Manufacturer: Eberhard Year: Circa 1935 Movement No: 25'052 Case No: 1'007'292 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Eberhard 1600, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
In 1887, Georges Eberhard founded the Swiss watch manufacturing company Eberhard & Co. in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The firm has a very rich history, and during the early-to-mid 1900s, Eberhard was recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of watches in Switzerland and known for their fine chronographs.
The present stainless steel chronograph measures a remarkable 40mm in diameter, and is fitted with a superb white enamel dial. The dial is complemented beautifully with a four-color tachometer scale and black Breguet numerals. The substantial case is fitted with olive pushers, fixed lugs and the Eberhard caliber 1600. The ‘292’ stamping found on the underside of the lug is correct as it matches the last four digits of the case number found on the inner case-back, reading 1’007’292.
Despite having been manufactured in the mid-1930s, the present watch has survived roughly 80 years without any damage or imperfections to the case or dial. This example is offered in excellent overall condition, and is the perfect addition to any collection of fine watches.
From its earliest days, Eberhard & Co. has sought to bring innovation and precision to watchmaking. As early as the 1890s, the firm introduced a patented setting mechanism to its pocket watches, and in 1905 they introduced a digital system for reading the hours and minutes on a wristwatch. Throughout the firm's long history, they have produced high-quality chronograph watches, introducing their first chronograph wristwatch in 1919. Highly sought-after by collectors, Eberhard's first split-seconds chronograph appeared in 1939. Another key model is the Scafograph 100, an extremely rare diving model introduced in the 1950s. In 2001, Eberhard & Co. made history with their Chrono 4 model, the first chronograph wristwatch with counters horizontally arranged in one row.