Jochen Benzinger GAP 1 Deep Blue

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Habring² is a small but highly regarded manufacturer of mechanical wristwatches and movements, often featuring unique complications.  The brand was launched in 2004 by Richard and Maria Habring with the goal of becoming Austria's first modern mechanical watch brand.   

Over the years, Habring² has earned a sterling reputation not only for their watches, but also for fostering partnerships with other brands embracing their philosophy of high quality and small production.

The team of Jochen Benzinger and Habring² combines two of the most respected names in independent watchmaking.
The positioning of the hour and minute hands is shifted slightly toward the 12, in much the same way as are watches featuring subscription complications.

And speaking of the dial, Jochen has created a work of art with a deep blue finish.

Starting with sterling silver, he uses antique rose engines to engrave interesting guilloche patterns, all by hand.  The dial also features rose gold hands along with Arabic hour numerals.

The unusual positioning of the small seconds sub dial at 8 and the date display at 4 is a new design for the Benzinger collection, and was made possible by creating an all new manufacture calibre.

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The Movement

The Jochen Benzinger GAP 1 Deep Blue features a manually wound manufacture movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.

At 28,800 vph, this movement also features tangential screw fine regulation for improved accuracy and a KIF shock absorber, which offers additional protection against external forces.  A Carl Haas German balance spring is designed for chronometer level timekeeping.

The movement is masterfully guillochéd and skeletonized by hand, and is easily recognizable by those familiar with Jochen Benzinger's work.

Rose gold and rhodium plated movement parts stand out against the black rhodium plated base plate along with flame blued screws and wheels.  

The Case

In addition to the new movement powering this watch, the watch case is brand new as well.  Jochen Benzinger worked with a German case manufacturer in his hometown of Pforzheim to create this new 39 mm stainless steel case with elaborate engraving on the case back.

Another special feature of this watch is the positioning of the crown.  The crown is located at 2 while the traditional position at 3 is occupied by the date quickset pusher. 

The case back features a sapphire crystal surrounded by relief engravings.

This watch ships on a black alligator embossed calf leather strap with a steel engraved Benzinger buckle.  This strap is attached to the case using steel lug screws.

Water resistance is amazing for a watch of this design - 100 meters.