Why This Watch Matters
The Sea Bird not only has a cute name, it also offers a rare alarm complication and an attractive blue dial.
The Full Story
Favre-Leuba is mostly known for its efficient distribution of Zenith watches, especially in India. However, the company was definitely making its own watches, a handful of them being very capable tool watches such as the Bivouac and the Harpoon. The Sea Bird tackles the alarm complication with the trusted caliber 1475 from Adolf Schild, a cheaper alternative to the Memovox movement from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The dial and alarm hand have maintained their vibrant blue hue; the blue coloring is not only good-looking but also highly legible, emphasizing that practicality was the key criterion in the development of the Sea Bird.
The Fine Print
Maker: Favre-Leuba
Model: Sea Bird
Reference: 53033
Year: Circa 1960s
Case No: 560
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: No, plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Adolf Schild caliber 1475
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Kangaroo NATO Strap
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This watch shows signs of wear with light scratches throughout and a more noticeable group of scratches on the left case band. The dial is in very nice condition with full tritium lume plots. The patina on the handset is slightly darker than the rest of the lume plots. Overall, this is a great vintage alarm watch you don't see pop up often.
