Phoenix 10.3 Titanium
A.Favre et fils changes the world one watch at a time
There are multiple reasons to become an entrepreneur. Passion is often one for watch brands. So is Heritage.
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
An eleven generations tradition
The history of A.Favre et fils starts in 1718 when Abraham Favre becomes an apprentice with master watchmaker Daniel Gagnebin, an authentic document from the official archives of the Neuchâtel Canton testifies it. Four generations later, the trademark « Abraham Favre et fils » is deposited and the first timepieces are signed A.Favre et fils, so begins the legacy. In the 19th century, the sons of the 5th and 6th generations of the Favre family further develop the business internationally, particularly in India where the firm establishes a base that will eventually become the alarm clock brand Favre-Leuba in the 1972.
Henry A. Favre, the 8th generation of watchmakers bearing the name restore the pedigree of Favre-Leuba by acquiring Bovet Frères and Lavina, then building a full watch Manufacture in Genevain 1964. The company merged with Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1969 to create SAPHIR S.A., one of the most important Swiss horological groups of the time. The Quartz crisis and the shut-down of the Indian market will force the group to be sold to the German group ‘VDO’in 1976.
The power of legacy
One does not erase almost 300 years of history in a blink. Laurent Favre, a member of the 10th generation of the Favre watchmaking legacy is living proof of it. Raised in a watchmaking environment, cradled by all the old stories that make his child-like eyes water, he cherishes the dream to walk the path of his illustrious ancestors. He leaves for the US to study and acquire complementary competencies…in order to come back to his roots.
He then became the communication and product development manager of one of the great Swiss fine watchmaking brands before deciding to pursue his dream of resurrecting the brand which bears his family name. He started designing his first timepiece in order to, as he declares himself: “take on the family challenge and ensure the continuity of the tradition of which he is proud to have inherited”. It comes to life in 2010 and he names it appropriately the Phoenix 10.1, shortly followed by its uncluttered successor, the Phoenix 10.2.
Innovative timepieces with unique and original finishings
Laurent Favre is a passionate man with integrity, who after a period of deep introspection, wants to discover his life’s purpose. Diving into his rich watchmaking past provided solid foundations on which to build: century old tradition, excellence and innovation. In 2015 after 5 years of development, the Phoenix 10.3 is the end result of this profound work: a harmonious blend of strong modernity and pure Art Deco aesthetics. His double regulator transpires with the greatest horological tradition to ensure the best possible chronometry. The finishing details of each component whether on the dial or on the movement are superlative. A wolf-teeth ratchet with eagle-beak pawl, a differential bridge with wings, terraced bridges with progressive angles create a precious, rare and unique timekeeper.
His own vision, humanistic and responsibility
Creating a magnificent watch, returning to his roots, becoming master of his name’s destiny and transmitting this invaluable heritage could have been his only goals…but his vision goes further. He considers that nowadays «creating value has no sense if you do not do good around you». He therefore aims not only at preserving the family authenticity and savoir-faire, but also at making a difference for the good of Man and Nature. He is founding member and president of the Swiss Better Gold Association which since 2013 promotes the creation of a transparent and responsible gold value chain from the mine to the final consumer.
Proof that you can do good beyond the sheer emotion provided by the contemplation of a distinctive, innovating and beautiful timekeeper. One can give meaning to his works by reviving a great name of the watchmaking history, but more importantly by creating standards of responsible economic models, useful and rewarding for everyone. No matter how small you are, every ounce counts. Everyone has to chip in with his hummingbird-size contribution, Laurent Favre has…changing the world, one watch at a time.
