Manufacturer: Eberhard Year: Circa 1940 Movement No: 28’147 Case No: 1’012’193 Model Name: Pre Extra-Fort Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 16''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by period Eberhard & Co. hang tag.
Catalogue Essay
During the mid-20th century, Eberhard & Co. gained recognition for its sports watches and chronographs, catering to the growing interest in functional timepieces such as chronographs. The brand's commitment to innovation was further exemplified by the launch of the "Extra-Fort" collection, known for its robust design and advanced features.
From a technical standpoint, Eberhard & Co. made a distinctive choice by outfitting the new model with a Valjoux 65 caliber. Notably, they implemented updated modifications aimed at accentuating its role as a professional instrument. A revolutionary feature for the time was the incorporation of a single push-button for both stopping and restarting the chronograph functions. Therefore, when the complication was active, pressing the pusher didn't reset the seconds sphere to zero but instead initiated a fresh measurement from the beginning.
The present example is preserved in outstanding condition and retains all of its original factory finishes on the case, even its original caseback sticker. To go along with the beautiful yellow gold case, the watch is also equipped with a complementary champagne colored dial. At 40mm, it boasted a truly substantial dimension for its era, providing the dial with a prominent role within the timepiece.
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.
