Habring² x Massena LAB Chrono Felix Perpetual (LAB-CFP)

One of the best kept secrets in independent watchmaking, Habring² is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Richard and Maria Habring. They are renowned amongst seasoned enthusiasts for combining complicated watches with simple aesthetics like few else can.

While their regular (if you could call them that) line of watches is absolutely spectacular in their own right, for us they are at their very best when collaborating up with some of the most well-known figures in the watch industry. And amongst these collaborations, those made in conjunction with William Massena.

Originally combining forces for two special edition watches for the 20th and 21st anniversaries of the Timezone forums, the resulting pieces known as the TZ20 and TZ21 are some of the most highly desired Habrings to date. When William set up his own company, Massena LAB, in 2019 his first collaboration was with Habring and was known as the LAB01. In 2020, they followed up this spectacular piece with the LAB02, and then again in 2022 with the LAB03. Their latest collaboration is their best yet in our opinion, as they set their sights on the one of the most magnificent of complications, the mono-pusher chronograph perpetual calendar.

The 38.5mm steel case is executed in steel, with a lug-to-lug of 46mm and a thickness of 13mm. It features a triple step from it's mid-case to bezel, which not only looks spectacular but also serves to mask the extra height gained in the movement from the additional complications over a time-only piece. A very clever solution that makes it feel slimmer on the wrist than its 13mm would indicate.

Within this vintage-inspired case lies an amazing execution of a classic chronograph perpetual layout, which displays hours and minutes, day of the week (at 3 o’clock), month and leap year indicator (at 6), day of the month (at 9) and moonphase and chronograph thirty minute counter (at 12). What makes this so special is the execution. Inspired by a negative photo of a Patek 1518, the colours have been reversed, with the traditionally lightest parts of the dial now in black, and those in darker shades such as the moonphase and tracks of the registers now in silver. In particular, the moonphase disc in reflective silver with a black moon is absolutely breathtaking, especially as the hands pass this section and leave a dark reflection across its surface. The effect is super-cool, and shows the attention to detail that makes this watch so special.

Powering it is the manually wound in-house A11CP calibre, which is a base mono-pusher chronograph calibre with a Dubois Depraiz module on top for the Perpetual functions. Correction is via pushers, which while some may find a pain, we prefer as it stops the accidental adjustment of the calendar, especially when at watch meets etc. It's worth looking at under the sapphire caseback too, with it's beveling, circular brushing and blued components. It features a 48 hour power reserve, and a delicious winding click. Collabs don't come much cooler, or more thorough, than this.

To finish it off it's mounted to a beautiful nubuck 'gator strap from HANDDN x Watch Vault which is close to new. It is also delivered with a nubuck alligator strap made by Jean Rousseau on Habring tang steel buckle, which remains unworn.

This particular piece was delivered in 2024, and remains in TZ Mint condition, with no signs of wear. Please see images for full condition details.

All functions operating as they should, and keeping COSC time.

Comes with wooden box, spare spring bars, gaskets, warranty booklet/instruction manual, pusher corrector tool, OEM strap and buckle and NFC card.

Remains under manufacturers warranty until 2026.

Brand: Habring² x Massena LAB

Model #: LAB-CFP

Year: 2024

Case Material: Steel

Case details: 38.5mm x 46mm x 13mm

Movement: Habring² A11CP Manual Wind Perpetual Chronograph

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Wooden box, spare spring bars, gaskets, warranty booklet/instruction manual, pusher corrector tool, OEM strap and buckle and NFC card.

TZ Grading: Mint