This Favre Leuba Service was completed late last year. The watch arrived as a non runner. Apparently spending a decade or more in a drawer. The plan for this Favre Leuba Cal. 251 was to be gifted for Christmas to the grandson of the original owner.
A little Favre Leuba History
Favre-Leuba, founded in 1737, is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, renowned for its innovative spirit and robust craftsmanship. Over the centuries, it has carved a niche in the horological world with its focus on durability and functionality, often creating timepieces tailored for adventurers and explorers. The brand’s legacy includes pioneering features such as altimeters and barometers in wristwatches, underscoring its commitment to practical innovation.
One of Favre-Leuba’s iconic movements, the Calibre 251, embodies this ethos. Introduced in the mid-20th century, the Calibre 251 is a manual-winding movement celebrated for its reliability, precision, and unique design. A standout feature of this movement is its use of two mainsprings, working in harmony to deliver a more stable power reserve and enhance overall performance. This dual-barrel configuration reflects Favre-Leuba’s ingenuity in creating durable and efficient mechanisms.
The Calibre 251 powered several rugged and water-resistant timepieces, aligning with Favre-Leuba’s adventurous aesthetic. Restoring such a movement offers a fascinating insight into the brand’s engineering excellence and the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Favre-Leuba Calibre 251 Service: Restoring Precision and Elegance
At the heart of Favre-Leuba’s rich horological heritage lies the Calibre 251, a sophisticated double-barreled movement renowned for its precision and durability. As experts in servicing vintage and modern timepieces, we approach each Favre-Leuba service with a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring these exceptional watches continue to perform flawlessly for decades to come.
Disassembly and Manual Cleaning – Favre Leuba Service
The restoration process begins with the careful disassembly of the Calibre 251. Each component, including the barrels, pinions, and keyless works, is separated and manually cleaned to remove built-up oils, dirt, and grime. Jewels and pivot holes are pegged by hand using precision tools to dislodge any hardened residues that may hinder performance. Every piece undergoes individual inspection to identify potential wear or damage that could impact the movement’s functionality.
Cleaning Techniques – Favre Leuba Service
Following the manual cleaning, the parts are transferred to baskets for a more thorough cleaning using a rotary watch parts cleaning machine. This multi-stage process ensures each component is impeccably clean. A specialized cleaning solution is followed by three rinsing stages, after which the parts are carefully dried. This step guarantees that all traces of dirt and old lubricants are removed, laying the groundwork for the movement to operate with optimal efficiency.
Inspection and Assembly
Before reassembly, all components are inspected again to ensure they meet the high standards required for performance and reliability. For the Calibre 251, new mainsprings are installed—an essential step in restoring its original power and consistency. Fortunately, this particular movement required no additional parts, a testament to its robust design and engineering.
After reassembly, the movement undergoes a 24-hour running test to confirm it operates as expected. This preliminary test allows us to fine-tune the movement before the final stages of the service.
Case Restoration and Dial Assembly
The watch’s case also receives specialized attention. For this particular gold-plated case, we used an ultrasonic cleaner to remove dirt and grime gently, followed by light polishing to restore its original shine without compromising the plating. A new acrylic crystal was installed, ensuring a clear and polished finish that complements the restored movement.
Once the case is ready, the dial and hands are carefully fitted, and the Calibre 251 is housed securely within.
Final Testing and Quality Assurance
To ensure the timepiece is performing to its full potential, we conduct a rigorous five-day testing period. This allows us to monitor its timekeeping accuracy and confirm that all components work harmoniously. Only after passing these stringent tests is the watch returned to its owner, fully restored to its original elegance and functionality.
Our Favre Leuba service reflects our commitment to preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of these remarkable watches. Whether it’s a vintage heirloom or a cherished collector’s piece, we treat every timepiece with the care and expertise it deserves.
If your Favre-Leuba timepiece requires professional servicing, we’d be delighted to help. Contact us to discuss your needs and ensure your watch receives the care it deserves.
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