This Habring2 Doppel 3.1 represents a great technological advancement from the original Doppel reference, featuring a monopusher, split-second chronograph and the more unusual?centre based minute counter.?With a striking blue dial,?this contemporary 42mm steel sports watch is as versatile as it is satisfying to operate.

The Austrian Watchmaker

?was founded by husband-and-wife duo Richard and Maria Habring, creators of relatively under-the-radar watches from the small town of V?lkermarkt, Austria. Richard Habring is known for developing several notable complications during his formative years at?, including the split-second?Doppelchronograph.?

The timepieces that leave the Austrian manufacture are?attractively priced, cleverly constructed complications. Despite their relatively small operation, the Austrian watchmakers work has been recognised by the wider horological community. Impressively, their watches have been nominated multiple times for the?Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve (GPHG), including the Doppel 2, which won the sports watch category in 2012. Building on the success of the Doppel 2, the Doppel 3 was born, and ran in a limited production of only 20 pieces each year.

Function and form?

The Doppel 3 implements two key differences from the previous iteration. The first is the split seconds hand, while the second is the monopusher button. There are also subtle aesthetic differences executed to give the Doppel 3 a more vintage feel. This 3.1 also includes a centre based minute counter. By using this added complication, the usual second chronograph subsidiary dial (usually found at the 3 o'clock position) is made redundant and is entirely removed - therefore allowing greater appreciation for the glossy blue dial on this example.

The monopusher chronograph is a complication long revered among 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. In this case, the second pusher is only required because of the split seconds mechanism. The pusher at 2 oclock is responsible for starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph complication, while the pusher at 10 oclock operates the split second function.?

The design

In keeping with their vintage sports watch aesthetic, this Doppel 3.1 comes in stainless steel, with a dark blue dial and a silvered, engine-turned seconds sub-dial at the 9 o'clock position. The hour, minute, and second hands are rendered in stainless steel, while the split seconds hand is in a striking yellow that draws the eye to it. The chronograph seconds hand and?centre based minute counter are both in white (the latter in the form of an arrow, for ease of legibility), adding another dimension to the colourful dial.

Arabic numerals are purposefully used at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, which balance the dial, whilst polished indices are found on all other hour markers. Applied and filled with SuperLuminova, these give an added depth and usability to the dial. At 42mm in diameter, this is a modern watch that asserts itself comfortably on the wearers wrist.

The Movement?

This Habring2 Doppel 3.1 is powered by the A08MR-Mono, a calibre closely based on the Valijoux 7760. The construction and design of this calibre have been heavily modified, improving both its technical qualities as well as its aesthetics.?There are no column wheels present within this movement, in keeping with the Valijoux base, and both the chronograph and split seconds complications are controlled through cams.

The movement is fitted with 23 jewels and has a 48-hour power reserve. A sapphire caseback displays the movement. Arranged in a reworked layout, the bridges are finished with a circular graining and bevelled edges, while the base plate features perlage. Most of the chronograph levers are straight-grained, with their edges bevelled and polished. The use of blued steel and gilded components further reinforces the visual appeal of the watch.?

The Set

This Habring2 Doppel 3.1 comes with an outer and inner box, and a?booklet?that includes the details of the watch and watch manual. Included is our grained leather strap in taupe, alongside the original Habring2 brown strap and stainless steel buckle.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Habring2 Doppel 3.1?will be subject to 20% VAT. Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

Closer look