Favre-Leuba Bathy 50 53243

Favre-Leuba Bathy 50– Blue Dial - ref. 53243

An exceptionally distinctive vintage dive watch, the Favre-Leuba Bathy 50 is a remarkable example of Swiss watchmaking innovation from the golden age of diving watches in the 1960s.

What sets the Bathy 50 apart is its mechanical depth gauge, an ingenious system that uses water pressure acting on a diaphragm inside the case to indicate diving depth on the dial, up to 50 metres. This unusual complication makes the Bathy 50 one of the most interesting and technically distinctive vintage dive watches of its era.

The watch features a striking blue sunburst dial with luminous markers, matching hands and a rotating dive bezel. Its substantial steel case gives it a strong presence on the wrist, while the blue dial and matching rubber strap provide a particularly attractive vintage sports-watch look.

Condition

The case is in very good overall condition, showing normal signs of use consistent with its age. The bezel displays minor signs of age. The blue sunburst dial is in very good condition, with an even patina that complements the matching handset.

The crown is unsigned.

The watch is still fitted with its original blue Tropic rubber strap in superb condtion, tapering from 24 mm at the case to 16 mm at the buckle.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Favre-Leuba

• Model: Bathy 50

• Period: circa 1960s

• Case material: Stainless steel

• Case diameter: 43 mm, excluding the crown

• Movement: Mechanical, manual winding

• Calibre: Peseux 320, 17 jewels

• Dial: Blue sunburst with luminous markers

• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds and mechanical depth gauge

• Depth indication: Up to 50 metres - total depth 500 metres

• Bezel: Rotating dive-timing bezel

• Crystal: Plexiglass

• Crown: Unsigned

• Strap: Original blue Tropic rubber strap, 24–16 mm

Why this watch is special

In an era dominated by familiar names such as Rolex Deepsea, Submariner, Omega Ploprof and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Favre-Leuba pursued its own approach to professional dive-watch design. The Bathy 50 introduced a genuinely useful mechanical complication into a wristwatch: a depth indicator operated by water pressure rather than electronics.

The result is a fascinating combination of practical engineering and vintage design. The blue dial gives this example a particularly appealing appearance, while its unusual depth-gauge mechanism makes it an interesting addition to a collection of vintage tool watches.

A distinctive Swiss vintage diver for collectors who appreciate technical ingenuity, unusual complications and watches that stand apart from the usual choices.

Please note that the watch has not been pressure-tested. Its water resistance and the functionality of the depth-gauge system under water have not been verified. Diving or exposure to water is therefore not recommended before appropriate testing by a qualified watchmaker.