Favre Leuba
Favre Leuba is a Swiss watch brand whose origins date to 1737 in Le Locle, now based in Grenchen. It is known for 1960s instrument watches such as the Bivouac and Bathy and relaunched in 2024.
| Founded | 1737, Le Locle |
|---|---|
| Founder | Abraham Favre |
| Headquarters | Grenchen, Switzerland |
| Relaunch | Geneva Watch Days 2024 |
| Website | favreleuba.com |
What is Favre Leuba?
Favre Leuba is one of the oldest names in Swiss watchmaking. Its history begins in 1737, when Abraham Favre was recorded as an independent watchmaker in Le Locle. Today the brand is based in Grenchen, Switzerland, and led by chief executive Patrik Hoffmann.
History
The brand became known for technical instrument watches in the 1960s, including the Deep Blue of 1964, the Bivouac of 1962, a mechanical wristwatch with an aneroid barometer for measuring altitude, and the Bathy of 1968, which displayed both dive time and depth. It also developed the FL 251 twin-barrel movement. The founding family sold the business in 1985 after the quartz crisis, and ownership has changed several times since.
Products and positioning
Favre Leuba relaunched at Geneva Watch Days in 2024 with vintage-inspired designs drawn largely from the 1960s, targeting its historical price range of roughly CHF 2,000 to 4,500. Current collections include:
- Chief, in date and chronograph versions
- Deep Raider
- Sea Sky
- Harpoon
Why it matters
Favre Leuba's revival shows how dormant Swiss heritage brands are being repositioned around archive designs in the accessible luxury watch segment.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Favre Leuba?
Favre Leuba traces its origins to Abraham Favre, recorded as an independent watchmaker in Le Locle in 1737.
What is Favre Leuba known for?
Favre Leuba is known for 1960s instrument watches such as the Bivouac altimeter watch and the Bathy dive watch.