Eberhard & Co. is a traditional Swiss watch company which has a rich heritage of manufacturing exceptional mechanical timepieces including some innovative chronographs since 1887.
Origins
In La Chaux- de-Fonds, in 1887, Georges Eberhard a mere 22 years of age, founded the Manufacture d’Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. The Company specialised in the production of technical watches, launching the pocket chronograph, followed in 1919 by the first wrist chronograph.
In 1935, innovation centred on the double pulsating chronograph, offering the stop and start functions without having to reset to zero; 1938 was the year that saw the launch of the first chronograph with an hour counter. When 1939 arrived, it heralded a new revolution: the Company created a wrist chronograph equipped with an innovative fly-back device, enabling dual time keeping. These were the years when the Eberhard chronographs were ploughing through the waves on the wrists of the Italian Royal Navy’s officers.
After the war, the first ladies model was launched, after which, at the end of the 50s, the first Extra-fort made its appearance, a real watch industry jewel with seconds hand re zeroing by means of a sliding push piece. Technical passion and the taste for a challenge brought together Eberhard and the “Frecce Tricolori” (Three-coloured Arrows), to which the Chronomaster was dedicated in 1984. The Company’s centenary (1887-1987) was celebrated with the Navymaster collection. 1992 was the year of the “Tazio Nuvolari” chronograph, created in honour of the greatest car racing legend of all time.
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| Tazio Nuvolari” Chronograph |
In 1996, production was orientated towards large-sized models: the Traversetolo was born, with its 43 millimetre diameter. The following year saw a new milestone: “8 Jours”, which, thanks to an exclusive device, needs rewinding only once a week. The third millennium opened with Chrono 4, the first and only chronograph in the history of watchmaking to display four counters aligned horizontally, subsequently also aligned vertically with the Chrono 4 Temerario.
In 2003, a new model was added to the “Tazio Nuvolari” collection, dedicated to the famous victory of the Vanderbilt cup. Then once more in the context of extreme challenges, the Scafodat collection was launched in 2006, tackling the ocean depths down to 500 metres.
In 2007, Eberhard & Co. celebrated its 120th Anniversary with a chronograph dedicated to this important milestone: the “Chronographe 120ème Anniversaire”, which is the custodian of 120 years of history, passion and dedication. In 2008, the Company is embellishing its collections with important developments to its most representative models and, in this way, laying the bases for new and exclusive projects in the future.
In 2009 the Company reinterpreted the spirit of Extra-fort with a refined version “Vitré” and presented the special steel chronograph “Tazio Nuvolari Edition Limitée Grand Prix TN”, produced in only 999 pieces.
In 2010 the “Grand Prix” line was enriched by a red gold edition, limited to 123 precious pieces. With Gilda, Eberhard & Co. gives a new meaning to its concept of femininity, thanks to its soft lines and harmonious details expressing modern and timeless elegance. To confirm the continuous search for evolution and innovation gave birth to Chrono 4 Géant, an indomitable, sporty and dynamic chronograph.
In 2011 the brand introduced a special titanium version of the latter with a gutsy, distinctive look. The same year Eberhard & Co. celebrated the 10th anniversary of Chrono 4 with two limited Editions of Chrono 4 Grande Taille and Chrono 4 Géant Titane.
In 2012 the Maison celebrated its 125th anniversary with “Extra-fort Roue à Colonnes Grande Date 125ème Anniversaire”, 125 years dedicated to research and constant innovation. Champion collection launched in the early ‘90s is revisited in a contemporary style with Champion V and Champion V Grande Date. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Tazio Nuvolari’s birth Eberhard & Co. introduced “Tazio Nuvolari Data”.
Important Watch Collections
8 Jours
The 8 Days collection combines tradition with committed workmanship as it comprises mechanical hand winding watches which need winding only once every 8 days. The dial has a days-left indicator, with a patented device, whose hand shows the remaining power reserve i.e. for how many days left the watch will still be telling the time.
The Company’s innovation here is a special winding device consisting of two overlapping springs, which, together, are more than one metre and a half long, while a standard wrist watch has only one spring, about 30 cm long. The brand also added a precious Grande Taille version of the 8 days timepiece. This new model has a case of considerable size (Ø 41mm) version and reveals part of its precious, hand-winding, mechanical movement.
