Habring² Monopusher Chronograph, Japan Edition, Stainless Steel

Retailed exclusively through the Japanese retailer Shellman, located in Tokyo, this Habring² is a limited edition piece that bears an attractive, vintage-inspired aesthetic. At 36mm, the watch is smaller than some of the watchmaker’s other chronographs, in accordance with the tastes of Japanese collectors.

The monopusher chronograph is a complication long revered by horological aficionados. With all the chronograph functions controlled through a single pusher, it usually requires a more complex mechanism than a standard two-pusher chronograph. With vintage examples from the likes of Patek Philippe or Longines having become particularly sought-after by collectors, it seems a natural choice for Habring² to offer a limited edition of their monopusher, integrating design cues from the past.

The dial design mimics a vintage two-register chronograph, with a vertically brushed silver dial and indications printed in black, including desirable Breguet numerals. Reminiscent of chronographs from the early 20th century, the design features a telemeter scale on the outer-section of the dial and snail-shaped tachymeter scale on the central portion.

The watch is powered by the calibre A08-MONO, which is arguably its most compelling feature. Based on the robust ETA Valijoux 7750, the construction and design have been heavily modified, improving both its technical qualities as well as its aesthetics. While its construction was derived from the 7750, nearly all the movement’s components are produced by independent suppliers, with nothing being made by ETA. Having made been introduced in 1972, the Valijoux 7750 was developed as a robust, utilitarian movement in the midst of the Quartz crisis. Richard Habring’s connection with the calibre began when he worked at IWC, where he designed the condensed rattrapante mechanism that sits on top of the 7750 for the split-seconds Doppelchronograph.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Habring² Monopusher Chronograph for Shellman will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Habring² Chronograph Monopusher is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.