The Favre Leuba Chief Skeleton debuted on August 26, 2025, as the brand’s first fully skeletonized timepiece. It pairs the Chief collection’s cushion-shaped case with an open-worked automatic movement, and Favre Leuba announced on September 1, 2026, that the watch was nominated in the GPHG 2026 Challenge category. Here are the published specifications, finishes, and price points to check when comparing references.
What is the Favre Leuba Chief Skeleton?
Favre Leuba introduced the Chief Skeleton as its first fully skeletonized watch, with an open-worked movement visible through the dial side. The launch release describes the design as a way to make the mechanics more visible. Patrik Hoffmann, chairman at the time of launch, said the openworked design “not only reduces weight but also enhances the visibility of the movement.” That is the brand’s explanation of its design intent, not a published independent weight comparison.
The model brings the skeletonized movement into the Chief collection’s cushion-shaped case, a form associated with the collection’s 1970s-inspired design language. WatchTime also covered the model at launch in its Favre Leuba Unveils the Chief Skeleton article.
What are the specifications?
| Specification | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 40 mm |
| Case thickness | 11.76 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 47.59 mm |
| Strap width | 22 mm |
| Water resistance | 100 m / 10 ATM |
| Movement frequency | 28,800 A/h (4 Hz) |
| Power reserve | Approximately 41 hours |
| Jewels | 27 |
These figures come from Favre Leuba’s technical sheet and product information. The published dimensions are useful for comparing the case footprint, but they do not establish how the watch will sit on every wrist. Water resistance is the maker’s stated rating; follow its care guidance for use in water.
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#1 Best Overall
- 【Hollow Skeleton Design】 Luxury skeleton hollow-out design allows you to have a beautiful vintage watch with the appearance of a mechanical watch, but you don't need to wind it up every day like a mechanical watch.
- 【Novel Style】 The unique long barrel shape surface is distinguished from the square round watches on the market. The front and back sides have gorgeous gear carving design. There are 4 different color cases to choose from, and the steel belt and belt are matched at the same time. A total of 9 colors are optional.
- 【Comfortable to Wear】 Durable leather strap is easy to adjust the length; The buckle of the stainless steel watch strap is a hidden button buckle, which is more convenient to wear and remove. The luminous pointer lets you see the time of the night.
- 【Good Quality】 The high-strength mineral glass on the case provides scratch protection. High quality case, not easy to fade. Waterproof to 30 meters (only for domestic waterproof, i.e. splash-proof and sweat-proof, not for bathing and diving)
- 【Exquisite Gift】 This fashionable hollowed-out skeleton watch is suitable for any casual or formal occasion. Its elegant appearance is easy to match with any men's clothing, making your wrist the focus. Unique design, exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious appearance and exquisite packaging are perfect gifts for holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduation, Father's Day and birthday.
Which finishes and references are available?
Favre Leuba’s launch material describes two broad treatments. Steel models combine brushed and polished steel with a gold-finished movement; black DLC-coated steel models pair with an anthracite-finished movement. The maker lists the open-worked calibers as FLS01 and FLS02, with the specific caliber and finish depending on the reference.
| Execution described by Favre Leuba | Movement finish | Launch color options described | Technical-sheet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushed and polished steel | Gold finish; the technical sheet identifies FLS01 bridges in 4N18 gold | Green, blue, or black minute track and corresponding FKM strap | CHF 3,450 |
| Black DLC-coated steel | Anthracite; the technical sheet identifies FLS02 bridges in black chrome | Green, blue, black, or ice-blue minute track | CHF 3,550 |
These are launch-level descriptions, not a guarantee that every color remains in the current range. Individual reference pages may show a narrower selection and market-specific prices or delivery estimates. Check the exact reference and your region on Favre Leuba’s official product pages before ordering; the CHF figures above are those printed on the brand’s technical sheet, not guaranteed current local prices.
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What movement does it use?
The open-worked automatic movement is identified as FLS01 or FLS02 according to execution. Favre Leuba says it was developed in collaboration with AMT. Its technical sheet lists 27 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz), and approximately 41 hours of power reserve. The sheet also describes a specially designed, horizontally satin-finished balance bridge. Confirm the caliber and finish against the specific reference, rather than assuming every Chief Skeleton uses the same version.
What does the GPHG 2026 nomination mean?
On September 1, 2026, Favre Leuba announced that the Chief Skeleton had been nominated in the GPHG 2026 Challenge category. The announcement calls this the brand’s first-ever GPHG nomination. Favre Leuba CEO Patrik Hoffmann said, “To receive Favre Leuba’s first-ever GPHG nomination is a tremendous honour for everyone involved in the brand’s revival.” The nomination is an award-program milestone, not a published assessment of accuracy, durability, or value.
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- ⌚【Mechanical Movement】: No need to worry about the battery is dead, but Manual SELF-WINDING!Notice! Since manual winding mechanical watches are operated manually, they can only last for a few hours after winding. It is recommended that you check the time frequently and wind up the chain (15-20 times) to avoid running or inaccurate time.
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In the same announcement, Favre Leuba described the Challenge category as recognizing maisons achieving a feat below CHF 4,500. That wording is the brand’s description of the category; consult the GPHG’s own published nominee and category information for the program’s formal terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should buyers check before choosing one?
- Reference and finish: Verify whether the watch is steel/gold-finished or black DLC/anthracite, and check the caliber designation on the exact product page.
- Track and strap color: Minute-track and FKM strap colors differ by reference, and the currently listed selection may not match every launch option.
- Local price and delivery: Treat online prices and estimated delivery dates as market- and page-specific; the technical-sheet CHF prices are not a universal current quote.
- Strap replacement: The maker describes an integrated, interchangeable FKM strap with an easy-change mechanism, and lists a 22 mm width. That measurement alone does not establish that ordinary straight-end straps, third-party bracelets, or generic tools fit its integrated attachment.
Favre Leuba’s official Chief Skeleton product information is the place to verify reference-specific specifications and regional availability. The brand’s launch account and the technical sheet provide the broad configuration and specification details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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- 【Waterproof and Luminous Watch】: It has a 30M daily waterproof function, easily handling daily scenarios such as hand - washing, rain, and splashing (Note: Do not wear it in bathing, swimming, diving, or hot - water environments). Both the hands and scales are coated with a high - brightness luminous coating. Even in a dark environment, you can quickly read the time, keep track of time at all times, have no fear of light changes, and use it worry - free all day long
- 【Occasions and Gifts】:perfect for holiday greetings or gifting on important occasions, conveying high-end taste, a quality choice to show your heart.Perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Anniversary, Birthday, Father's Day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