The “8 Jours Grande Taille” model is equipped with a crocodile strap, is waterproof to 3 atmospheres, has a sapphire glass and is available in elegant dial versions.
Champion
The Champion collection was launched at the beginning of the 90s. The brand recently revisited this sports oriented collection by adding new models Champion V, and Champion V Grande Date, with big date at 3o’clock. Dedicated to a strong, sporty wrist, Champion V and Champion V Grande Date are proposed with a variety of dials and bezels which exalt their distinctive personality signed by Eberhard & Co. A special edition from this line, the Champion V Grande Date Animalier features “zebra-striped” dial which expresses the strength and charisma of this chronograph. The black and white stripes are also on the mineral glass bezel. Champion V Animalier is the expression of a skilful technical and aesthetic combination, refined and exotic at the same time, which confirms the creative versatility of Eberhard & Co.
Chrono 4
Introduced in 2001, the Chrono 4 is the first and only chronograph in the history of watchmaking with four aligned counters. This Registered Design is an aesthetic and functional innovation and represents a technical revolution thanks to the device developed and patented by Eberhard & Co. with sophisticated complexity. Indeed the entire mechanism operates using no fewer than 53 rubies.
Never before had minutes, hours, 24 hours and seconds been arranged horizontally in a linear progression. Available in several versions including the Chrono 4 Géant series.
Chrono 4 Temerario
Chrono 4 Temerario presents itself in a completely original and unique way and boasts 3 exclusive patents developed by Eberhard & Co. One of these regards the movement, another concerns the access system to the crown, and the third relates to the safety clasp of the leather strap and the bracelet. Equipped with a mechanical automatic movement and an Eberhard & Co. device, Temerario features the auxiliary dials – continuous seconds and 24 hours – and the hour and the minute counters in a vertical row. The two push buttons of the chronograph are situated at 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. Beneath the case, at the level of the chronograph’s push buttons at 1 o’ clock, there is a lever that when trigged releases the lid of a small chamber, at 12 o’ clock, in which the crown is kept. This device that opens the chamber is exclusive to Eberhard & Co. The strap and the bracelet are both fitted with the innovative and exclusive deployment clasp Déclic.
The well-known Chrono 4 Temerario, famous for its many patented features, is also offered in an exclusive version, limited to 370 pieces. This version’s unique feature is the use of a special internationally patented carbon protection treatment, DLC-Dianoir®, acronym for “Diamond Like Coating”, a revolutionary surface treatment which, when applied to steel, takes on a black colouration making it scratch-resistant and impervious to humidity. An appropriate technical solution also from an aesthetic point of view, giving this model a particularly tough, sporting appeal
Extra-Fort
Extra-fort represents an important stage in the history of watchmaking. It’s a chronograph by Eberhard & Co. which, as a post-war offspring, became a synonym for a new era in horology in the 50s. Half a century later this by now renowned timepiece was freshly interpreted and brought up to the state of the art by the same Maison Suisse. The Extra-fort is a mechanical automatic winding chronograph, with sapphire glass, and water – resist ant down to 3 or 5 atmospheres, depending on the models. The Extra-fort preserves the spirit and charm of a watch that has made history. The collection is enriched by particular éditions limitées.
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| Extra-fort, circa 2000 |
From the 40s Extra-fort is one of the Swiss Maison’s most representative models. After having redesigned its style in the new millennium, equipping it with an automatic chronograph movement, the Extra-fort now comes with a 41mm steel case, retaining the class and innate charisma of its predecessor. Water-resistant to 5 atm, with a domed sapphire crystal, it is available in three different dial versions, embellished with a special diamond-finish, interspersed between the tachometer and minutes scales. The Extra-fort Grande Taille is available with a crocodile strap or “Chalin” steel bracelet.
The Extra-fort Automatic collection consists of mechanical automatic winding watches in steel, 18 ct. pink gold or white gold, available in the version “just time” or “Grande Date” also with power-reserve, with a sapphire glass and the caseback locked by screws. The “just time” version has a wide choice of dials: from the classic anthracite and “argenté” to the coloured blue and burgundy. The special models “Grande Date” and “Grande Date Réserve de Marche” feature a transparent caseback in sapphire glass to reveal the movement with its embellishments “Côtes de Genève”. Among these, the “Edition Bleuet” deserves particular attention.
