Extremely Rare! Circa 1960s! Favre Leuba Daymatic Cal FL-2253 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Favre Leuba
Type: Mechanical Winding
Model: Sea-Chief
Year of Production: Circa 1960s
Movement: FL-2253
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: Arabic Numerals with Baton Hands
Width: 35mm
Lug to Lug Height: 38.3mm
Thickness: 9.8mm
Lug Width: 18.0mm
Strap: Brand-New Good Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
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 circa 1985 due to the introduction of quartz watches. They had changed owners several times until it was acquired by the Tata Group in 2011.

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

Here we have the super slim Favre Leuba Sea-Chief with original FL-2253 movement.

This simple yet very rare and aged black dial with white chapter ring is a joy to behold! 3D Arabic Indices and baton hands add class to the dial.

This silver case is in excellent condition with its super sharp curves and lines remaining intact. It 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 polished, and it is now in fine shape.

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

The movement is an original Favre Leuba FL-2253 and not an Incabloc or ETA movement as later models were equipped with; hence, this is an extremely rare and a Collectible. It was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 21 January 2025. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

The FL-2253 movement has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of 0 second(s) with super straight centered lines. 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 38.3mm 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 racing designed genuine leather black 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 excellent 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.

This particular Daymatic is valued between S$ 288.00 to 622.00 on various auction / online sites from really horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is," to service, to overhauled condition. Note: the mentioned prices do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece with new leather strap is being sold at S$ 399.00 which is extremely reasonable. So, NO LOW-BALLERS, please! Take note that low-ballers, trolls and wannabe advisors (whose "advise" is completely unwelcomed) will not be entertained, and should they persist, they will be reported and blocked!

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 FL-2253 Mechanical movement in stunning condition; so, be unique and own a Vintage Favre Leuba Mechanical Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone.