Why don't we talk more about ...... Favre-Leuba?

Favre-Leuba was started by Abraham Favre in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1737. The headquarters was moved to Solothurn, Switzerland. While some may say the company has lost some of its luster, they are still crafting some highly unique timepieces that make it a worthwhile investment for watch collectors to get a hold of their timepieces.

Initially known as Favre, it wasn’t until 1815 when Auguste Leuba joined the company, was the company was rebranded as Favre-Leuba. Favre-Leuba pocket watches received numerous awards at national and international exhibitions – in London (1851), New York (1853), Paris (1855), Bern (1857), and Porto (1865), among others. During this period they expanded into Europe, America and Asia. In 1925, Favre-Leuba launched the first monopusher chronographs, just when wristwatches started to supersede pocket watches. In 1948 their precision watches were awarded with multiple first prizes by the observatory of the canton of Neuchâtel. Favre-Leuba introduced the manufacture caliber FL101, which was used in the Sea Chief, Sea King, and Sea Raider watch models in 1955.  The very first divers watch, Water Deep, was introduced by the brand in 1960. It was the stepping stone for the success it garnered in this category.

In 1962, Favre-Leuba developed the legendary Bivouac, the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with aneroid barometer, for altimetry and air pressure measurement. It soon ranked among the indispensable equipment of those who overcame seemingly defined limits. The Bivouac completed one of its first missions on the wrists of the Swiss national parachuting team during the 1962 World Cup in the United States.  In 1968, the brand introduced the Bathy – the world’s first mechanical wristwatch that not only displayed dive time, but also current diving depth.

The company, as with most Swiss watchmakers, suffered financially during the Quartz revolution in the 70s. In fact, Favre-Leuba was forced to close in the 80s because of this. Fortunately, the company was revived in 2011, they are now known for developing innovative and highly advanced timepieces for pilots.