Favre Leuba has introduced the Chief Date Royal Purple. It joins the Chief Date lineup which includes dial versions in blue, green, and black. Favre Leuba was founded in 1737, and is the second oldest watch brand in the world (albeit not continuous).
Left: Blue dial. Middle: Green dial. Right: Black dial. Each is on their respective dial-matching FKM rubber straps.
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Image: The Chief Date is inspired by an iconic Favre Leuba watch from the 1970s. Notice the Arabic numerals minute scale on the dial’s outer flange, and the brand’s hour glass logo embossed on the crown.
Hours, minutes, and seconds with stop seconds function. Date at 3 o’clock.
Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time / date setting.
Dial
Image: Notice the brand’s 3D logo applied on the dial at 6 o’clock. It creates visual balance. I wish the date wheel was colour-matched with the dial.
Royal Purple-coloured patterned dial in a semi-gloss sunburst finish.
Hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated, feature a brushed finish and sandblasted grooves, and are coated with Super-LumiNova C1 X1 (blue emission). Applied hour-markers are rhodium-plated, feature a polished finish and sandblasted grooves, and are coated with Super-LumiNova C1 X1 (blue emission).
Movement
Image: Notice the brand’s logo engraved on the skeletonised rotor. The La Joux-Perret G100 is a dependable movement, and easily serviceable by competent watchmakers worldwide. The Bremont Altitude MB Meteor Orange Barrel – which we recently covered – is based on the same movement.
Powered by calibre FLD03, a mechanical automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, seconds with stop seconds function and date. It is based on the La Joux-Perret G100 movement. Jewels: 24. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve: 68 hours (approximately).
Movement finishing includes Côtes de Genève on the main plate, colimaçonnage (brushed spiral pattern) and soleillage (sunburst) finishes on the 4N PVD skeletonised automatic winding rotor, and thermally blued screws.
Case
Image:Â Caseback execution and view is top notch. Notice the caseback is screwed to the main case. The bracelet and rubber strap are interchangeable.
Cushion-shaped case is made from stainless-steel. Diameter: 40 mm. Thickness: 10.81 mm. Lug width: 22 mm.
Dial side features a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Caseback features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 100 metres. Watch is available with two bracelet and strap options:
Left: Stainless-steel bracelet. Right: Dial-matching FKM rubber strap. Notice the brand’s logo engraved on the butterfly clasp (left) and pin buckle (right).
Integrated and interchangeable stainless-steel bracelet featuring brushed and polished finishes fitted to a butterfly clasp.
Interchangeable purple-coloured durable FKM rubber strap fitted to a pin buckle.
Our Thoughts
The Chief Date Royal Purple is a great looking, versatile, and an accessible watch – one with heritage and prestige rarely present at this price point.
Image:Â Rubber strap version is my favourite. Notice the brand’s logo embossed on the strap. An excellent daily watch, one with an abundance of dial, case, and movement details. Any version of the Chief Date is a great way to enter the world of watch collecting.
I had the opportunity to see the black dial version and other models at a Favre Leuba event several months ago. I met with Patrik Hoffmann – the brand’s CEO. He shared with me his plans for the brand’s future. I look forward to other releases by them. They are certainly on the right path, and have a bright future ahead of them.
Additional Details
Name: Chief Date Royal Purple
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 2,375 – version with bracelet
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 2,300 – version with rubber strap
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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