ReviewThe Minimalistic Tetradecagon Wonder: Favre Leuba Chief Date
The new Favre Leuba Chief Date iterations impress for their bigger case size, brighter dial hues and faceted tetradecagon bezels
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Slim and classy, the Chief Date series of dress watches from Favre Leuba are available in diverse permutations and combinations in colours and materials of dials and straps to make an informed purchase. Unlike the previous models released in 2019 that displayed dials in classic grey, dark blue, and black hues, the latest iterations flaunt dark green, icy white sunburst dials, encircled with rose gold or steel bezel.
Simple, Clean Lines: Chief Date
The 43mm cases of the new Chief Date iterations are crafted from stainless steel and stainless steel with 18-karat rose gold bezel. Their dials feature dark spring green, icy white and grey anthracite dials, encircled with steel or 18-karat rose gold bezel. To demonstrate how the Chief Date line offers diverse combinations, check the iterations in green. One iteration comes with a satin finish dial, while another model sports the same green dial cradled in refined 18-karat rose-gold bezel.
The hour, minute and sweeping seconds hands, along with the rectangular indices are applied with Super-LumiNova for guaranteed visibility under kinds of lighting conditions. Additionally, the new models have a bigger case size of 43mm; a 3mm jump from 40mm. As the name suggests, a tiny date aperture sits above the squarish six o’clock hour marker. Other highlighting features include a contrasting outer minute ring and an adjoining faceted tetradecagon bezel.
The Favre Leuba Chief Date 43mm is powered by the automatic movement ETA 2824-2—measuring 25.60mm x 4.60mm, studded with 25 jewels—that beats at 28,800vph. Unlike the 40mm, in which the calibre offers a 38-hour power reserve, the new models promise a 42-hour power reserve for the smooth functioning of the hours, minutes, central second hands, and the date setting. As with the previous 40mm models, the dial and its timekeeping elements of the 43mm watch stay protected under a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. A screwed down fluted crown and closed caseback secure the calibre. The above protective elements together offer an impressive water resistance of 100m.
The new iterations offer two attachment options: a silver-hued stainless-steel bracelet and a calf leather strap with pin buckle and safety folding clasp.