Why This Watch Matters Part wristwatch and part meteorologist, this Favre-Leuba was the first of its kind and a quirky innovation in 1960s watchmaking. The Full Story Favre-Leuba, in 1962, created the world's first wristwatch to include an aneroid barometer, the Bivouac To read more about this function go here. The Bivouac was the choice of famous Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti as he climbed the Grandes Jorasses, as well as on the wrist of Frenchman Paul-Émile Victor on his polar expeditions to Antarctica. For these climbers, the watch actually solved an issue they encountered on their ascents. Pocket altimeters, the best alternative at the time, were extremely difficult to read and handle at high altitudes, especially in icy conditions – so having the function readable at a glance was immensely useful. While some watches are known to have climbed the most difficult peaks in the world, our example doesn't appear to have ascended any mountains. This Bivouac is really in excellent condition with a strong case, a dial with a pop of color from the red hand as well as a complementary small seconds register at six o'clock, and even its original bracelet. The case thickness checks in at 14.5mm, a bit larger in this dimension than many watches of this period, likely due to the added barometer complication. While thicker by the numbers, the case sits very comfortably with a unique bowl-like shape that fits the wrist well. Setting this example apart from those we have previously offered is the black bezel complete with white and yellow accents. We paired this Bivouac with our Reid strap in black to contrast the dial tone and play off of the bezel. The Fine Print Maker: Favre-LeubaModel: Bivouac Reference: 53203Year: Circa 1960sCase No: N/A Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 14.5mm thickness Crystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Favre-Leuba, manual-winding, caliber 10032Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Goatskin Watch Strap In Black Lug Width: 21mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Unique barometer functionality Pristine overall condition Yellow accents on bezel Things To Know: Light scratches on case This Bivouac is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong with some scratches and some light nicks. The caseback engravings are intact and have most of the paint within. The reference numbers are clearly visible on the caseback. The back of the lugs show some scratches from strap changes over the years. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hands and hour markers have developed a light patina. The lume on the dial and hands have aged to the same color. The red hand and triangle on the dial at 12 are still vibrant. The barometer scale is in good condition with slight wear around nine o'clock. The bezel is in good condition overall. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Favre-Leuba. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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