Extra-fort Rattrapante : The steel version of the Extra-fort Rattrapante is an exclusive chronograph proposed by Eberhard & Co. in a limited series of 333 pieces. Elegance and prestige are the characteristics best describing this model, equipped with fly-back and column-wheel devices, thanks to which it is possible to measure intermediate time and double chronometry. Through the Extra-fort Rattrapante sapphire crystal case back, a refined movement can be seen, which is much sought after and finished in highly refined detailed. Eberhard & Co. also offers the Extra-fort Rattrapante model in 18 ct. red gold in a limited edition of 121 pieces.
Extra-fort Roue à Colonnes Grande Date: This mechanical chronograph perfectly combines aesthetical and mechanical elegance, in harmony with tradition and innovation. The chronograph’s functions are controlled by the column-wheel by means of a modified mechanical movement with automatic winding that operates in accordance with a new and exclusive process, namely a precise, accomplished mechanism that is visible through the sapphire glass caseback. Extra-fort Roue à Colonnes Grande Date reinterprets the elegant and harmonious lines of its predecessors and it is available in steel, in pink gold and in a special white gold version featuring a finely worked dial.
Extra-fort Roue à Colonnes Grande Date 125ème Anniversaire: This exclusive and elegantly styled automatic chronograph celebrates the 125th anniversary of Eberhard & Co. With a 41 mm steel case, produced in a limited edition of500 pieces, this Extra-fort model is proposed with an argenté or black dial with contrasting counters profile, featuring Arabic numerals at 1, 2 and 5 o’clock, symbolising this important anniversary. A previous edition in 18 kt pink gold, limited to 125 pieces: Extra-fort Roue à Colonnes Grande Date 125ème Anniversaire is also available.
Glida
With Gilda, Eberhard & Co. gives a new meaning to its concept of femininity. The soft lines of the elliptical case, the harmony shown by the exclusive details and the floral motif engraved on the caseback express modern and timeless elegance. The extreme refinement of Gilda is enhanced in all models by precious materials, such as mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Sensual, strong-minded, studded with little secrets, just like a woman.
Les Courbées
Les Courbées is a collection of mechanical watches with automatic winding that combines originality and elegance. Available in steel or in 18 ct. pink gold, these models have a rectangular case with slightly curved profile and a vaulted sapphire glass. For those that prefer precious details, the steel version is also available with 34 diamonds on the bezel. The crown is screwed-in and the caseback locked by four screws. The dial is available in white, black or blue featuring large, eye-catching stylised Arabic numerals that emphasise the watch’s uniqueness. The “Grande Date” version has an automatic movement with power-reserve indicator.
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| Les Courbées |
Scafodat
Scafodat is the name of the diving-watch collection for professional use; it resumes and actualises the Eberhard & Co.’s tradition in sport watches with technical features. The ingenuity of its production and the careful selection of the materials make Scafodat water-resistant down to 500 m. Scafodat is characterised by such interesting technical details as the big crown located at 4 o’clock, equipped with a special security device. The crown activates the inner rotating flange, protected by a non-reflecting sapphire glass, which is especially useful for indicating diving times on a sexagesimal basis. The security valve is fitted on the middle part. It works automatically and sees to it that helium escapes in the decompression phase.
Scafodat comes in steel; it has a mechanical automatic movement and screw-in crown. The caseback is locked by screws, and an individual feature of it is the traditional seahorse image that was inspired by the original design registered in 1958. The black dials have triangular indexes warranting high-grade readability both in the classical and sportive versions. Scafodat is available with the special Chicane bracelet in steelwith an innovative system to lengthen it (Patent Pending) and the Déclic clasp, or with an ergonomic rubber strap devised for optimum wearing comfort.
