Independent watchmaking thrives on collaboration, cross-pollination, and a shared passion for mechanical purity. In an industry increasingly dominated by massive corporate conglomerates, the independent scene relies on tight-knit relationships between journalists, watchmakers, and collectors. A shining example of this symbiotic ecosystem is the ongoing creative partnership between Austrian independent powerhouse Habring² and SJX, the Singapore-based horological magazine founded by respected journalist Su Jiaxian.
Their latest creation, the Habring² x SJX Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star,” represents more than just another limited-edition watch. It marks the grand finale of a thematic trilogy, successfully uniting the celestial aesthetic of the original 2021 Erwin “Star” with the functional complexity of the Chrono Felix Perpetual. Limited to a strictly controlled run of just 30 pieces worldwide, this timepiece bridges Austrian mechanical mastery with Singaporean design vision, offering collectors a masterclass in independent haute horlogerie.
Main Facts: Architecture, Mechanics, and Aesthetics
At its core, the Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star” is built upon Habring²’s highly regarded monopusher chronograph platform, elevated by the addition of a sophisticated perpetual calendar complication.
The Case and Proportions
Housed in a stainless steel case that balances brushed and polished finishes, the watch measures a remarkably wearable 38.5mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness. For a mechanical watch packing both a monopusher chronograph and a perpetual calendar module, these dimensions are exceptionally restrained. Habring² has cleverly disguised a portion of the movement’s added height by utilizing a triple-stepped bezel. This architectural choice not only adds vintage-inspired depth to the silhouette but also neatly incorporates the recessed pushers required to adjust the calendar indications.
A Gilt-Style Celestial Dial
The visual identity of the watch is where the SJX team’s personal touch shines brightest. Eschewing modern minimalism, the dial adopts a classic, opulent “gilt-styled” aesthetic. It features a deep, glossy black lacquered base contrasted against rich gold-plated accents across every single element: markers, text, and handset.
The primary visual hook—and the direct link to the first chapter of the SJX trilogy—is the inclusion of eight applied gold stars serving as hour indices, a design cue directly inspired by the legendary vintage Rolex reference 6088 “Galaxy.” These stars are paired with oversized, gold-plated leaf-shaped hands that offer exceptional legibility against the dark background.
The calendar and chronograph displays are arranged harmoniously across slightly recessed matte sub-dials featuring a concentric circular finish. Despite packing a monumental amount of information into a compact 38.5mm canvas, the dial avoids feeling cluttered:
- 12 o’clock: Combined 30-minute chronograph counter and moon phase indicator (featuring a frosted gold moon against a matching gold-plated disc).
- 9 o’clock: Date sub-dial.
- 3 o’clock: Day of the week sub-dial.
- 6 o’clock: Month and leap year indicator.
- Center: Hours, minutes, and central chronograph seconds.
The Calibre A11CP Movement
Turning the watch over reveals the hand-wound Calibre A11CP through a sapphire display caseback. This movement pairs Habring²’s robust in-house A11 chronograph base with a heavily modified Dubois-Depraz perpetual calendar module.
While purists sometimes eye external modules with caution, Habring² has customized this mechanism to integrate smoothly with the monopusher setup. Notably, the calendar’s day-of-the-week correction is cleverly streamlined to operate via the crown, reducing the number of external case correctors needed.
The A11 base itself is a fascinating mechanical evolution. Originally conceived as an independent reimagining and heavy upgrade of the classic Valjoux 7750 architecture, Habring² produces the majority of its components in-house or through specialized independent suppliers. Operating at a modern frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a 48-hour power reserve, the movement is engineered for supreme mechanical robustness and ease of servicing. Furthermore, the aesthetic finishing is miles ahead of any standard industrial ebauche, featuring steel chronograph levers expertly hand-finished by German independent watchmaker Pöhlmann-Bresan.
Chronology: The Evolution of a Creative Partnership
To fully understand the significance of the Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star,” one must trace the timeline of collaborations between Habring² and SJX, as well as their broader network within independent media.
- August 2021 — The Genesis: The partnership kicked off with the release of the Erwin “Star” SJX Edition, introducing the celestial eight-star layout on a minimalist three-hand watch powered by Habring²’s deadbeat seconds movement. This established the design DNA that would define the entire trilogy.
