GMT XXL - Summer 2009
For 122 years, Eberhard & Co. has been forging its destiny by pursuing a particularly strong passion for technology and a flair for challenges. Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1887 by Georges-Emile Eberhard, the company soon came to specialize in the production of technically sophisticated and aesthetically refined watches. It made a particularly important contribution to fine watchmaking by its achievements in the field of timekeeping.
In 1919, Eberhard & Co. launched its first wrist chronograph, which was followed by numerous major innovations. Since 1996, the production has been geared towards large-sized models while continuing to rise to the toughest challenges, such as with the 8 Jours (8 Days) watch powered by an exclusive mechanism that requires winding just once a week. The turn of the century witnessed the introduction of the highly exclusive Chrono 4, the first and only chronograph in watchmaking history to feature four horizontally-aligned counters.
Entirely in tune with the current trend towards oversized watches, the provocative Chrono 4 boldly asserts its generously rounded shapes in a new large-size case presented in 2008. Available in steel for a sporting look or in red gold for those who prefer the elegance of precious metals, the 43 mm case houses a mechanical selfwinding movement characterized, like all the Chrono 4 models, by the exclusive horizontally aligned counters enabling immediate and cosequential time read-off according to a natural temporal progression: minutes, hours, 24 hours and small seconds. This revolutionary device (patent pending) was developed by Eberhard & Co. after years of research. Nonetheless, the innovation does not lie exclusively in the new size of the case, but also in the meticulous care lavished on details, to which the firm has always devoted considerable attention. The steel version of the Chrono 4 Grande Taille model is distinguished by the use of rubber on the chronograph pushers and the adjustment crown. For the more elegant red gold version, this innovative material appears on the crown only.
And speaking of elegance, the 8 Jours Grande Taille collection is also enriched with a particularly refined new rose gold version. The 8 Jours watch was the first wristwatch with an indicator for an 8-day power reserve, thanks to a special patented device composed of two springs that are superimposed over a total length of one and a half meters. Within its all-gold case, the 8-day movement now appears in all its innate finesse and exclusivity, while also maintaining the main characteristic of the steel version, meaning a generous size revealing some of the fascinating details of the mechanical hand-wound caliber. Through the sapphire crystal exhibition back, one can admire both the bridge of the large mainspring barrel, skeletonized to form a figure 8, as well a glimpse of the exceptionally long second winding spring. In this prestigious rose gold version, Eberhard & Co. once again demonstrates a concern for the most minute details, highlighting the raised figure-8 outline by a black gold treatment that makes it even more precious.
A strong style imbued with tradition, an understated charm and an elegant character in all circumstances… Eberhard & Co has always favored refined aesthetics that is now interpreted in various sporting chic models. Extra-fort Edition Vitrée is a particularly elegant new model from Eberhard & Co. equipped with a mechanical self-winding movement, this new chronograph features an all-style 39 mm case with an harmonious style geared to essentials and perfectly suited to various dial variations. The classic black and white options are joined by an elegant “chocolate” model with contrasting white counters, along with a “sporty black” version distinguished by vivid bright red accents.
Water-resistant to 50 meters, this new chronograph reveals its secrets through the transparent case-back enabling one to admire the finesse of the movement, including the elegant circular graining that extends over the oscillating weight, adorned with the personalized “E” insignia appearing on its cap in which the bearing is housed. Available with a crocodile leather strap and personalized “E&C” buckle, or with a Chalin steel bracelet, the Extra-fort Edition Vitrée watch masterfully interprets the classic codes of elegance cultivated by Eberhard & Co. These signature features are also brilliantly echoed in the Extra-fort Automaticmodel. Surrounded by its steel case, the bronze-colored dial (also available in black and silvery) displays the hours, minutes and seconds, along with a large date window at 6 o'clock, all driven by a self-winding movement.
Modern and functional lines, adapted to match the understated and supremely balanced style of this Swiss brand, are now taken a step further in a particularly sporty model called Scafomatic. The generously sized steel case houses a dial available in different color combinations, all featuring a brilliant-finish bezel and alternating large Arabic numerals and trapezeshaped hour-markers that are luminescent so as to guarantee nocturnal visibility for a time read-off that is quick, easy and boldly styled. The caseback also carries the historical insignia of the House: a symbol testifying to continuity and embodying the traditions to which Eberhard remains loyal. Waterresistant to 50 meters, Scafomatic may be fitted with a black or white rubber strap complete with “E&C” buckle, or with a Chicane steel bracelet. This impressive array of characteristics combine to make the Scafomatic a captivating, aggressive and daring watch that is ready to face all kinds of challenges.
