Imagine a collaboration so unique it brings together the quiet mastery of Austrian watchmaking with the sharp insights of a respected watch media outlet, all to create a timepiece with a noble purpose! That's precisely the magic behind the new Habring² x SJX Chrono-Felix Medicus. This isn't just another watch; it's a story of passion, precision, and a touch of medical history, crafted for those who appreciate both form and function.
Let's set the stage for this exciting partnership. On one hand, we have Habring², a name whispered with reverence in independent watchmaking circles, proudly upholding the legacy of Austrian horology. On the other, SJX Watches, a highly regarded watch media platform founded by Jiaxian SU, known for its in-depth analysis and keen eye for exceptional timepieces. Now, picture a group of discerning collectors, all physicians, who approached SJX with a very specific vision. Their inspiration? A true doctor's watch, a nod to the vintage multi-scale chronographs that once aided medical professionals in their vital work. And to bring this vision to life, they looked to one of Habring²'s most captivating designs: the Shellman monopusher chronograph.
The result of this remarkable confluence is the Habring² x SJX Chrono-Felix Medicus, a pair of highly desirable monopusher doctor's watches. While they share identical specifications, their executions are wonderfully distinct, offering something for every taste.
At its heart, the Chrono-Felix Medicus is built upon the familiar and beloved Chrono-Felix platform. This compact monopusher chronograph, which also served as the foundation for SJX's first Montre de Souscription, has been thoughtfully refined. The case, a neat 38.5mm, has been subtly reworked with a flat, single-step bezel and a box-shaped sapphire crystal. This combination instantly evokes the timeless elegance of 1940s chronographs, reminiscent of iconic pieces like the Patek Philippe ref. 130. Measuring a slender 11.2mm in total thickness, the case features a sapphire crystal caseback, a single chronograph pusher elegantly positioned at 2 o'clock, and a water resistance of 30 meters – perfect for everyday wear.
But here's where the story truly takes a fascinating turn. The genesis of this collaboration lies in an unusual request from a group of physicians. They envisioned a watch that wasn't just a timekeeper but a functional tool, complete with pulsation and respiration scales, echoing the spirit of vintage medical chronographs. SJX and Habring² founder, Richard Habring, embarked on a journey to create a dial that pays homage to the classic Habring² Shellman monopusher while forging its own unique identity. The dial is adorned with elegant Breguet numerals and subtle dot hour markers, complemented by polished leaf-shaped hands and a seconds hand with an openworked counterweight.
The medical functionality is beautifully integrated through a sophisticated multi-scale layout. Encircling the dial is a lightly recessed and snailed flange featuring a pulsometer scale. Adjacent to this, from the 5 to the 25 mark, you'll find a respiration scale. The central part of the dial boasts a striking snailed tachymeter scale, designed to calculate average speeds – a nod to the chronograph's broader capabilities, even if not directly medical. A technical detail that sets this watch apart is its single chronograph sub-dial, a 30-minute counter unusually placed at 12 o'clock. This is a departure from the typical two-register layout seen on other Chrono-Felix models, presenting an unprecedented configuration for Habring².
And this is the part most people miss: SJX didn't just create one watch, but a captivating pair, each with its own distinct personality.
The first edition presents a classic brushed steel case, paired with a supple blue leather strap. Its silver dial, accented by blued hands and applied markers, exudes a timeless elegance and understated vintage charm. It's a discreet yet undeniably sophisticated piece.
The second edition, however, is a bold statement. Its sandblasted steel case is designed to mimic the alluring look of vintage chrome-plated watch cases. This edition is beautifully complemented by a grey dial and striking rose gold-plated accents. The result is a surprising, yet incredibly appealing, fusion of retro inspiration, modern craftsmanship, and a distinct technical aesthetic. This version, with its daring combination of elements, is a personal favorite!
Beneath the sapphire crystal lies the beating heart of these timepieces: the in-house calibre Habring² A11C-H0. This is a refined variant of the movement found in the standard Chrono-Felix and the MdS 1 Salmon Chronograph. Developed by Richard Habring based on the robust Valjoux 7750 architecture, this hand-wound monopusher chronograph with cam-lever mechanism represents a significant upgrade. With parts sourced from in-house production and independent suppliers, along with several mechanical enhancements for improved chronometry and serviceability, it's a testament to precision engineering. Operating at 4Hz, this movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and is meticulously hand-finished with polished edges, perlage, and steel chronograph components, expertly executed by independent watchmaker Pöhlmann-Bresan.
Each watch is presented on a leather strap with a steel pin buckle that perfectly matches the case finish. The Habring² x SJX Chrono-Felix Medicus will be produced in a limited run of 25 pieces per style, totaling 50 pieces. Deliveries are anticipated to commence between May and July 2026. These exceptional timepieces are available directly from SJX Watches and Shellman in Tokyo. The price for either edition is EUR 7,750 (excluding taxes), with a 40% deposit required upon ordering.
But the story doesn't end with exquisite watchmaking. In a heartwarming gesture, the equivalent of EUR 700 per watch will be donated to children's medical charities in Singapore and Austria, with both SJX Watches and Habring² contributing EUR 350 each. This philanthropic element adds another layer of meaning to an already special collaboration.
Now, let's talk about the execution. Is the inclusion of medical scales on a modern chronograph a practical necessity or a purely aesthetic homage? And does the sandblasted case with rose gold accents push the boundaries of vintage inspiration a bit too far, or is it a stroke of genius? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Technical Specifications – Habring² x SJX Watches Chrono-Felix Medicus
- Case: 38.5mm diameter x 11.2mm thickness – stainless steel case with a flat single-step bezel. Available in two versions: brushed with polished accents (for the silver dial) or sandblasted (for the grey dial). Features a box-shaped sapphire crystal with AR coating and a sapphire caseback. Double-sealed push-pull crown and a single monopusher at 2 o'clock. Water resistance is 30m.
- Dial: Vertically-brushed dial with a recessed, snailed outer track and sub-counter. Applied Breguet numerals and hour dots, all polished. Polished leaf-shaped hands and a seconds hand with an openworked counterweight. The chronograph features a single 30-minute sub-counter, a central snailed tachymeter, and pulsation and respiration scales on the periphery. Available in silver with blue accents or grey with pink gold-plated accents.
- Movement: Calibre Habring² A11C-H0 – in-house, hand-wound monopusher chronograph with cam and lever architecture. Dimensions are 30mm x 5.7mm. Offers a 48-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour. Features an amagnetic escapement with a Carl Haas balance hairspring, fine tangential screw adjustment, and KIF shockproofing. Elaborately hand-finished with polished edges, perlage, and more. Displays hours, minutes, and chronograph with central seconds and a 30-minute counter.
- Strap: Blue or grey leather straps with steel pin buckles matching the case finishing.
- Availability: 25 pieces of each style (total of 50 pieces). Available directly from SJX Watches and Shellman in Tokyo. Deliveries scheduled from May to July 2026.
- Additional: A charitable contribution of EUR 700 per watch is donated to children’s medical charities in Singapore and Austria.
- Price: EUR 7,750 (excluding taxes). A 40% deposit is required at the time of order.
