Newly acquired Favre-Leuba Datic

[anilv]

Hi Guys..

Just received this Favre-Leuba Datic. It has an FL1188 movement which is basically the (much maligned) AS1687 in drag.

While not as unique as the Favre-leuba's in house Cal.253. It has been used in some higher end watches like Girard-Perregaux and Zodiac. Some shun this movement because of its offset canon pinion but generally its not so bad. It's only if you need a replacement parts that it gets messy. The plating on the plates are the same as on the Cal.253 though. At least FL was consistent!

Anyway, here it is...dial has 'patina'. IMO patina is overrated but at least its here it's even.

 

The caseback is pretty..

The movement..pretty messy huh? I was reminded of the tea trick on another thread. I will try this when I tear this one down.

Nice thing about this movement (and other 1687s) is that it has a geared regulator, allowing better, more precise adjustments.

A button, nowadays more commonly known as a crown. Nothing remarkable as it's a generic replacement but I will see if I have a genuine (used) FL one which I can fit.

I don't usually pay much attention to the inner case back but something caught my eye. 

It was only some dirt which came off when I scraped at it with my tweezer.

This watch will be getting a service soon as it's pretty dirty inside. There's been several posts about the as1687 so I won't be posting about the rebuild unless I come across something unusual. Anyway here's a picture of the dial side. I think it's one of the better designs from the 50s. The date snaps over instantly . Just like Rolex! And it's nice to see a jeweled barrel arbor!

Thanks for reading!

Anilv

Edited May 30, 2017 by anilv

[RyMoeller]

I have a couple of Favre Leubas as well; they seem to be an often overlooked brand which made some pretty solid watches and has a very long history.

I like the layout of the dial there- very unusual to see the date at 12 o'clock!  A snappy date feature is also something of a prize in a mechanical movement. 

Very nice find. 

[anilv]

On the subject of cleaning the plates by soaking in tea, I was also considering soaking the part in coca-cola.

I know that I will need to monitor the part soaked in coke more closely as it seems to be more corrosive than tea. Anyone here have any experience with this?

Anil

[anilv]

Ok .. this project is now dead in the water.

Anyone here can spot the issue?

Anilv

[Marc]

Where is the hair spring anchored? It appears to go through the regulator and then just stop in mid-air.

[anilv]

Yep Marc.. the stud carrier is missing!

Need to look for a replacement. I have a Zodiac somewhere with a broken pivot.. and its silver not gold. If I plan to mix n match I'll need to transfer the stud carrier and hairspring over but this sounds like too much work! I'm leaning towards putting it away until a donor comes along.!

We'll see!

Anilv

[anilv]

Well I managed to get a balance cock and balance from Mr Sudarson at 'oldswisswatches.com'. Price was pretty reasonable but shipping was really cheap.  It was something like USD3 from India to Malaysia. 

A quick clean and service and it's running well.  The patina on the balance cock is different but hopefully time will cure this! 

[anilv]

Ooops.. Just noticed the Inca spring is not sitting right.  Fixed now. 

Anilv

Edited May 17, 2018 by anilv