Favre Leuba Chief Chronograph

In the realm of watchmaking, where time is both a relentless force and an object of fascination, certain brands stand as enduring beacons of craftsmanship and innovation. Favre Leuba, established in 1737, is undeniably one such brand. With a history spanning nearly three centuries, Favre Leuba has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological excellence, crafting timepieces that capture the spirit of exploration and adventure. The latest addition to their esteemed collection, the Chief Chronograph, is a testament to this legacy, seamlessly blending vintage inspiration with a contemporary, sporty aesthetic.



Before delving into the intricacies of the Chief Chronograph, it is imperative to acknowledge the rich tapestry of Favre Leuba's history. Founded by Abraham Favre in the picturesque Swiss Jura mountains, the brand quickly gained recognition for its precision and reliability. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Favre Leuba timepieces accompanied explorers and adventurers on their daring expeditions, from scaling the treacherous peaks of the Himalayas to navigating the vast expanse of the oceans.



The 20th century witnessed Favre Leuba's continued pursuit of innovation. In 1962, they introduced the Bivouac, the world's first mechanical wristwatch with an aneroid barometer, capable of measuring altitudes up to 3,000 meters. This groundbreaking timepiece solidified Favre Leuba's reputation as a pioneer in the field of altimeter watches, catering to the needs of mountaineers and aviators.



Another milestone in Favre Leuba's history came in 1968 with the launch of the Bathy, the first mechanical wristwatch capable of measuring depths up to 200 meters. This remarkable achievement underscored Favre Leuba's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technical prowess, providing divers with a reliable and accurate tool for underwater exploration.



The Chief Chronograph, unveiled in 2023, pays homage to Favre Leuba's illustrious past while embracing the dynamism of the present. Its design draws inspiration from the brand's iconic chronographs of the 1970s, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. The result is a timepiece that exudes both vintage charm and sporty sophistication.



The watch's 'cushion' shaped case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, is a defining feature, lending it a bold and distinctive presence on the wrist. Its dimensions, measuring 41mm in diameter and 14mm in thickness, strike a harmonious balance between robustness and wearability. The case's intricate finishing, with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, adds a touch of refinement, further enhancing its visual appeal.



One cannot help but be captivated by the Chief Chronograph's mesmerizing dial. Available in three captivating color variations – blue, ice blue, and black – each dial is a testament to Favre Leuba's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The sunburst finish, meticulously executed, creates a captivating play of light and shadow, while the two raised sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock add depth and dimension. These sub-dials, responsible for tracking minutes and seconds, are adorned with a fine-turned circular brushed finish, showcasing an exceptional level of detail.



The dial's functionality extends beyond mere aesthetics. A tachymeter scale, discreetly positioned on the inner flange, allows for the measurement of speed, a feature that resonates with the watch's sporty character. Furthermore, a stylized 3D hourglass, the emblem of Favre Leuba, graces the 6 o'clock position, adding a touch of sophistication.



The rhodium-plated hands and applied indices, meticulously crafted with brushed and sandblasted finishes, complement the dial's refined aesthetic. The application of Super-LumiNova® ensures optimal legibility in low-light conditions, a testament to Favre Leuba's dedication to practicality. The baton-shaped hour markers, with their triangular tips, subtly echo the design of the hands, creating a sense of visual harmony.



At the heart of the Chief Chronograph beats the venerable La Joux-Perret L113 chronograph movement, renowned for its precision and reliability. This self-winding caliber, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, boasts an impressive 60-hour power reserve, ensuring uninterrupted performance.



The movement's intricate finishing, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is a sight to behold. Côtes de Genève stripes, blued screws, and a circular-grained barrel bridge adorn the various components, showcasing the artistry and expertise of Favre Leuba's watchmakers. The skeletonized custom rotor, crafted from 4N PVD and engraved with the brand's monogram, adds a touch of modernity to the movement's overall aesthetic.



The column wheel, a hallmark of high-end chronographs, further distinguishes the Chief Chronograph's movement. This intricate mechanism, responsible for controlling the chronograph's start, stop, and reset functions, ensures smooth and precise operation. The column wheel's blued finish, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, adds a touch of visual splendor to the movement's intricate ballet of gears and levers.



The Favre Leuba Chief Chronograph is more than just a timekeeping instrument; it is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Its harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary design, coupled with its impeccable technical prowess, makes it a coveted addition to any watch enthusiast's collection.



Whether you are drawn to its captivating dial, its robust case, or its meticulously finished movement, the Chief Chronograph is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is a watch that embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure, a reminder that time is a precious commodity to be cherished and celebrated.



While the Favre Leuba Chief Chronograph pays homage to the past, it's far from a mere replica or rehash. The design team has carefully re-engineered the watch for the modern wearer, ensuring it's not just a pretty face, but a tool that can keep up with an active lifestyle.



Let's get hands-on, shall we? The 41mm case size is the Goldilocks zone for many wrists – not too big, not too small. The 'cushion' shape, while vintage-inspired, has been subtly tweaked. Look closely, and you'll notice the grooves on the case flanks flow seamlessly into the chronograph pushers. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the attention to design.



The lugs, another nod to the past, have been streamlined for a more contemporary feel. The overall effect is a watch that sits comfortably on the wrist, whether you're in a boardroom or behind the wheel of a sports car.



Speaking of comfort, the Chief Chronograph offers two strap options: a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap. The bracelet, with its H-shaped links, echoes the case's geometric lines and features a deployant clasp for a secure fit. If you prefer a sportier look, the rubber strap is a great alternative and adds a splash of color depending on the dial choice.



The dial is where the Chief Chronograph truly shines. The sunburst finish, available in blue, ice blue, or black, creates a mesmerizing depth that changes with the light. The two sub-dials, for minutes and seconds, are not just functional but visually striking, with their fine-turned circular brushed finish.



The rhodium-plated hands and indices, with their brushed and sandblasted finishes, provide excellent contrast against the dial. And don't forget the Super-LumiNova® coating, which ensures you can read the time even in the darkest of conditions.



A small but significant detail is the stylized hourglass at 6 o'clock – a subtle reminder of Favre Leuba's heritage. The tachymeter scale on the inner flange adds a touch of sportiness and practicality, allowing you to measure speed with a quick glance.



Now, let's turn the watch over and admire the La Joux-Perret L113 movement through the sapphire crystal case back. This is not your run-of-the-mill chronograph movement. It's a top-grade caliber with meticulous finishing, including Côtes de Genève stripes, blued screws, and a pearlage finish.



The column wheel, visible through the case back, is a testament to the watch's mechanical sophistication. This complex mechanism ensures smooth and precise operation of the chronograph functions. It's a joy to watch in action, with its blued finish adding a touch of visual flair.



With a 60-hour power reserve, you can take the Chief Chronograph off for the weekend and it'll still be ticking when you pick it up again on Monday. It's a testament to the movement's efficiency and reliability.



The Favre Leuba Chief Chronograph is a versatile timepiece that can easily transition from casual to formal settings. Its sporty aesthetic and chronograph functionality make it ideal for active individuals, while its refined design and meticulous craftsmanship ensure it will turn heads in any social gathering.



With a retail price starting at 4,300 CHF, the Chief Chronograph offers exceptional value for a Swiss-made chronograph with such a rich history and impressive technical specifications. It's a watch that will not only serve you well for years to come but also become a cherished heirloom to pass down to future generations.