A Bold Reimagining: The New Favre Leuba Chief Date Royal Purple

A bold, bright rendition of a celebrated 1970s icon, the new Chief Date Royal Purple acts as a stunning epitome of Favre Leuba’s commitment to showcasing its storied heritage while channelling a distinct contemporary energy. Sized at 40 mm with a thickness of 10.81 mm, the new timepiece has a chromatic richness that doesn’t just have a visual impact, it also symbolises the codes that purple, as a colour, is best known for: royalty, mystery, and creative power. GMT India takes a closer look at what sets the timepiece apart.

Cased in stainless steel, the watch stays true to the signature tonneau silhouette of the Chief line, and the radiant purple of the dial instantly stands out when contrasted with the gleam of the steel. Favre Leuba’s signature high-relief hourglass motif fits in seamlessly with the modern spirit of the watch, while the sunburst finish catches light beautifully, adding a marked depth and dimension to the dial. The polished, three-dimensional Favre Leuba monogram adds a touch of sculptural beauty to the geometry of the dial and to enhance functionality, the rhodium-plated hands with their  Super-LumiNova C1 X1 coating guarantee crystal-clear legibility.

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The timepiece, with its clean, contemporary contours, and a showstopping dial, scores high on visual appeal, of course, but it does so without compromising on watchmaking excellence. It’s powered by the FLD03 automatic movement that is fully visible through the sapphire caseback. Engineered in partnership with La Joux-Perret, the robust calibre ensures unwavering precision and reliability. At 68 hours, the power reserve impresses too. From the custom-designed skeletonised rotor — that features intricate colimaçonnage (a brushed spiral pattern) and soleillage (sunburst) finishing — to the Geneva stripes across the mainplate, each element of the movement serves as a testament to the brand’s uncompromising watchmaking standards.

The attention to detail is evident in the choice of bracelets too. The integrated stainless steel bracelet — whose vertically brushed surfaces and polished centre links add a distinct shine — creates a cohesive profile that flows easily from the cushion-shaped case. This results in ensuring all-day comfort for the wearer and a secure fit on the wrist. For those who might prefer a more contemporary touch, a matching purple FKM rubber strap is available. Secured with Favre Leuba’s signature pin buckles, this bold expression of design infuses the timepiece with a dynamic, sport-luxe attitude. Both the straps highlight the watch’s ability to shift, effortlessly, between easy sophistication and spirited individuality.

Be it aesthetic appeal or design details that boost performance, versatility remains at the heart of the Chief Date Royal Purple. The model will be available October 2025 onwards.

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