- The Wider Circle: Habring²’s collaborative spirit has extended beyond SJX. Industry peers such as Monochrome Watches have also partnered with the Austrian independent label on notable projects, including the MdS1 salmon sector dial monopusher chronograph, the MdS4 Erwin “Art Deco,” and a unique charity piece auctioned via Phillips. These projects collectively solidified Habring²’s reputation as the go-to independent watchmaker for collector-driven collaborative editions.
- The Middle Chapters: Over the subsequent years, SJX and Habring² explored different complications, notably touching upon medical-themed chronographs like the Chrono-Felix “Medicus.”
- October 2026 — The Grand Finale: The release of the Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star” officially concludes the trilogy. By merging the starry night-sky aesthetic of the 2021 Erwin with the complex, high-end complications of the Chrono Felix Perpetual platform, the partners have brought their collaborative journey full circle.
Supporting Data: Specifications at a Glance
For collectors evaluating the mechanical and commercial viability of this release, the complete technical specifications provide a clear picture:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Stainless steel, brushed and polished surfaces |
| Dimensions | 38.5mm diameter x 13mm height (including crystal) |
| Crystal & Back | Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; sapphire display caseback |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters (3 ATM) |
| Dial | Glossy black lacquer "gilt-style" with concentric-textured matte sub-dials; 8 applied gold stars |
| Hands | Gold-plated, oversized leaf-shaped hands |
| Movement | Calibre A11CP (Hand-wound A11 chronograph base + Dubois-Depraz perpetual calendar module) |
| Frequency & Power Reserve | 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 48 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, monopusher chronograph (central seconds, 30-minute counter), perpetual calendar (date, day, month, leap year, moon phase) |
| Strap | Patinated brown calfskin strap with a star-decorated stainless steel pin buckle |
| Limited Edition | 30 individually numbered pieces worldwide |
| Retail Price | USD 28,500 (excluding local taxes) |
| Payment Terms | 40% non-refundable down payment required upon order placement |
| Delivery Window | Sequenced deliveries scheduled for January and February 2027 |
Official Responses and Industry Perspectives
Collaboration watches often serve as a barometer for the health of the collector community. Speaking on the design philosophy behind the Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star,” Maria and Richard Habring—the husband-and-wife duo behind Habring²—have long emphasized that working with respected journalists like Su Jiaxian allows them to push their design boundaries in ways they might not attempt on standard production models.
Su Jiaxian, founder of SJX, noted that the goal of the trilogy’s final chapter was to create something emotionally resonant. While independent watchmaking frequently leans toward hyper-modern titanium skeletons or austere Bauhaus minimalism, the “Star” trilogy deliberately taps into vintage romance. The gilt dial layout, paired with the historic nod to the Rolex “Galaxy” star indices, offers a warmth and classical charm that is increasingly rare in contemporary watchmaking.
Industry analysts have praised the pricing strategy. At USD 28,500, acquiring a Swiss-German-Austrian engineered monopusher chronograph with a perpetual calendar from an independent watchmaker producing micro-series is remarkably competitive. In a market where grand complications from major houses routinely cross six-figure thresholds, Habring² continues to champion accessibility without compromising on hand-finishing or mechanical integrity.
Implications: What the "Star" Trilogy Means for Independent Watchmaking
The conclusion of the Habring² x SJX trilogy carries several important implications for the future of independent horology:
- The Rise of Media-Led Curation: Specialized watch journalism is evolving past simple product reporting. Platforms like SJX are actively shaping product development, proving that journalists with deep historical knowledge and collector insights can co-create objects of lasting significance.
- The Value Proposition of Micro-Indies: As mainstream luxury watch prices continue to climb out of reach for average enthusiasts, independent watchmakers who maintain transparent pricing and genuine mechanical substance—exemplified by Habring²—capture the loyalty of true connoisseurs.
- The Collectibility of Trilogy Sets: For those fortunate enough to secure one of the 30 pieces, the Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star” holds significant long-term collector value. Completing a conceptual trilogy initiated five years prior creates a natural narrative arc that auction houses and secondary-market collectors heavily prize.
Purchasing Information
The Habring² x SJX Chrono Felix Perpetual “Star” is strictly limited to 30 individually numbered pieces. It is sold exclusively through SJX. Due to the high demand anticipated for the finale of this acclaimed trilogy, interested collectors are required to submit a 40% down payment upon ordering, with sequential deliveries slated for January and February 2027. Inquiries and purchase requests can be directed straight to SJX via their official portal at watchesbysjx.com.
