Collection: Favre Leuba

Favre-Leuba: The Swiss Brand That Conquered Peaks and Depths

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Discover the legacy of Favre-Leuba, Switzerland’s second-oldest watchmaker. From pioneering tool watches like the Bivouac and Bathy to modern Raiders, explore why collectors value this underrated adventure brand.

At Belmont Watches, we take pride in uncovering the stories behind timepieces that define eras. Few brands possess a legacy as rich, daring, and underappreciated as Favre-Leuba. As the second-oldest Swiss watch brand in history, Favre-Leuba seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with bold innovation, making it a hidden gem in the world of vintage and tool watches.

A Heritage That Dates Back to 1737

Founded in 1737 by Abraham Favre in Le Locle, Switzerland, Favre-Leuba has origins that stretch back nearly 300 years. For generations, the Favre family was involved in the manufacture and sale of watches. By the 19th century, the brand had begun exporting timepieces across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The merger with the Leuba family in 1815 officially established the brand we now recognize as Favre-Leuba.

Favre-Leuba earned a reputation for quality and precision. They pioneered the use of cylinder escapements, and their watches became known for reliability in both civilian and military applications.

Innovative Spirit in the Golden Age of Tool Watches

Favre-Leuba flourished from the 1950s to the 1970s, when tool watches became essential gear for explorers, divers, and adventurers. Iconic models from this era include:

• Bivouac (1962) – The world’s first mechanical wristwatch with an aneroid barometer, used by alpinists to track altitude and pressure.

• Bathy 160 (1968) – The first mechanical wristwatch to measure dive depth and time, using a membrane-based pressure sensor.

• Sea Sky (1960s–70s) – A bold diver’s chronograph praised for its functionality and distinctive design.

These watches weren’t just status symbols; they were built to perform in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth.

Design Language and Identity

Favre-Leuba’s designs were ahead of their time. Their watches often featured:

• Angular and cushion-shaped cases

• Multi-function bezels

• Bold color palettes and dial layouts

The brand’s stylized hourglass logo remains one of the most distinctive in the watch world, a lasting symbol of their deep connection to time and history.

The Brand’s Modern Revival

After a quieter period in the late 20th century, Favre-Leuba was acquired by India’s Tata Group in 2011. The brand relaunched with a renewed focus on honoring its adventurous DNA:

• Raider Bivouac 9000 – A modern altimeter watch measuring up to 9,000 meters, still mechanical and still unmatched.

• Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth – A high-tech revival of the 1968 Bathy, now rated to 120 meters.

• Raider Deep Blue & Harpoon – Oversized, rugged dive watches with retro-futuristic design.

• Sky Chief Chronograph – A tribute to the vintage Sea Sky, blending chronograph function with vintage styling.

Why Collectors Love Favre-Leuba

• Historical Innovation – Their technical firsts set benchmarks in tool watch design.

• Underrated Value – Excellent vintage pieces are still discoverable at accessible prices.

• Adventure-First Philosophy – Built for action, not just aesthetics.

• Unique Aesthetic – Instantly recognizable, never boring.

Final Thoughts from Belmont

Favre-Leuba is for those who don’t just want a watch; they want a story, a challenge, and a companion built for extremes. At Belmont Watches, we celebrate brands like Favre-Leuba that led innovation with courage and clarity.

Explore our growing collection of vintage and modern Favre-Leuba watches. Whether you're scaling peaks or seeking a timepiece off the beaten path, this is a brand worth knowing.