Favre-Leuba Raider Sea Sky Chronograph, Now in Bright Orange or Yellow

Favre-Leuba might be Switzerland’s second oldest watch brand, but it was revived only recently. Still, this old-young brand has already created a rather large collection, with several interesting complications, all based on one motto: “conquering frontiers”. Favre-Leuba, during the 1960s and 1970s, had a strong focus on tool watches and that’s the idea behind the current line-up, including the all-rounder Raider Sea Sky, a chronograph that is now available in bright, zesty colours. 

The Favre-Leuba Raider Sea Sky is a watch made for adventure, on land, underwater, or high in the sky. It is a proper tool watch that combines multiple functions and is resistant to both heights and depths. Indeed, it features a chronograph function but could also be considered a dive watch with its robust water-resistance and unidirectional bezel. A tool meant to be worn everywhere – and even next to the pool for summer or during a hike, hence the new bright, zesty colours offered on this Raider Sea Sky.

These new versions are all about new colours. The rest of the watch hasn’t evolved and you’ll recognise the familiar robust, cushion-shaped case, inspired by old models of the brand – mostly the Favre-Leuba Bathy 160 watch. The case is large, protected and heavy. With its 44mm diameter and a height over 15mm, don’t expect the Raider Sea Sky to fly under the radar – especially with these new colourful dials.

Nonetheless, the shape is interesting and unique, with nicely designed casebands that visually make the watch feels thinner than it really is. Several other details should be noted, such as the well-integrated and functional chronograph pushers as well as the aligned caseback – a nice detail, as the engravings are always in the right direction.

As mentioned, the Favre-Leuba Raider Sea Sky is a pretty cool combination of elements. The case is water-resistant to 200m – more than sufficient for most recreational dives – and features a unidirectional bezel. Its anodized aluminium insert features a 60-minute scale for decompression timings. It also features a chronograph complication, usually more reserved to land and sky models. Altogether, it is more than suitable for most outdoor activities. The watch can be worn on a rubber strap, a leather strap or a 3-link steel bracelet, depending on what you want to do with it (note that the leather straps, in black or brown, feature colourful stitchings matching the dial).

Powering the Raider Sea Sky is the ubiquitous Valjoux chronograph movement. Favre-Leuba made the right choice by using the 7753 and its more balanced 3-6-9 display. The movement is robust, easily serviceable and fits the toolish nature of this watch.

New for 2019 are two new dials for the Raider Sea Sky. Previously available with reversed panda dials and orange accents, as well as a blue version with white sub-counters, this chronograph/dive watch is now available in either bright orange or yellow, with contrasting black sub-dials and seconds track. Not the most discreet choice for sure, but the result is fresh and adds some coolness to this watch. It also is a reference to the 1960s and 1970s Bathy models, which were already available in such bright colours.

The Favre-Leuba Raider Sea Sky Orange or Yellow dials are now available at authorized retailers. Prices will be CHF 3,300 on a rubber strap, CHF 3,400 on a leather strap and CHF 3,800 on a steel bracelet. More details at favre-leuba.com.