Circa 1960s Favre Leuba Sea Chief AS2601 17J Mechanical Watch

Model: Sea Chief
Year of Production: Circa 1960s
Movement: FL-101
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Indices and Dauphine Hands
Width: 35mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Two-Tone Genuine Leather Strap with Built-In Quick-Release Spring Bars
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Founded in 1737, Favre-Leuba is the oldest watchmaking company in Switzerland. The company remained a family business until it was sold off in 1985 (thereabouts) due to the introduction of quartz watches, and had changed owners several times until it was acquired by the Tata Group in 2011.

Favre-Leuba had set and expended the boundaries of watch-making since 1737 and are now at the threshold of continuing this legacy with Tata's financial muscle.

Here we have Favre Leuba Sea Chief FL-101 original movement with the ever loving ala Pie Pan Dial design.

This simple yet very rare silver turned champagne gold dial is a joy to behold! 3D Indices and dauphine hands add class to the already impressive dial. All show minimal signs of aging after a good clean-up.

This typical shaped silver case is in excellent condition with its super sharp curves and lines remaining intact. It too was given a thorough cleaning followed by a good buff and most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and curves; however there are still miniscule scratches remaining that are barely noticeable. The crystal has been replaced and it is spotless.

The unsigned crown is located at the 3H position and is easily accessible.

The movement is an original Favre Leuba FL101 and not an Incabloc or ETA as later models were equipped with. It was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 19 June 2024. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the impressive FL-101 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 226 with a straight and centred line. Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approx. 35mm (w/o crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm whilst the leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new hi-quality crocodile designed genuine leather brown strap was selected to bring out the best in the dial and case.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Favre Leuba components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

This timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch in near mint condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A brand new EVA Pouch is provided.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a complete overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 40.00 to buff such a watch case - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is an extremely rare Favre Leuba Sea Chief with FL-101 movement in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.