Introduction

Favre Leuba, often overshadowed by larger watch brands, boasts the distinction of being the world's second-oldest watch company, established in 1737 by Abraham Favre in the picturesque town of Le Locle, Switzerland. This iconic brand reached its zenith in the mid-1960s, becoming renowned for its rugged, purpose-built tool watches tailored for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Under the guidance of industry veteran Patrik Hoffmann, who now spearheads the brand, Favre Leuba is undergoing a significant rebirth, artfully blending its esteemed heritage with modern affordability. Hoffmann's ambitious plan includes ramping up production to an impressive 80,000 to 100,000 timepieces over the next decade.

The Relaunch at Geneva Watch Days 2024

During Geneva Watch Days 2024, the brand made waves with its strategic relaunched offerings, unveiling 22 striking models across three distinct collections. Among these is the remarkable Sea Sky Revival, a watch that draws inspiration from vintage Favre Leuba chronographs designed for divers and pilots. Distinguished by its inverted panda dial and integrated tachymeter and telemeter scales, the Sea Sky Revival pays homage to the brand's storied past.

Legacy and Innovation

The legacy of Favre Leuba in the 1960s and 1970s is a testament to its innovative spirit, with milestones such as the Bivouac – the world's first watch featuring an aneroid barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure and altitude – and the groundbreaking Bathy, recognized as the first wristwatch equipped with a mechanical depth gauge. These achievements cemented Favre Leuba's reputation in the tool watch realm, exemplifying precision and durability beyond the norms of the era.

Modern Specifications

The new Sea Sky Revival is a beacon of retro-inspired innovation with modern specifications. It is not merely a nostalgic nod to the past; rather, it faithfully embodies the essence of its ancestral models, particularly the Sea Sky ref. 33033 from the 1960s. Upon comparing the vintage model with the new release, enthusiasts will notice a surprising continuity in design elements, case shape, and functional arrangement.

Design and Features

The watch features a robust 40mm stainless steel case, maintaining a respectably sporty 100m water resistance. Despite its substantial 15.23mm thickness—a common factor in today’s automatic chronographs—the Sea Sky Revival skillfully balances classic aesthetics with modern materials. Contemporary upgrades include a glossy ceramic inlay on the unidirectional rotating bezel and a durable double-domed sapphire crystal that replaces the vintage acrylic glass.

True to its heritage, the dial design includes a tachymetre scale for speed calculations and a telemeter scale to measure distances based on the delay between seeing and hearing a phenomenon. With a captivating sunray-brushed black or brown background, and three elegantly snailed silver-beige sub-dials, the reversed panda dial captures the attention of any watch enthusiast.

Accentuated by arrow-shaped hands, the watch displays various functionalities with precision and ease, including a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock, alongside a running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. Moreover, the application of old radium Super-LumiNova lends an authentic touch, creating a bridge between past and present. Vintage-inspired details have been meticulously preserved, from the hourglass logo to the reimagined Sea Sky font that now proudly features the brand’s founding year: 1737.

Movement and Performance

While some purists might yearn for a manual Valjoux 72 movement, the Sea Sky Revival is equipped with the modern automatic La Joux-Perret L112 calibre, showcasing the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary engineering. This high-quality chronograph movement, a variant of the renowned Valjoux 7750, boasts a frequency of 4Hz and offers an impressive 60-hour power reserve. Observers can admire the intricate design details, including heat-blued elements and beautiful Côtes de Genève finishes visible through the exhibition caseback.

Conclusion

Though the case may be on the thicker side—attributing to the 7.9mm height of the movement—the Favre Leuba Sea Sky Revival captivates enthusiasts of vintage-inspired designs without compromising modern practicality. With a retail price of CHF 3,950 or EUR 4,600, this watch presents an alluring opportunity for anyone seeking to embrace history with style. In summary, the Sea Sky Revival is not merely a watch; it is a statement of heritage, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. It stands poised to make waves in the horology world, captivating both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike!