FeatureAbove The Clouds, Beneath The Waves: The Supremacy Of The Favre Leuba Bivouac And Bathy
From towering mountain peaks to dark ocean depths, Favre Leuba's Bivouac 9000 and Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth represent an intersection of tradition, innovation, and audacious design powered by highly functional and robust mechanical movements
May We Recommend
As a testament to decades of continuous innovation and exploration, Favre Leuba mark an unmatched pinnacle in the world of horological engineering. In the 1960s, Favre Leuba achieved a groundbreaking renaissance in the field of tool watch instrumentation with unique and bold design genetics woven into a blend of traditional Swiss craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. With path-breaking timepieces such as the Bathy and the Bivouac, the brand redefined the industry’s benchmarks, attracting the attention of daring adventurers in pursuit of technological superiority. Staying true to their heritage, Favre Leuba have consistently revisited and reinterpreted their classic 1960s models, infusing them with a fresh breath of modernity. The revival of the Bivouac 9000 in 2017 and the unveiling of the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth in the subsequent year serve as a resounding testament to this homage. Holding their position as one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Favre Leuba’s relentless pursuit of perfection is as invigorating today as it was at its inception.
The Bivouac And Bathy: Ascending Summits, Plunging Abysses
Celebrating their 280th anniversary at Baselworld in 2017, Favre Leuba unveiled the Bivouac 9000, the ultimate instrument for all altitudes. A direct lineage of the original, it comes with the capability of measuring altitudes up to 9,000m above sea level. Furthermore, it includes an aneroid barometer—a sophisticated integration that can precisely indicate elevation by reacting to fluctuating air pressure. This intricate feat of engineering marks the watch as a rarity in the world of horology. On the other hand, the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth, with a water resistance of up to 200m, showcases the prowess to indicate diving depth up to 120m.
The Bivouac 9000 boasts a mechanically powered altimeter. This intricacy is brought to life by the bold red central hand that aligns with the bidirectional-rotating bezel, where each notch on the bezel represents a 50m increase. One complete rotation of the central hand chronicles a 3,000m altitude ascent. During this upward journey, the small red hand of the sub-dial at three o’clock dutifully advances, culminating in a full-blown leap to 9,000m above sea level after three complete rotations of the central hand.
In the realm of aquatic exploration, the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth flawlessly records a diving depth of up to 120m, which it accomplishes through a decidedly unique mechanism where water is given entry into the watch via a specially designed chamber that houses a sensitive copper membrane. A strategically placed perforation on the caseback permits this water ingress. This chamber is meticulously isolated from the section enclosing the watch’s movement, ensuring the watch’s internals are safeguarded while recording crucial information needed during a dive.
Close-Ups Of The Bivouac And Bathy
Detailing the altitude, the red hand of the Bivouac 9000 quickly catches the attention of the wearer, allowing the timepiece to diverge from traditional norms of displaying seconds. The seconds take a more subtle approach, exhibited in an understated sub-dial at nine o’clock—a strategic placement to maintain the adventurer’s focus on the watch’s primary altitude tracking feature. The dial of the Bivouac 9000 adds to the performance, staging an air pressure display in harmony with the altimeter, and a power reserve indicator situated strategically at 12 o’clock.
After approximately 60 hours of operation, this visual reminder ensures the explorer is alerted to wind the watch, providing an invaluable aid in gauging the watch’s energy state. With a commanding diameter of 48mm and a lug-to-lug span of 57mm, the Bivouac 9000’s case makes an undeniably bold statement on the wrist. Yet, its generously proportioned frame does not impede its practical purpose, thanks to the lightweight resilience of titanium construction. The 30m water-resistant case’s cushion shape adds to its signature allure, creating a unique aesthetic that’s both functional and fashionable.
The Bivouac 9000 offers a choice of two dial shades—a muted grey and a classic black. This potent blend of durability and style is complemented by a grey antelope leather strap, a fitting accompaniment that quickly becomes one with the brushed finish of the case. Driven by the manual-winding FL311 movement, the Bivouac 9000 can deliver a power reserve of around 65 hours.
A revolutionary timepiece for aquatic escapades, the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth illuminates the depths up to 120m with the aid of the central blue hand on a linear scale adorning the outer edge of the dial. The brand’s meticulous attention to detail manifests in a refined scale that permits an in-depth reading of the first 30m. The red markings between three to six and nine to 12, visible on the dial’s periphery, serve as vital cues for decompression stops during an ascent, underlining Favre Leuba’s commitment to safety and functionality.
The Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth further enhances its offerings with a unique memory function. Displayed on the sub-dial at three o’clock is the maximum depth attained during a dive. As the diver delves deeper, both the central and small blue hands rotate clockwise, mirroring the increasing depth. A cleverly engineered mechanism ensures the pointer on the sub-dial comes to a stop at the maximum dive depth, providing a reliable reading on a graduated scale. Conversely, during ascent, the central blue hand moves anticlockwise to showcase the current depth.
A discreet date window finds its home at six o’clock, with a power reserve indicator at 12. The hour markings, represented by appliqued indexes, are perfectly paired with luminous hands for optimal readability. Encased within a 48mm cushion case crafted in titanium, the watch boasts a rugged black rubber strap, enhancing the overall robustness of the Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth. The heart of the dive watch is the manual-winding FL321 movement, promising an impressive power reserve of approximately 65 hours.
A testament to Favre Leuba’s unyielding dedication to melding tradition with technological innovation, the Bivouac 9000 and Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth exemplify the brand’s audacious spirit. The two exceptional watches for those who dare continue to pave the path for high-tech luxury watches, underpinning Favre Leuba’s commitment to timepieces that excel in both aesthetics and function, and stand distinctively apart from the rest.
Shop The Story
-
Favre Leuba Raider Bathy 120 MemoDepth
00.10108.06.51.31
-
Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000
00.10105.06.46.45
-
Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000
00.10105.06.45.45
