
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Favre Leuba Geneve Memo Raider Alarm, ref. 53153, circa 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Favre-Leuba (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- vws3627
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3627)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Favre Leuba Geneve Memo Raider Alarm - Model Ref: 53153 - c.1970s (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3627), this is a wristwatch by Favre-Leuba, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Superb Favre Leuba Geneve Memo Raider Alarm Watch in Stainless Steel with a Deep Blue Dial Model, Ref: 53153, c.1970s Favre-Leuba, one of Switzerland's oldest watchmaking brands, traces its origins to 1737 when Abraham Favre began creating timepieces of exceptional quality in Le Locle. Over the centuries, the company established itself as a pioneer in horological innovation and excellence. By the 19th century, it was officially named Favre-Leuba under the stewardship of Fritz Favre, marking the union of two significant watchmaking families. In the mid-20th century, Favre-Leuba gained prominence for its robust and reliable watches crafted for professionals and explorers. The introduction of the "Bivouac" in 1962, the world's first wristwatch with an altimeter, and the "Deep Blue," a milestone in dive watches, highlighted the brand's commitment to technical advancement and adventure. What's on Offer The Memo Raider not only resembles the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E871 in appearance but also shares the use of an automatic alarm movement developed by JLC. However, unlike the Memovox, which featured a patented rotating disc for its alarm, the Favre-Leuba model displays the alarm with a rotating aqua blue hand that compliments the deep blue dial of this iteration perfectly. Firmly rooted in the free spirited 1970s, this watch hails from a period when the Favre family controlled Jaeger-LeCoultre, hence the similarities in design. Additionally, during this time, other models like the Sea Raider and Moon Raider were launched, each sporting a progressively more vibrant design.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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