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Medinatalzahra
·Dear OF Community –
Up for sale is a Favre-Leuba Bathy 50 dive watch, ref. 53243, circa 1968 - sporting a new black Tropic strap.
I am fortunate enough to own two of these super cool pieces, and I am hoping to find this one a good home as I streamline a few pieces from my collection This is the first issue of the Bathy - the world’s first mechanical wristwatch that displayed not only dive time, but also the current depth. There were two versions of this model, one in meters and the other in feet. https://favre-leuba.com/about-us/historic-models/detail/watch/FL-Bathy-50 This example is the metric version – measuring depth in up to 50 m via a red hand.
The watch also features decompression indicators to ensure that ascent is properly timed, thus avoiding ‘The Bends’ (decompression sickness.) The watch has a bakelite rotating bezel, which functions and is in good condition. Watch details are below.
These models are fairly rare, with ~1000 estimated to have been made. It is the most desirable Bathy model amongst F-L collectors, both because it was the first issue and the styling was executed so well.
Condition:
I believe this watch to be all original, with the exception being the crown, which I believe is an early service crown as it is not stamped (but otherwise appears nearly identical to the stamped version). I also believe the tritium lume to be original, and do not think it has been re-lumed. Personally, I really like that this watch has been authentically worn and used over time -- as it should. It is a piece that you can feel comfortable giving serious wrist time.
The watch is running well and keeping good time. Crown has good action, screws down, screws open, and sets time. I do not know if the depth gauge is functioning – as I have never even considered exposing this vintage piece to water, let alone at depth. I do not have the service history on the watch, and I have not had the need to take it in for a service myself as it has been performing well. Bezel rotates. The watch has not been tested for water resistance and is not represented to be waterproof in its current vintage condition or to be keeping time within a specific accuracy. Except as expressly provided above, no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made and watch is as-is.
Pricing:
There are three other 53243s currently for sale on the market: (1) on C24 out of German for ~$14,000 USD, (2) another on C24 out of Austria for ~$11,500 USD, and (3) on Ebay for ~$10,800 USD.
In order to fairly set the price for this watch, I conferred with several other F-L collectors and OF members. Based on that feedback, the price for this watch is set at $7,500 USD.
Terms and Conditions:
I am a private collector, not a dealer or in the business of selling watches. I sell pieces only to streamline my collection (as is the case here) or to fund additional purchases. I value my reputation among the watch collecting community and want to have a smooth transaction for both parties.
Upon receiving the first PM saying "I will buy this watch at your price per your terms,” I will set the post OHPF.
Payment to be made via wire transfer to my bank account in the U.S. in USD. As I am culling my collection, I am not currently looking for any trades. (In other words, please don’t tempt me….)
Fully insured shipping from the United States to wherever Fedex (or a comparable express service) can deliver, included in the price.
Returns are accepted only if grossly misrepresented. The watch you will receive is represented in the pictures below, which are unedited and high resolution, and form part of the description.
Prior to accepting the offer and sale, I will happily answer any questions, provide any additional information, and send any additional requested photos. Please feel free to pm me.
References available by searching the 'seller profiles & review' sub forum. My references are as the “buyer” as I do not sell watches often – but I am on the buyer side of transactions frequently and ensure good communication and a smooth transaction, insurance, and delivery promptly upon payment. I have additional references available on request.
Watch Details:
· Manufacturer: Favre Leuba
· Model Name: Bathy 50
· Ref #, Circa: 53243, 1968
· Case: Stainless Steel Case
· Crystal: Plexiglass
· Movement: Peseux 320 Manual Wind
· Jewels: 15j
· Case Dimensions: 40mm excluding Crown
Lug width: 21mm
Height (lug to lug): 46mm
· Dial: Favre Leuba Black Swiss Dial w/ Depth Gauge (100% Original, Untouched)
· Bezel: Rotational Steel Bezel w/ Black Bakelite Insert
· Box, Papers: No Box and No Papers
· Strap: New black Tropic strap
Thank you OF for the space! M
Up for sale is a Favre-Leuba Bathy 50 dive watch, ref. 53243, circa 1968 - sporting a new black Tropic strap.
