The legendary Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000

The first and the only timepiece capable of measuring altitudes up to 9000 metres The legendary Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 Established in 1737 by Abraham Favre in Le Locle, Switzerland, Favre Leuba was at the helm of design, innovation, manufacturing and distribution—making it the world's second-oldest watch brand and the world's oldest independent brand. Over the centuries, they have watched history being made—the history of the world at large, and that of horology. For over 285 years, the brand have produced timepieces and supported moments that have conquered frontiers. The maison are known for producing some of the most ground-breaking inventions and collector pieces, such as the Bivouac—the first ever altimeter and aneroid barometer wristwatch. The first and the only timepiece capable of measuring altitudes up to 9,000m, the Raider Bivouac 9000 has been tested by mountaineers on the summits of Mount Everest and K2. Let's take a closer look at the world record-breaking, award-winning and historic Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000. Raider Bivouac 9000: A world record-breaking watch Inspired by the brand’s own legendary watches, the Raider line from Favre Leuba is sporty in its appeal, and reliable in terms of its functions. The watches included in the collection are functional and precise, making them the perfect tools for explorers who want to wander off to the highest mountains or dive into the deepest oceans. In 1962 Favre Leuba introduced the Bivouac. It was the world's first timepiece that could measure atmospheric pressure as well as altitude. It was used on many key ascents and mountaineering summits around the world. Now the Bivouac is back in its new avatar and it can measure the altitude and atmospheric pressure on any point on earth, including Mount Everest, where it was tested. It has a mechanical altimeter that pays homage to the original model, which was popular back in the early 60s. While the earlier complication could measure heights up to 3,000m, this wristwatch can measure up to 9,000m, the first and only timepiece capable of this feat. MRP: ₹6,21,000 For more information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028899](tel:08725028899), [+91 8725028883](tel:08725028883) [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp]( Walter Bonatti, Michel Vaucher conquer the seemingly impossible north face of a difficult summit with the Bivouac It is early morning on August 7, 1964. Two mountaineers are squarely in the middle of the almost vertical, mostly ice-covered north face of Pointe Whymper in the Grandes Jorasses. So far, no one has ever been able to get to the top of the difficult summit on this seemingly impossible route. Much is at stake – not only the success of the planned ascent but also the survival of the two men. Thanks to the integrated barometer, their wristwatch shows them not only their current altitude but also any impending weather changes. Because of this important information, the two-man climbing team pitches a protective camp and thereby escaped a heavy snowstorm.Two days later, on August 9, at about 6:00 p.m. – still in adverse conditions, accompanied by snow and wind – they reach the 4,184-meter-high peak, exhausted but safe and sound. One of the two mountaineers shortly thereafter writes in a letter: “The last stage of this ascent is certainly one of the hardest endeavours you can undertake in the Alps!” The two daredevils: Geneva mountain guide Michel Vaucher and the Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti. Their watch: Favre Leuba’s Bivouac, the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with an aneroid barometer for altimetry and air pressure measurement. The ultimate testing ground: the modern-day Bivouac on the wrist of Adrian Ballinger on Mount Everest On the 20th of May 2018, the Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 became the first mechanical altimeter wristwatch to accurately convey altitude, air pressure, and time, on the roof of the world. Adrian Ballinger is a world-class mountaineer with a history of setting new standards in high alpine environments. Furthermore, he has successfully completed 8 summits of Mt Everest including one without supplemental oxygen. Also, he has established astonishing speed records, such as the one from the May 2011 ascent of Mt. Everest twice and Lhotse Peak. Thus, becoming the first person (along with 2 Sherpa teammates) to climb three 8,000-meter peaks in only 3 weeks. Throughout Adrian’s preparation and ascent, his Favre Leuba Bivouac 9000 altimeter watch was harnessed to his wrist. Notably, its internal mechanical air pressure and altitude system provided accurate barometric readings to Adrian. While attempting to summit Everest the team encountered a severe oxygen equipment malfunction. They thought their summit window had closed. However, the Bivouac 9000 indicated an incoming high-pressure system. Coupled with updated weather reports from base camp offered new hope. Finally, a small weather window was confirmed. It provided enough time to reach the summit and descend back below the ‘death zone’ of 8000 metres, in all safety. The first brave step In March 1718, Abraham Favre signed his apprenticeship contract having just turned 16. He wanted to be the first in his family to learn the art of watchmaking – a brave step into the unknown. March 13, 1737 – The Favre Leuba story begins. Abraham Favre set up a small workshop in Le Locle – the birthplace of the Swiss watch industry – following his apprenticeship. With his workshop, Abraham Favre laid the foundation for a watchmaking company that would go on to become renowned throughout the world for the quality and reliability of its watches. A flourishing business run by the Favre family for eight generations, well into the twentieth century, this renowned brand is still manufacturing excellent timepieces over 280 years later. The Bivouac: from 3,000m to 9,000m The Bivouac 9000 is a homage to its legendary 1962 namesake, but it has been improved and refined to make it capable of coping with the demands that are now placed on a highly functional instrument that is designed to be a reliable companion at extremely high altitudes. The basic principle has remained the same for 55 years: the Bivouac 9000 still measures altitude with the aid of an aneroid barometer, but now does so up to an incredible height of 9,000 meters above sea level. This required the use of innovative materials for the