A Symphony of Precision: When Independent Watchmaking Meets Medical Dedication!
Imagine the exquisite craftsmanship of Austria's hidden horological gem, Habring², joining forces with the discerning eye of SJX Watches, a name synonymous with respected watch media. Now, add a passionate group of physician-collectors, including the very owner of the first Habring² × SJX creation, and blend it all with the elegant lines of Habring²'s renowned Shellman monopusher chronograph. What emerges is nothing short of spectacular: the Habring² x SJX Chrono-Felix Medicus, a pair of highly desirable monopusher doctor's watches, born from a unique commission and designed to impress.
At its heart, this collaboration builds upon the familiar and beloved Chrono-Felix. This compact monopusher chronograph, which also served as the foundation for our very own Montre de Souscription salmon chronograph, has been thoughtfully refined. The case, now a more intimate 38.5mm, features a sleek, flat single-step bezel and a captivating box-shaped sapphire crystal. This design choice instantly transports us back to the timeless allure of 1940s chronographs, reminiscent of icons like the Patek Philippe ref. 130. Measuring a slender 11.2mm in thickness, the case is completed with a sapphire caseback, a single, intuitive chronograph pusher at the 2 o'clock position, and a water resistance of 30 meters – perfect for the discerning wearer.
But here's where the real magic happens. The genesis of the Chrono-Felix Medicus lies in a remarkable request from a collective of physicians. They envisioned a true doctor's watch, one that incorporated essential medical scales – specifically pulsation and respiration scales – all while capturing the spirit of vintage multi-scale chronographs. The resulting dial is a masterful homage to the classic Habring² Shellman monopusher, yet it carves out its own distinct identity. SJX and the brilliant mind behind Habring², Richard Habring, collaborated to create a design that not only respects its heritage but also introduces exciting firsts for the brand. You'll find elegant Breguet numerals and dot hour markers, complemented by polished leaf-shaped hands and a seconds hand with an openworked counterweight, all contributing to a dial that is both beautiful and functional.
The medical prowess is evident in the dial's multi-scale layout. Encircling the dial is a subtly recessed, snailed flange featuring a pulsometer scale. Adjacent to this, from the 5 to the 25 mark, is a respiration scale. The central area of the dial boasts a captivating snailed tachymeter scale, perfect for calculating average speeds – a nod to technical prowess that undeniably enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal. Another noteworthy technical detail: unlike many watches based on the calibre A11C, the Chrono-Felix Medicus showcases a single chronograph sub-dial, a 30-minute counter uniquely positioned at the 12 o'clock position. This is a departure from the typical two-register layout of the standard Chrono-Felix, making it an unprecedented configuration for Habring².
And the innovation doesn't stop there! SJX has unveiled not one, but two distinct versions of this exceptional timepiece, each offering a unique personality. The first edition presents a classic brushed steel case, paired with a supple blue leather strap. Its silver dial, adorned with blued hands and applied markers, exudes an air of timeless elegance, discretion, and undeniable vintage charm. The second edition, however, is a bold statement of originality. Its sandblasted steel case is designed to evoke the warm, worn aesthetic of vintage chrome-plated watch cases. This striking version is complemented by a grey dial and exquisite rose gold-plated accents, creating a surprising yet utterly captivating fusion of retro inspiration, contemporary techniques, and a thoroughly technical appearance. Personally, this second edition is my clear favorite – a true testament to daring design!
Beneath the sapphire crystal beats the heart of these timepieces: the in-house calibre Habring² A11C-H0. This is a refined iteration of the movement found in the classic Chrono-Felix and our MdS 1 Salmon Chronograph. Developed by Richard Habring and based on the robust Valjoux 7750 architecture, this hand-wound monopusher chronograph, with its cam-lever mechanism, represents a significant advancement. It incorporates parts from both in-house production and independent suppliers, along with several mechanical enhancements that elevate its chronometric performance and serviceability. Operating at a smooth 4Hz, this movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and is meticulously hand-finished with polished edges, perlage, and steel chronograph components expertly worked on by independent watchmaker Pöhlmann-Bresan.
Each Habring² x SJX Chrono-Felix Medicus will be presented on a leather strap with a steel pin buckle that perfectly matches the case finish. A limited production run of just 25 pieces per style (for a total of 50 watches) is planned. Deliveries are slated to commence between May and July 2026. These remarkable watches will be available for purchase directly from SJX Watches and Shellman in Tokyo. The price for either edition is EUR 7,750 (excluding taxes), with a 40% deposit required at the time of order. Adding to their noble purpose, an amount equivalent to EUR 700 per watch will be generously donated to children's medical charities in Singapore and Austria, with both SJX Watches and Habring² contributing EUR 350 each.
Could the integration of medical scales on a chronograph dial be considered a step too far, potentially cluttering a design intended for everyday wear, or is it a brilliant revival of a truly functional complication? Share your thoughts below!