Scafomatic
With the creation of Scafomatic, Eberhard & Co. has chosen modern, functional lines that are carefully adapted to the sober and balanced style, for which the Swiss Company has always been noted. This mechanical watch, with automatic winding and a sporty look, has a domed sapphire crystal, protecting a generously proportioned, fully steel case (42 Ø), perfectly complementing the particularly distinctive dial. Available in a variety of colours, the dial reveals an outer gloss-finish highlight and a regular alternation of large Arabic numbers and indices of an original trapezoidal shape, all luminous, guaranteeing 24-hour optimum legibility. The ancient shield, engraved in a prominent central position on the case back, is a symbolic fragment of history, representing a faithful and constant reminder of the tradition of the House of Eberhard. Water-resistant to 5 atmospheres, Scafomatic is fitted with a black or white rubber bracelet, embellished with a buckle bearing the “E&Co.” signature
Tazio Nuvolari
“Tazio Nuvolari” is a mechanical automatic winding chronograph, water-resistant, with screw-in crown, sapphire glass and black dial. The special pearl-finish of the caseback, secured by screws, and of the bezel, drew inspiration from the vintage racing car instrument panels. The engraving of the driver’s signature and the stylised image of the mascot tortoise – given to the great Nivolaby Gabriele D’Annunzio, with the dedication “To the fastest driver in the world, the slowest animal” – make these chronographs absolutely unique. The caseback of the “Gold Car Collection” models is transparent to reveal the beauty of the movement with its high-grade embellishments and the rotor with its equally as subtle engravings depicting a stylised 18 ct. gold replica of that Alfa Romeo Tipo 12/C which the great Flying Mantovanian used to drive to his impressive victories.
Eberhard & Co. celebrated the 120th anniversary of the birth of Tazio Nuvolari with the “Tazio Nuvolari Data” model, an automatic mechanical chronograph dressed in a 43 mm steel case. The black dial featuring “perlée” finish has two counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, for minutes and hours respectively; the latter also features the date. The “Tazio Nuvolari Data” special edition is embellished with the particular bezel with 74 black diamonds (1.11 ct.).
The “Mouvement Gravé” edition features a precious hand engraving on the movement and on the 21 ct. gold rotor, available upon request on some models in the “Tazio Nuvolari” collection. Among the “Tazio Nuvolari Gold Car Collection” models, whose name is an instant reminder of the Alfa Romeo represented in masterly fashion on their rotors, we simply had to have an elegant 18 ct. gold version, now available only to order.
“Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix TN” in gold revives the essence of sporting passion, enhanced with the extraordinary class of precious metal. Sapphire glass and water-resistance to 3 atmospheres round off an exclusive chronograph in a limited series of 123 pieces. An imposing 43-millimetre case, whose lines are embellished with a subtle, warm interplay of colour combinations, making it unique.
The steel version of “Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix TN” has the strong, unique personality of a great champion. A robust case of ample proportions (43 mm diameter), water-resistant up to 3 atmospheres, sapphire glass, a black ceramic bezel and distinctive appearance: a gutsy, modern chronograph in a limited series of 999 pieces. Another version of “Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix TN” features an imposing steel case (Ø 43 mm), characterised by the white colour of the ceramic bezel, the details on the dial, the engravings on the case back and the original strap with red stitching. Limited edition of 999 pieces.
The “Tazio Nuvolari – Vanderbilt Cup” collection is dedicated to one of the most exciting and renowned race from Nuvolari, won on Long Island in America in 1936. Mechanical automatic winding chronograph, “Tazio Nuvolari – Vanderbilt Cup” also features significant technical details from the past but revised in accordance with modern criteria.
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| “Tazio Nuvolari – Vanderbilt Cup” |
The crown features a coaxial pushbutton recalling the chronographs from the ‘30s. The case has a hinged double caseback that can be opened with a special vertical sliding pushbutton. On the internal part of the back cover are depicted a stylised reproduction of Nuvolari’s legendary tortoise, the driver’s initials and there is also space to apply an individual dedication. The finely machined movement is revealed through a sapphire glass with Tazio Nuvolari’s signature.
Chrono Traversetolo
Chrono Traversetolo is a mechanical chronograph with automatic winding characterized by a very finely machined movement that is revealed through the transparent caseback in sapphire glass.
The rotor deserves particular attention: it is entirely decorated with “Côtes de Genève” embellishments, circular, and it is elegantly personalized with a shield – the old symbol of the Maison – that depicts the letter “E” in 18 ct. gold. Chrono Traversetolo comes in steel; it has a large-sized case (Ø 43 mm.) and it features special push-buttons for the chronographic functions with a particular, curved shape. Available in different dial versions, Chrono Traversetolo comes either with a crocodile strap, the steel Chaland bracelet or a rubber strap.
