwed parts. On first look, what makes the appearance of this watch so unique is its concave sapphire glass which is non-reflective on both sides. The reflection often makes the matte black dial look navy blue in colour.
The dial features a fairly simple design with markers coated with Superluminova for greater legibility under dark conditions.
The dial has a pretty simple layout, featuring a matte black galvanised silver dial with applique numbers and hour indices with Superluminova coating that enhances the legibility of the dial in darker conditions. The hour and minute hands are polished, galvanised thread hands, also coated with Superluminova material. We like the overall design of the dial and materials being used, the design is simple and subtle in nature, offering great legibility with the use of Superluminova coating on its markers and hands.
The Movement
The Habring² Jumping Second Pilot is powered by the A09S movement and its base is a Valjoux 7750 train gear with the options of a manual (A09MS) or automatic winding mechanism (A09S). The movement has a power reserve of 48 hours, Triovis fine regulation and it is certified to be shock-proof pursuant to DIN and NIHS.
The movement is reasonably well finished and what we like is the sapphire caseback that allows for a clear view of the movement and its components as it drives the jumping second.
Concluding Thoughts
This is an excellent timepiece considering its Jumping Second concept and given that it uses a design that is entirely made by the manufactory itself, it is unique and second to none in terms of its design concept. We especially liked the dial with its simple layout and the use of a concave sapphire glass that gives the watch a pretty different look with its reflections. The Habring² Jumping Second Pilot is definitely worth a look and will certainly please collectors who are looking for a watch that is simple, efficient and offers great value for their money.
