Habring² 20 Time Zone Chronograph Crown Operation

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Habring² 20 Time Zone Chronograph features Richard Habring's patented Crown-Operated System (COS), which allows full chronograph control—start, stop, and reset—via the crown, eliminating traditional pushers. Winding and time-setting are accessed by pulling the crown to different positions.
• While the crown-operated chronograph shares functional similarities with a monopusher, the COS mechanism offers a distinct advantage: it allows for cumulative timing by restarting the chronograph without an automatic reset after stopping, unlike traditional monopushers.
• The Habring² 20 Time Zone Chronograph is a notable piece within the brand's collection, with one collector sharing personal photos of the movement and confirming its continued presence in their collection.
• Some collectors argue that while innovative, the crown-operated chronograph isn't entirely revolutionary, noting that Patek Philippe had similar crown-activated mechanisms in the 1940s. They also ponder the complexity of integrating complications like a flyback or an hour counter into such a system.
• The COS mechanism has appeared in various Habring² iterations, including a 'ZM' variant that features minute counting on the central axis, which is a favorite among some collectors, especially when compared to versions with subdials.
• A common point of consideration for potential buyers is the 42mm case size, which may influence wearability preferences, though overall sentiment towards Habring² remains positive among collectors.