This is a rare example of an Eberhard pre-Extrafort Chronograph from 1940s. The oversized case with fixed lug bars, is characteristic of early pilot or military watches. The early Eberhards are distinguished by their exotic multi-scale dials and this example is a grail piece in many ways because:
- The original unrestored dial is golden color gilt, with all the lettering perfectly clear & beautifully preserved. The dial is turning tropical with age.
- The dial is beautifully accented with a very thin, mirrored rings separating the snail tachymeter scale from the sub-dials and the outer chronograph chapter rings and the telemeter scale.
- The stainless steel case is oversized at 40mm, and sports a desirable stepped case.
- The original chronograph pushers are oval, which is characteristic of 1930-1940s chronographs.
- The lugs, case and snap on case back are free of any deep scratches or chips.
- The high grade Eberhard manufacture grade Cal 16”” column-wheel chronograph keeps great time and pushers are beautifully responsive.
Finally, there is a hidden feature to this watch: at a quick glance, one would assume the watch was a standard two-pusher chronograph, but in reality this it is a SUPER RARE mono-pusher.
- The pusher at 2 o’clock starts, stops and resets the chronograph.
- The lower pusher at 4 o’clock works as a “stop and lock” mechanism controlled by sliding it up towards the crown.
- When the slide is moved upwards, the precise time is protected, and can be recorded by the user. The lock prevents the accidental activation of the chronograph’s pushers that would result in losing the measurement.
Overall, the watch is in all original, excellent condition. The original dial shows a homogenous tropical bronze/brown patina. The case appears to be at most polished lightly, and retains sharp edges and equally thick/sharp lugs. The watch was recently serviced and is in excellent running condition. (315; +8s/d). The chronograph starts, stops and resets without issues.
The watch comes from a great European collection.
Date: Switzerland, 1940s
Dial: Original, black, gilt tropical dial, golden hands
Case: Stainless steel step case, snap case back, fixed bars, serial: 1007003
Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 13mm thick
Movement: High grade Eberhard caliber 16”” Column Wheel, 17 jewels, 18,000 vph
Strap: New, black, handmade Italian pigskin leather strap
Eberhard Company
Eberhard & Co. was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) in 1887 by Georges Eberhard. With the launch of its first chronograph wristwatch in 1919 the firm was recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of watches in Switzerland and known for their fine chronographs. Collectors and connoisseurs have expressed a growing interest in Eberhard’s inimitable vintage chronographs, with their bold oversized cases and vibrant dials.
