Eberhard - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Eberhard
    Year: Circa 1939
    Reference No: 17302
    Case No: 1’000’034
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 86, 16’’’, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Eberhard & Co. launched their first chronograph in 1919 featuring a hinged case and single button. Then, in 1935, the company presented the two-button chronograph. Only four years after the two-button chronograph was launched, the firm introduced its first split-seconds chronograph – one of the most complex, and most coveted of all horological complications.

    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.

    Housed in an oversized case, the watch stands out with its extraordinary good looks. The silvered dial is beautifully accented with a very thin, mirrored copper-colored ring separating the chronograph seconds chapter ring and the outer telemètre scale. Additionally, the dial features a lovely snail-shaped tachometer scale at its center. 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Eberhard

    Swiss • 1887

    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.

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Ref. 17302
A very rare, attractive and oversized stainless steel split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial with copper ring, telemeter scale and snail-shaped tachometer scale.

Circa 1939
40mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 

Sold for CHF45,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016