barometer and precise calculations for its design, as well as a new conversion mechanism for the altimeter. Unlike the 1962 Bivouac, the new version is also watertight. This is because the air inlet in the case, which is required for the barometer, is protected by a fine but tough membrane made from a micro- perforated hydrophobic material. This membrane allows air – but not water or dust particles – to pass through. Additional protection is provided in the form of a plate over the membrane held in place by two screws, with only very fine vents in the side to allow the air to circulate. This plate protects the delicate membrane against physical damage caused by hard, sharp objects or sand. MRP: ₹6,21,000 For more information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028899](tel:08725028899), [+91 8725028883](tel:08725028883) [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp]( Bivouac 9000: the ultimate instrument for all altitudes It is not until you consider that the difference between the air pressure at sea level and at the summit of the world’s highest peak does not even amount to one atmosphere (approx. 0.7 bar) that you can begin to guess how intricate the mechanism inside the Bivouac 9000 must be to precisely measure altitudes up to 9,000 meters. The heart of the barometer is an airtight capsule made from a special alloy. This capsule is contained in a chamber into which the atmospheric air required to measure the altitude enters through a three-millimeter opening in the case. The capsule expands when the air pressure drops as the wearer climbs and contracts when the air pressure rises during the descent. The contraction and expansion of the capsule triggers a downward or upward movement along a central axis in the device. In order to indicate a difference in height using a rotating hand on the dial, this movement has to be converted to a rotational movement around the central axis. This is done by means of a sensor at the center of the barometer capsule that registers the very slight movement and transfers it to a lever. This lever is connected to a mechanism that converts the linear movement into a rotational movement and drives the two red hands of the altimeter. In order to ensure that the point on the capsule that is in contact with the sensor rises and falls smoothly, which prevents the hands of the altimeter from jumping, the capsule case is undulated and has designated fold points. The hand-wound FL311 movement, specially designed mechanisms for altimeter and the power reserve indicator The red central hand indicates the altitude on the bidirectional rotating bezel, which carries a scale divided into 50-meter steps, up to 3,000 meters. One full clockwise rotation of the red central hand thus indicates a climb in altitude of 3,000 meters. During a climb, the small red hand of the subdial located at 3 o’clock also continues to turn, until, after three full rotations of the central hand, it arrives at its final destination of 9,000 meters above sea level. The bezel is held securely in place by a two-way ratchet mechanism that prevents it from being unintentionally moved to a different position. For the power-reserve indicator of the Bivouac 9000, the English differential screw system, which has been around since the days of the pocket watch, has been modernized, optimized, and adapted to perfectly meet the needs of this watch. This rarely used system employs a wheel that moves along a threaded shaft – up when the movement is wound and down when the movement is running. The position of the wheel is detected by a lever. This lever transmits the information to a toothed wheel to which the hand of the power-reserve indicator is attached. But the Bivouac 9000 can do much more than just measure the altitude. It is also capable of displaying any changes in air pressure at the same altitude. The hectopascal (hPa) scale on the subdial located at 3 o’clock displays the current air pressure on a scale ranging from 1,013 to 300 hPa. Anything but standard When designing the Bivouac 9000, Favre-Leuba took inspiration from its own legendary timepieces to create a watch with a modern interpretation of the brand’s characteristic design elements. Ensuring that the dial is perfectly legible in any conditions was key. The style of the dial is minimalistic – there is nothing unnecessary to distract the view from the important displays. Plenty of room is given to the large subdials for the altimeter and air-pressure display at 3 o’clock and the small-seconds dial at 9 o’clock, and the power-reserve indicator is clearly visible thanks to its contrasting black arc. The luminous hour and minute hands and rectangular indexes stand out clearly against the discreet and understated stone-gray dial. But the central altimeter hand is clearly the star of the show with its eye-catching deep red colour. Focusing on the essentials The Bivouac 9000 also attracts attention thanks to its impressive size – the especially robust case measures 48 mm in diameter. It is constructed from lightweight, hard-wearing, and hypo-allergenic titanium, which makes the watch comfortable to wear despite its size. The bidirectional rotating bezel, which is intuitive to use and features Favre-Leuba’s trademark tetradecagon design, carries an altimeter scale divided into 50-meter steps. It is also ensured that the screw-in case back is always aligned and remains securely in place. The antelope leather strap not only guarantees the very highest comfort when wearing the watch, but also makes it a stylish accessory in any setting. VIDEO: A more dynamic look at the Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 The Raider Bivouac 9000 in a nutshell - Measures altitudes up to 9000 metres above sea level - Displays any changes in the air pressure at the same altitude - Powered by the in-house manufacture calibre FL 311 with a manually-wound mechanism - Equipped with a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock on the dial, displaying the watch running autonomy of 65 hours - Housed in a titanium case MRP: ₹6,21,000 For more information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028899](tel:08725028899), [+91 8725028883](tel:08725028883) [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp]( [Discover all watches from Favre Leuba]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( Ethos Watch Boutiques A chain of premium and luxury watch boutiques You are receiving this email because you signed up for communications on our website/at our store. 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