Favre Leuba Chief Chronograph: reviving a 1970s classic

0 0 Thursday, 31 July 2025 Edit this post

With the Chief Chronograph, Favre Leuba reinterprets one of its classics: the 1970 Chrono Valjoux 23.

The model revisits the cushion-shaped case and distinctive design language of the original, blending vintage character with a refined, contemporary aesthetic.

Its 41 mm (diameter) × 14 mm (thickness) stainless steel case is enhanced by vertical brushing on the top surfaces, with polished pushers and sides that highlight the streamlined lugs and ovoid silhouette.

Offered in blue, black, or ice-blue, the dial features a sunray-brushed base with snailed sub-dials, creating visual depth and texture.

The multi-faceted rhodium-plated hands and applied indices are finished with a mix of brushing and sandblasting, and coated with high-performance X1-grade Super-LumiNova to ensure excellent legibility in low-light conditions.

A tachymeter scale on the inner flange adds practical functionality without disrupting the clean layout. The balanced bicompax arrangement, with sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock, ensures clarity and symmetry.

A three-dimensional Favre Leuba monogram set into the dial adds a distinctive visual signature.

At the heart of the Chief Chronograph is the FLC02 calibre, a self-winding, Swiss-made movement developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret.

This high-precision column-wheel chronograph beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offers a 60-hour power reserve.

Visible through the exhibition caseback, the movement is beautifully finished with Côtes de Genève, perlage, and heat-blued screws.

The custom-designed skeletonised rotor in 18K 4N gold plating features sunray and colimaçon decoration, along with an engraved Favre Leuba medallion and the inscription “Swiss made since 1737.”

The watch is available with a two-link integrated steel bracelet or an integrated rubber strap in a colour matching the dial. Both options are equipped with an easy-change mechanism.