Preliminary identification

Favre-Leuba Geneve Quartz Dress Watch

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an elegant, gold-toned Swiss dress watch featuring a distinctive textured basketweave dial and minimalist stick indices. Bearing the name of one of Switzerland's oldest watchmaking dynasties, it represents a fascinating transitional era when traditional mechanical houses adapted to the quartz revolution.

Story

In 1737, Abraham Favre registered his watchmaking workshop in Le Locle, Switzerland. This watch represents how his 250-year-old family legacy survived the 1970s quartz crisis by blending classic Swiss styling with battery-powered precision.

Maker / Origin

Favre-Leuba is officially recognized as the second-oldest Swiss watch brand, with roots tracing back to the early 18th century. Known historically for pioneering tool watches like the Bivouac (the first mechanical altimeter watch), the brand was forced to pivot during the late 20th century.

Condition & Value

The watch face and crystal appear to be in very clean condition with minimal visible scratching. The leather strap is an aftermarket replacement in a lizard-grain style, which is in excellent, unworn condition.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.