After going unmentioned for a very long time, the second oldest watch brand, Favre Leuba, proudly marks its triumphant return, celebrating 287 years of unparalleled watchmaking expertise. With a renewed vision and innovative spirit, the brand is set to unveil three stunning new collections that seamlessly blend heritage with modernity.
Favre Leuba, one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, is making a grand comeback with an ambitious relaunch that is setting a new precedent in the industry. Founded in 1737, Favre Leuba has been a beacon of continuous innovation for nearly three centuries. Within the next three years, Favre Leuba aims to redefine horological craftsmanship by producing thousands of watches annually.
Vision and Ambition
Favre Leuba is a brand defined by its resilience. With a history dating back to 1737, the Maison is entering a new era of significant transformation. Under Patrik Hoffmann’s leadership, a team of watchmaking experts is crafting a new chapter for this storied brand. The brand’s ambitious roadmap and strategic relaunch promise an exceptional transformation, re-energizing Favre Leuba while reinventing it for new horizons.
“Favre Leuba is not just a watch brand; it symbolizes resilience and innovation in the watchmaking industry. We honour our past and collective heritage while embracing the future, creating watches that embody the pioneering spirit of our founders,” says Patrik Hoffmann, CEO of Favre Leuba. “The relaunch of Favre Leuba marks an extraordinary transformation. With a team of seasoned experts and an ambitious vision, we are determined to restore this legendary brand to its rightful place in the global watchmaking landscape.”
Favre Leuba, one of the most iconic and historic Swiss watch brands, has preserved its heritage without interruption since its founding in Le Locle, Neuchâtel, in 1737. Now headquartered in Grenchen, Solothurn, the brand is set to establish new watchmaking workshops and a museum in the coming months.
This relaunch, orchestrated by experts and supported by an international network, reconnects with the brand’s legendary heritage in spectacular fashion. The revival features 22 new references, marking a complete reinterpretation of Favre Leuba. The brand’s exceptional heritage and distinctive DNA are highlighted with renewed clarity. With a strong international presence, the distribution network is expanding to reach an even wider audience. Favre Leuba is positioning itself as a global brand ready to compete with industry giants while staying true to its Swiss roots.
This comprehensive and ambitious strategy is set to redefine Favre Leuba’s place in the watchmaking world. With a focus on authenticity and innovation, this relaunch embodies a vision firmly oriented toward the future while honouring the brand’s centuries-old traditions. Favre Leuba is poised to conquer new horizons and write a new chapter in Swiss watchmaking history.
History
From its founding by master watchmaker Abraham Favre in 1737 to pioneering innovations like the Bivouac and Bathy, Favre Leuba’s history is a testament to its relentless pursuit of excellence. Each era has seen the brand push boundaries through groundbreaking collaborations with legendary figures like Breguet or by creating timepieces favored by explorers and adventurers.
1700s – Origins: The journey of Favre Leuba began with Abraham Favre, a master watchmaker devoted to his craft. In 1792, his son Frédéric joined him, and the workshop was officially incorporated as ‘A. Favre & Fils.’ Innovation became their hallmark, leading to the brand’s partnership with Auguste Leuba in 1815, marking the birth of Favre Leuba.
1800s – Expansion: In the 19th century, under Fritz Favre’s leadership, the company expanded internationally, exporting watches to India, China, and the Americas. Favre Leuba watches, known for their quality, robustness, and precision, became highly sought after by explorers and adventurers.
1900s – Innovations: Favre Leuba has never ceased to innovate throughout its history. Notable achievements include the 1962 launch of the Bivouac, the world’s first wristwatch with an aneroid barometer, and the 1968 launch of the Bathy, a watch with a mechanical depth gauge for divers. Despite facing challenges during the quartz crisis, the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship remained intact.
2000s – Transformation: Favre Leuba returned to the watchmaking scene in 2007 with the Mercury Collection. In 2017, they introduced the Raider Bivouac 9000, a watch that measures altitude up to 9000 meters mechanically, earning accolades and setting records. In 2024, Favre Leuba begins a fresh chapter with three new collections presented at Geneva Watch Days.
Timeline
Adventures in Style
Favre Leuba has always embraced boldness, exploring a wide range of styles. The new collections draw from the brand’s rich history, with vintage pieces serving as inspiration. The relaunch represents a significant aesthetic update, staying true to the original design cues while aligning with modern trends.
Known for its commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and engineering, Favre Leuba’s timepieces have always been regarded as robust, functional, and precise. These watches, valued for their versatility, were designed as trusted companions for explorers and adventurers. Each model blends tradition with innovation and robustness with elegance.
Presently, as Favre Leuba embarks on a new chapter, the brand leverages its legacy to create elegant yet functional watches for everyday wear. The latest collections, Chief, Deep Blue, and Sea Sky Chronograph, demonstrate the brand’s dedication to combining tradition with modernity. Favre Leuba remains steadfast in its mission to create exceptional timepieces that resonate with both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.
And this is just the beginning – Favre Leuba is already working on a new collection of complicated watches that will pay tribute to its rich history. Stay tuned.
