Favre-Leuba Chronometer Calibre FL 103 — WatchProSite Forum Digest

blomman Mr Blue · 2016-11-19T15:40:20Z

Discover the Favre-Leuba Chronometer, Officially Certified, from the late 1950s. Explore its vintage design, Calibre FL 103 movement, and place in a collector's passion for early chronometers.

blomman Mr Blue

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

23 replies3957 views7 photos

Blomman Mr Blue's post from 2016 showcases a pristine Favre-Leuba Chronometer, officially certified, from the late 1950s or early 1960s. This article delves into the details of this lesser-known brand's vintage chronometer, highlighting its design, movement, and place within a collector's passion for early precision timepieces. Blomman's personal collection of Favre-Leuba chronometers underscores the appeal of these historically significant watches.

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Friends,

You all know I have a soft spot for early Chronometers….

And my weakness includes lesser known brands like Favre-Leuba!

Here is a very nice clean example from the late of 1950s, possible early 1960s.

35 mm in diameter and 43 mm lug to lug.

The case is very nicely done with quite interesting lugs.

Screw-down case back and partially hidden crown.

Inside is the Calibre FL 103 which came in 1957.

Here it is a bit unclear, but if I understand correctly, the Calibre FL 103 is based on the Calibre ETA 1080.

Here is a scan from 1959 including a similar Favre-Leuba watch.

It is stated in the text below the picture.

Here it says 17 rubies while the FL 103 has 21 rubies. My guess is that the Chronometer version of the movement has some adjustments with 4 more rubies.

As said, I have a soft spot for early chronometers, including Favre-Leuba…

Here is my pair, dress like twins but rather different!

One White, one Black. One Automatic, one manual (Zenith Calibre 135)…

Both Chronometers!

The Trident FL logo is suggested to be used in US during the 1950s and 1960s.

If that is correct, it would also explain the Chronometer spelling, compared with the European Chronometre.

I find these Favre-Leuba very nice, but hard to find solid information…

A brand I definitely will try to learn more about!

Best

Blomman

Key Points from the Discussion

Favre-Leuba, though a smaller player, produced historically significant movements like the ultra-thin 2.95mm caliber 253, a double-barreled handwinder, showcasing their in-house capabilities.
The Favre-Leuba Chronometer features a distinctive dial with 3-6-9 markers and a unique Maserati-like symbol at 12 o'clock, contributing to its classic and subtle aesthetic.
Collecting watches from lesser-known brands like Favre-Leuba distinguishes true watch enthusiasts from casual observers, highlighting a deeper appreciation for horological history.
Favre-Leuba is recognized for releasing notable watches such as the Bathy and Bivouac, demonstrating its legacy of interesting and innovative timepieces.
The practice of collecting watches in pairs, such as a white and black dial or automatic and manual wind, creates a collection that is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
During the 1950s, it was common to see 'bling' effects, especially on ladies' watches, where crystals were cut to resemble diamonds.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Nov 19, 2016

Very interesting and very nice piece

Knowing name of this brand in my book is what makes difference between us watch nuts and others Love the 3-6-9 markers and Maserati like symbol on 12 What are the working hours of museum!? Cheers D

blomman Mr Blue

Nov 20, 2016

Working hours? 24-7! ;)

Yes, I find the dial very classy and very cool at the same time! Best Blomman

Alkiro1

Nov 19, 2016

Indexes at 3, 6 and 9 are interesting as they imitate baguette-cut diamonds. It gives to this timepiece an original little Dandy style.

Interesting to see that PP uses true baguette-cut diamonds for its Nautilus 40th anniversary even if there\'s, of course, no link between these both watches (or if it is the case I missed something). Best wishes Alkiro

blomman Mr Blue

Nov 20, 2016

PP is copying this one...! ;)

During the 1950s a lot of this type of "bling" effects. Especially on ladies watches - cutting the crystal to look like diamonds... Best Blomman

Alkiro1

Nov 20, 2016

As we say, fashion eternally repeats itself ;-)

Best wishes Alkiro

Alkiro1

Nov 21, 2016

:-)

Best wishes Alkiro

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