Preliminary identification

Favre-Leuba Geneve Quartz Dress Watch

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a vintage Swiss dress watch featuring a distinctive gold-toned, basketweave-textured dial and a slim, cushion-shaped case. Bearing the name of one of Switzerland's oldest watchmaking dynasties, it represents the era when traditional mechanical houses adapted to the cutting-edge technology of quartz movements.

Story

In 1737, Abraham Favre registered as a watchmaker in Le Locle, starting a brand that survived centuries of upheaval. This watch represents their fight for survival during the 1970s Quartz Crisis, blending classic Swiss styling with modern battery power.

Maker / Origin

Favre-Leuba is officially the second-oldest active Swiss watch brand, with roots tracing back nearly three centuries. Known historically for rugged, pioneering tool watches like the Bivouac (the first watch with an altimeter), the brand had to pivot dramatically to elegant, ultra-thin quartz dress watches in the late 20th century to compete with rising Japanese imports.

Condition & Value

The watch shows moderate wear consistent with age, including light scratching on the gold-plated case and steel back. There appears to be some minor debris or edge wear on the left side of the dial under the crystal. The watch is missing its strap, and the movement's operational status is unconfirmed.

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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.