Favre-Leuba Bivouac Ref. 53213
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1962
This Favre-Leuba Bivouac, reference 53213, is a stainless steel manual-winding wristwatch introduced in 1962. It is notable for its integrated aneroid barometer, which enables the measurement of altitude and atmospheric pressure alongside timekeeping functionality.
The watch is powered by an in-house Favre-Leuba caliber 10032 movement. The 40mm stainless steel case features a bidirectional ratcheting bakelite bezel and is paired with a signature "Gay Freres" steel bracelet. The two-tone silver sunburst dial incorporates strontium lume hour markers and a matching hand set. Historically, the Bivouac was marketed for mountaineering and exploration, famously utilized by figures such as Walter Bonatti during his ascents of Pointe Whymper and the Matterhorn, as well as by polar explorer Paul-Emile Victor.
The auction description reports that the timepiece has been serviced and the barometer remains functional.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Manual-winding wristwatch with aneroid barometer
- Maker
- Favre-Leuba
- Model
- Bivouac
- Movement
- Caliber 10032
- Reference
- 53213
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Dial Features
- Strontium lume
- Bracelet Maker
- Gay Freres
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Introduction Date
- 1962
- Maker / attribution
- Favre-Leuba
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The silver-toned dial utilizes a two-tone design, featuring a central sunburst pattern surrounded by a concentric finished outer ring. The indices are applied markers treated with strontium-based luminous material, which the auction description notes was exclusive to the early 1960s production period. Some of these plots exhibit a creamy patina, while others display a darkened appearance. The handset includes a prominent red-tipped pointer hand dedicated to the barometer function, alongside standard time-telling hands. The luminous application on the hands matches the aesthetic of the dial markers, and inspection under ultraviolet light confirms no degradation of the material.
- Visible features
- • Bidirectional ratcheting bakelite bezel with black enamel • Two-tone silver sunburst dial with concentric finish • Strontium lume plots and hands showing varying patina • In-house manual-winding Caliber 10032 movement
- Case and Bracelet
- The watch is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case. It features a bidirectional ratcheting bakelite bezel, which the auction description reports has a hairline crack positioned between the 6 and 8 markers. The case retains a Favre-Leuba signed crown. The rear of the case retains original factory markings and the majority of the black enamel fill. The timepiece is fitted with its original stainless steel "Gay Freres" bracelet. It comprises 22 links and is noted to have minimal stretch, with a capacity to accommodate a wrist size up to 7.5 inches.
- Functionality and History
- The Bivouac ref. 53213 is categorized as the first wristwatch to incorporate a functional aneroid barometer. This mechanical complication allows the user to monitor altitude and air pressure through the calibrated dial and the central red indicator hand. The movement is an in-house manual-winding caliber 10032. Historically, the Bivouac gained recognition as a specialized tool for mountaineers and explorers. It was notably worn by mountaineer Walter Bonatti on significant alpine expeditions and by French polar explorer Paul-Emile Victor. The auction description reports the watch has been serviced and is currently in working order, including the barometric function.
Identification
- Reference
- 53213
- Serial number
- 18XX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Hairline crack on the bakelite bezel between 6 and 8 markers
- Research required: The serial number is partially obfuscated as 18XX