The deep black gloss of the outer chapter ring, finely executed small seconds at 9, and rich shine of the indices drew me in on that sunny Saturday morning at a small independent watch retailer in 2013. Years and many hours of wear later proved that the allure of the Habring2 Time Only 2009 was not fleeting but lived up to the first glimmer. Extended periods as my daily ‘go to’ also revealed this watch’s limitations and the aspects of its design that may suit some more than others.

Produced from 2009 (you guessed it) through until the mid-2010’s, the Habring2 Time Only 2009 was Habring2’s most basic model, featuring neither a deadbeat seconds nor any of the chronograph variants (split-second, monopusher, etc) that Habring2 are most famous for. There are a lot of great aspects to this watch but the dial is the real stand out for me. The vertically brushed silver centre, black outer chapter ring, and circular grained sub-seconds register give the dial great variety and depth. The simple stick hands are legible and elegant and make reading the time a beautiful experience. When seen in the metal the overall quality and feel of the watch is really solid.

The Habring2 Time Only 2009 is powered by an automatic movement visible through the case back. It is based on a Valjoux ‘Valgranges’ gear train and was noted as an ‘in house’ calibre due to the proportion of the other components produced in house including the bridges. Although it is not a particularly glamourous movement to look at, like the rest of the watch, it is finished simply but well.

This model came in both 42mm and 36mm case options. This example is of the 42mm type and is around 13mm thick and 52mm lug to lug. Whilst every wrist is different, for me the proportions are the biggest limitation. 42mm is a good diameter for my wrist, and visually with the dial it works well, but the combination with the thickness makes the proportions struggle to fit under a shirt cuff. Were it either a few millimetres narrower or thinner I think it would have largely avoided this issue. The dressy dial and sporty case also pose a bit of an identity crisis. There are many instances where I really enjoy wearing a larger watch, but some days I wish its proportions were a little more modest.

Although not available new anymore, the price of the Habring2 Time Only 2009 in 2013 was $4,850 AUD, good value in my humble opinion and a worthy contender against the alternatives in this range. Presented in a beautiful raw wooden box complete with little compartments containing replacement gaskets and a spare crown, even a second set of hands in a tiny glass vile so any well trained watchmaker can perform a service without need for additional parts.

Richard and Maria Habring have fashioned their brand around themselves; real, down to earth, and sustainable. If luxury brand recognition is important to you then a Habring2 will probably not scratch that itch outside the world of independent watch lovers (aka watch-nerds). But if you want something different, with strong pedigree and a bit more personality than the bigger brands, then Habring2’s creations offer something that few other manufacturers do, particularly at this price point.