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| Chrono Traversetolo |
The collection is also enriched by an attractive édition limitée, offered in a “Noir” version. The “Noir” version of the Chrono Traversetolo, limited to 333 pieces, is especially remarkable for its use of the special patented carbon treatment DLC-Dianoir® – Diamond Like Coating – which by providing the steel case and buckle with a black coating, gives this version a particularly attractive appearance, looking even tougher through the choice of the black dial with contrasting red numbering.
Traversetolo
Traversetolo is accurate, resistant and reliable. The qualities of this watch lie in its large size and its movement, conceived in the ‘50s and improved through the years: one of the most traditional and highly esteemed movements in Swiss watchmaking. Traversetolo is available in the classical version, with minted caseback and marks in relief, Vitré with transparent caseback which reveals the movement, and in a special Vitré version dedicated to left-handed
Aliante
Aliante comes in steel, it has a mechanical movement with hand-winding and a big case (Ø 41 mm.), whose thickness of 8 mm. gives to it a slim line and optimum wearing comfort. Aliante is characterized by the reintroduction of the old shield, emblem of the Maison, which personalizes the inner part of the dial as a delicate embellishment in the same colour. The prestigious symbol is also on the crown and on the caseback, where it is minted with the “E” in relief. To celebrate the refinement of the new watch by Eberhard & Co., the shield “E” comes on the “pont de rouage” of the movement.
Replica
The Replica collection is inspired by the distinctive line of a 1930s model which the Maison Suisse used to supply to the Officers in the Italian Royal Navy. Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding, Replica is available in different versions, most notably so, a model with full calendar and with or without moon phases.
Montres en or
In this collection of classic gold watches, Eberhard & Co. combines reduced, no nonsense design with the richness of materials thus creating forever lasting models in 18-carat white, yellow or classical warm pink gold with hand winding, automatic winding or quartz movement.
Montres de Poche
Eberhard & Co., which began by producing pocket-watches, preciously hidden in the waistcoat, continues its original tradition by offering the Montres de Poche collection, dedicated to all those who like beautiful things with an antique flair. Strictly mechanical with hand winding and also in the sophisticated “savonnette” style.
Gingi Date
The Gingi Date collection features pure, stylish lines that impart to it a seductively feminine charm all of its own. This quadrangular model comes in steel, with calendar, and curved sapphire glass. Gingi Date is available either with a classical dial or with coloured mother-of-pearl dials featuring raised indexes or original stylized hearts; all dials are also offered in the precious version with diamonds. This elegant watch is also available in a smaller version in pink gold, called “Gingi”, which features a classic dial without date.
Désirée
Désirée by Eberhard & Co. deserves to be called “a veritable timeless jewel”, available both in stainless steel and 18 carat gold. The original structure of the steel bracelets and the elegant design of the gold ones make this timepiece a precious ladies ornament offered in different dial versions that will easily adapt to any occasion. The collection is enriched by a precious édition spéciale.
Bracelets or
In this collection, characterized by the richness of its materials and by the lucidity of its design, Eberhard & Co. combines its tradition of watchmaking with the art of the master goldsmiths to create precious wrist jewels in 18-carat gold: ladies models made of a rich material, in which the skilful play of the lights and the nobility of the shapes create real jewels whose elegance never goes by.
Aquadate
The Aquadate watches have been part of Eberhard & Co. collections since the 60’s. Today, the Maison Suisse presents new, up-to-date models. The style of Aquadate can be sportive, elegant, or luxurious, depending on the combination of different materials such as steel, gold and diamonds. This model of good wearability and aesthetic impact, offers two bezel versions and has a white, black or blue dial or a pink, skyblue or green mother-of-pearl dial. Precious dial versions with diamonds are also available. Aquadate, for gents or for ladies, has a mechanical automatic winding or quartz movement, is water-resistant and features a sapphire glass with magnifying lens providing optimum readability of the date, a screw-in crown and a caseback fixed by screws.
The deployment clasp Déclic by Eberhard & Co.
The patent pending deployment clasp Déclic is a new accurate detail that the Maison has added to its watches. The traditional constructive technique has been improved thanks to a special security mechanism, which prevents the opening of the deployment clasp Déclic, when worn.
Déclic, available in steel and in 18 ct pink or red gold, is easy to adapt and to combine with the leather and rubber straps, or the steel bracelets. Its correct closing is ensured by a “click” which indicates that the lever has reached its right position.
Official website: http://www.eberhard-co-watches.ch/
