Manufacturer: Eberhard & Co. Year: Circa 1940s Movement No: 17’237 Case No: 1’948 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 86, 16"', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Hermès buckle Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is fitted with an interesting and rarely seen implementation of the split-seconds chronograph complication. The start, stop and reset functions are all controlled by a single push piece that is integrated into the winding crown. The top pusher is responsible for the split-seconds function, meant to measure intermediate times without interrupting the timekeeping of an event.
Appearing to look like a third chronograph pusher, the lower pusher at 4 o’clock instead works as a “stop and lock” mechanism controlled by simply sliding the bottom button 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 actuation of the chronograph’s pushers that would result in losing the measurement.
With its 39.5-mm case, this watch stands out from the crowd of its counterparts of the time, when smaller cases were considered to be the standard. Housed in an oversized 18K yellow gold case, the watch stands out with its extraordinary good looks. The case is well preserved, retaining crisp edges and sharp lines along the stepped bezel and lugs, illustrating how carefully it was worn over its 75-year life.