My journey with Habring² started back in 2009 when my girlfriend (now wife) and I decided to spend a cozy weekend in Vienna. At the time, I was living and working in Prague, thus it was an easy drive to Vienna. On a chilly November morning, after a delightful breakfast, we wandered through the city. That?s when I noticed these enormous banners showcasing various watch brands for an event called Vienna Time. Among them was a banner for Habring². I had been a fan of the brand but had never seen any of their watches in person. So, I jumped at the chance to visit and meet the brand?s founders, Richard and Maria Habring.

Fast forward to today, after knowing the Habrings for so many years, I can honestly say they are some of the most down-to-earth and caring people you?ll ever meet. And it shows in their watchmaking too. I like to call it ?honest watchmaking.? Their watches are reasonably priced, especially considering the various complications they offer. Even the packaging is charmingly unpretentious?a compact wooden box that simply says, ?made with love.? In this box, the Habrings also include spare parts necessary for the first service with our preferred local watchmaker?a practical consideration. The Habrings do not like to discuss Richard’s past accomplishments at various big brands like IWC and Lange. However, they are well documented online. As a primer, I would recommend reading this Hodinkee article by Jason Heaton, and this WatchProZine write-up by Don Cors...