The Favre-Leuba Raider Sea King is a 41 mm automatic sports watch with a barrel-shaped steel case, fixed fluted bezel, date and a relatively restrained look for the Raider line. Its defining buying caveat is a mismatch in published water-resistance figures: Monochrome reported 100 m in 2018 and 300 m in 2019. Check the exact watch’s caseback and have its seals pressure-tested before relying on it around water; neither report is a substitute for a test of the individual watch.
What the Raider Sea King is
The Sea King was presented as a more everyday-oriented counterpart to Favre-Leuba’s larger, more instrument-like watches. Its 41 mm stainless-steel case uses a tonneau—or barrel—shape, with a fixed brushed fluted bezel rather than a rotating dive bezel. That distinction matters: the bezel is a design feature, not a timing bezel for tracking a dive.
Published coverage describes squared applied luminous indices and a distinctive minute hand. Dial options include Midnight Black, Oceanic Blue and Slate Grey in the 2018 report; 2019 coverage describes black, blue and silver variants. The black and grey finishes are matte, while the blue is described as sunray. These are observations in published reviews, not findings from a hands-on assessment for this article. Monochrome Watches, 27 April 2018; Monochrome Watches, 22 February 2019.
Favre-Leuba Raider Sea King specifications
| Specification | Published information |
|---|---|
| Case | 41 mm stainless steel; 13.4 mm thick, according to Monochrome’s 2019 report. |
| Bezel | Fixed, brushed and fluted; not a rotating dive bezel. |
| Crystal | Sapphire with double-sided anti-reflective coating, per Monochrome’s 2019 report. |
| Dial and display | Black, blue or grey/silver options across the cited reports; applied luminous markers and date. |
| Movement | Customized ETA 2824-based automatic caliber, as identified by Monochrome in 2019; 25 jewels and 28,800 vibrations per hour. |
| Power reserve | 38 hours in Monochrome’s 2019 report; Favre-Leuba’s manual says at least 38 hours when fully wound. |
| Strap or bracelet | Antelope leather strap or stainless-steel bracelet, depending on configuration. The 2019 report describes a three-link bracelet with double-folding buckle and a leather strap with pin buckle. |
| Water resistance | Conflicting published figures: 100 m in Monochrome’s 2018 report and 300 m/30 ATM in its 2019 report. Confirm the specific watch’s caseback marking. |
Sources for specifications: Monochrome Watches, 2018; Monochrome Watches, 2019; Favre-Leuba Raider Sea King User Manual.
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- Adjustable black 20mm fabric strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Distressed black dial featuring historical logo; full Arabic numerals
- Black 40mm case with distressed finish; mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminous hands
- Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft): In general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Case shape, fit and everyday appeal
The tonneau case gives the Sea King a different visual character from a conventional round sports watch, while the fixed bezel and relatively contained 41 mm diameter support its more restrained positioning. The 2019 report’s 13.4 mm thickness is useful context, but dimensions alone cannot predict how it will sit on a particular wrist: the curved case shape, lug geometry and bracelet fit also matter. If buying remotely, ask for clear side and caseback photographs and, where possible, try the watch on.
The dial colors and finishes offer distinct personalities without changing the core design. A bracelet configuration reads more like a steel everyday watch; leather makes the watch less overtly sporty. Confirm which configuration is being offered and whether any original bracelet links or alternate strap are included.
Rank #2
- Adjustable silver-tone 20mm stainless steel expansion bands fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Silver-tone dial with partial Arabic numerals & team logo; date window at 3 o'clock
- Silver-tone 42mm brass case with scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminant hands
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Movement and operation
Monochrome’s 2019 article identifies the automatic movement as a customized ETA 2824-based caliber with 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a stated 38-hour reserve. Favre-Leuba’s manual gives at least 38 hours when fully wound. These are published specifications, not timing or power-reserve measurements of an individual example.
The manual says to wind the watch manually when first wearing it or after it has been off the wrist for a long time. For a full manual wind, it instructs approximately 40 clockwise crown rotations. It also explains time setting and date adjustment; consult the manual for the correct procedure for the specific watch rather than forcing the crown or date mechanism.
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- Adjustable black & gray 20mm FastWrap strap with hook & loop closure fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Silver-tone dial with full Arabic numerals & team logo
- Black 38mm resin case with scratch-resistant acrylic lens
- Luminant hands
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Favre-Leuba’s Raider Sea King manual states: “The accuracy of a mechanical watch from Favre-Leuba is usually between 0 and +14 seconds a day.” This is the brand’s stated typical tolerance, not a guarantee of the rate of every watch or a result measured for this review. Read the Raider Sea King manual.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Water resistance: verify the individual watch
The available model coverage does not agree: Monochrome’s 2018 article lists 100 m, while its 2019 article lists 30 ATM/300 m. The discrepancy should not be resolved by assuming the higher figure applies to every Sea King. Favre-Leuba’s manual says the water-resistance marking is engraved on the caseback, and that resistance can decline as seals age.
Rank #4
- Easy Reader Design
- Stainless Steel Bracelet
- Quick Date
- 30 meter water resistant
- Indiglo Night-Light
The manual’s general guidance says a 100 m/10 bar-rated watch can be used for handwashing, showering and swimming, and says watches rated 200 m/20 bar and above can also be used for diving. It also warns not to operate the crown underwater. These general instructions do not establish the rating or present condition of a particular Sea King.
- Read the water-resistance engraving on the exact caseback and compare it with the watch’s papers.
- Check that the crown screws down correctly and that the case has not been opened or damaged without appropriate resealing.
- For any intended water use, request a current pressure test from a qualified watchmaker. An original rating does not prove that an older watch remains water-tight.
Buying one today
The prices in the cited articles are launch-era figures, not current valuations: Monochrome gave a USD 1,900 starting price in 2018; its 2019 report listed CHF 1,750 on leather and CHF 1,950 on bracelet. No current retail availability or secondary-market price is established here. Favre-Leuba’s manual index still includes a Sea King manual, but that alone does not show that the model remains on sale new. Favre-Leuba manual index.
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When assessing a live listing, focus on the individual watch rather than treating historical specifications as proof of condition. Confirm case diameter and thickness, fit, movement identity and service documentation, included bracelet or strap parts, caseback water-resistance marking, current seal condition and the seller’s return terms. A pressure test is especially important if the watch will be exposed to water.
Quick Recap
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.
