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The recent relaunch of Favre Leuba announced at Geneva Watch Days 2024 marks a significant chapter in the brand’s illustrious history. Dressed in the robe of heritage, Favre Leuba have stood over the sands of time with precision and innovation. Carrying the legacy of the second oldest watchmaker in the world, Favre Leuba trace their roots back to 1737, founded by Abraham Favre, the “master watchmaker” of Le Locle.
Throughout their history, Favre Leuba have been pioneers in watchmaking innovation. In the 1920s, they introduced the world's first mono-pusher chronographs, transitioning from pocket watches to wristwatches. Their first in-house FL101 movement was launched in 1955 along with introducing their first diving watch, the Water Deep in 1960. The brand also developed the Bivouac in 1962, the first mechanical wristwatch with an aneroid barometer, and released their first mechanical wristwatch displaying both diving depth and dive time in 1968.
Their early creations include the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth, featuring a mechanical depth gauge, and the Raider Bivouac 9000, the first altimeter wristwatch to provide accurate altitude readings up to the summit of Mount Everest in 2018. Favre Leuba also have a strong historical connection to India. In 1865, Fritz Favre launched the brand in the country, making it the first Swiss watch brand to enter the Indian market. Despite facing challenges during World War II and subsequent ownership changes, Favre Leuba maintained a foothold in India and continued to thrive. The 1950s and 1960s saw a revival in the brand’s global presence, with significant production milestones, including 650,000 watches produced during the 1960s, reaffirming its position in the international watch markets.
Today, under the leadership of Patrik Hoffmann, Favre Leuba is making a strong return to the watch industry. This revival includes three distinct collections: the ‘70s-styled Chief, two versions of the Deep Blue dive watch, and a recreation of the vintage Sea Sky Chronograph. With 22 new models, the brand is set to reclaim its status among the world’s premier watchmakers.
Favre Leuba’s Modern Revival
The brand's commitment to preserving their legacy while innovating for the modern era is evident in the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterises their latest edition. One such collection is the Chief, a modern reincarnation of the classic Favre Leuba from the 1970s, which includes the Chief Chronograph and Chief Date. This collection merges vintage charm with the versatility of a modern luxury sports watch. Reviving their dive watch heritage, Favre Leuba introduce the Deep Blue collection with the Deep Blue Revival, which remains faithful to the 1964 original, while the Deep Blue Renaissance offers a modern reinterpretation. Additionally, the Sea Sky Revival reflects the adventurous spirit of the original 1970s Sea Sky model, combining the utility of a diver’s watch with the precision of a chronograph.