Comments:
Another incredible diving watch: Favre Leuba Bathy 160.
Issued in the second half of the 60's.
Credit pictures: Onlyvintage.
2 main assets: The patina of the dial and the fact that it is a mechanical depth gauge.
Best,
Nicolas
Super neat! The case back construction looks interesting.
I wonder if this 1964 patent was modified for this watch? -John
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Favre-Leuba made and remade some highly idiosyncratic dive watches.
I happen to have one, and was looking forward to its Indian ownership (Titan Watches, part of the TATA Group) lending it some longterm stability. Then they announced last December (2020) that they were pulling out with immediate effect. I've not followed developments since, but I do hope they find backers. Someone said Kickstarter. Under the circumstances, not a horrible idea...
Too bad. Some ten years ago, maybe a bit more, they resurfaced with the Bathy, but it was too ambitious in price, I guess.
Those sicura watches!
Just to clarify, I believe F-B is still in operation. I listened to its executive head talking about its plans earlier this year. This was after Titan pulled its support. I say this without having visited its website or scanned trade journals so I can’t be sure. In any event, it’s one of the very oldest names in watchmaking teetering on the brink, it seems. Perhaps others with greater insight can share.
An obscure gem
This brand makes very creative dive pieces. Are they still in operation? I read some time ago they were changing ownership (could be wrong)
It seems that you can actually buy the new models!
In Italy they even seem to have physical stores...
Dear Nico, thanks for introducing the Favre Leuba brand to us. Coincidentally I just saw this brand on the cover of a local watch magazine!