I am fortunate enough to own two of these super cool pieces, and I am hoping to find this one a good home as I streamline a few pieces from my collection This is the first issue of the Bathy - the world’s first mechanical wristwatch that displayed not only dive time, but also the current depth. There were two versions of this model, one in meters and the other in feet. https://favre-leuba.com/about-us/historic-models/detail/watch/FL-Bathy-50 This example is the metric version – measuring depth in up to 50 m via a red hand.
The watch also features decompression indicators to ensure that ascent is properly timed, thus avoiding ‘The Bends’ (decompression sickness.) The watch has a bakelite rotating bezel, which functions and is in good condition. Watch details are below.
These models are fairly rare, with ~1000 estimated to have been made. It is the most desirable Bathy model amongst F-L collectors, both because it was the first issue and the styling was executed so well.
Condition:
I believe this watch to be all original, with the exception being the crown, which I believe is an early service crown as it is not stamped (but otherwise appears nearly identical to the stamped version). I also believe the tritium lume to be original, and do not think it has been re-lumed. Personally, I really like that this watch has been authentically worn and used over time -- as it should. It is a piece that you can feel comfortable giving serious wrist time.
The watch is running well and keeping good time. Crown has good action, screws down, screws open, and sets time. I do not know if the depth gauge is functioning – as I have never even considered exposing this vintage piece to water, let alone at depth. I do not have the service history on the watch, and I have not had the need to take it in for a service myself as it has been performing well. Bezel rotates. The watch has not been tested for water resistance and is not represented to be waterproof in its current vintage condition or to be keeping time within a specific accuracy. Except as expressly provided above, no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made and watch is as-is.
Pricing:
There are three other 53243s currently for sale on the market: (1) on C24 out of German for ~$14,000 USD, (2) another on C24 out of Austria for ~$11,500 USD, and (3) on Ebay for ~$10,800 USD.
In order to fairly set the price for this watch, I conferred with several other F-L collectors and OF members. Based on that feedback, the price for this watch is set at $7,500 USD.
Terms and Conditions:
I am a private collector, not a dealer or in the business of selling watches. I sell pieces only to streamline my collection (as is the case here) or to fund additional purchases. I value my reputation among the watch collecting community and want to have a smooth transaction for both parties.
Upon receiving the first PM saying "I will buy this watch at your price per your terms,” I will set the post OHPF.
Payment to be made via wire transfer to my bank account in the U.S. in USD. As I am culling my collection, I am not currently looking for any trades. (In other words, please don’t tempt me….)
Fully insured shipping from the United States to wherever Fedex (or a comparable express service) can deliver, included in the price.
Returns are accepted only if grossly misrepresented. The watch you will receive is represented in the pictures below, which are unedited and high resolution, and form part of the description.
Prior to accepting the offer and sale, I will happily answer any questions, provide any additional information, and send any additional requested photos. Please feel free to pm me.
References available by searching the 'seller profiles & review' sub forum. My references are as the “buyer” as I do not sell watches often – but I am on the buyer side of transactions frequently and ensure good communication and a smooth transaction, insurance, and delivery promptly upon payment. I have additional references available on request.
Watch Details:
· Manufacturer: Favre Leuba
· Model Name: Bathy 50
· Ref #, Circa: 53243, 1968
· Case: Stainless Steel Case
· Crystal: Plexiglass
· Movement: Peseux 320 Manual Wind
· Jewels: 15j
· Case Dimensions: 40mm excluding Crown
Lug width: 21mm
Height (lug to lug): 46mm
· Dial: Favre Leuba Black Swiss Dial w/ Depth Gauge (100% Original, Untouched)
· Bezel: Rotational Steel Bezel w/ Black Bakelite Insert
· Box, Papers: No Box and No Papers
· Strap: New black Tropic strap
Thank you OF for the space! M
